Thriving in an Era of Change

In today’s rapidly evolving world, it’s evident that when an AI system amasses enough data to perform a human task cost-effectively, that specific job or role becomes vulnerable. In fact, any position that falls within the realm of data collection, learning, and improvement may face a similar fate. The implications of this shift are not to be underestimated, as highlighted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which suggests that approximately 1.5 million people in England are at high risk of losing their jobs to automation. This is not a work of fiction; it’s a reality we must confront. So, let’s explore some critical questions:

Has This Happened Before? What Do We Do When AI and Automation Replace Jobs? How Do We Survive?

Taking a positive approach, we are not entering a bleak and hopeless era. The existence of AI and automation is a natural consequence in an era characterized by a zero-cost economy. It’s an organic evolution driven by the optimization of survival, whether at an individual or collective level. Our inability to predict the future of this evolution often fuels our concerns.

Humans have an innate ability to adapt and find creative solutions for their survival. They don’t confine themselves to their current circumstances. Instead, they view the loss of one income source as an opportunity to transition to a new one. This adaptability can be likened to “Creative Plasticity Survival,” akin to the brain’s plasticity in adapting to changes or damages.

Has This Situation Occurred Before? A Glimpse into the Past: Automation in the Late 19th Century

In 1848, William Carnegie and his family left their serene life in Scotland for Pittsburgh in the United States after losing their business to early automation. This was a story shared by thousands of workers who saw their jobs taken over by machines. William’s son, Andrew Carnegie, was just 13 at the time, and his journey out of poverty began. By the age of 18, he had become the secretary and assistant to T.A. Scott, harnessing the very automation that had plunged his family into hardship. Andrew’s first step was mastering the power of knowledge, adapting to a new business world, and leveraging data on key individuals. He seized every opportunity, eventually becoming the “Steelman” and retiring as one of the third wealthiest individuals in the modern era.

In this epic tale, Andrew Carnegie left an indelible mark on the American industrial revolution, bringing about disruptive changes in the steel industry. These changes were driven by cost-cutting, the production of affordable automated steel, and a relentless commitment to ensure that the wheels of progress never stopped, even if it required radical actions such as countering union clashes or strikes. It’s ironic how Andrew’s experiences as a child were far worse than what he later witnessed as an adult.

A Positive Anecdote from History: Uncle George Growing up, my mother took immense pride in our household appliances, all bearing the Westinghouse brand. She cherished them like treasures, and she often spoke of Uncle George, the man behind the brand. But who was this Uncle George, and what was Westinghouse’s legacy?

George Westinghouse, often referred to as Uncle George, was the man behind early versions of inventions like the high-speed train and advanced break systems. He was a pioneer, even surpassing his rival, the famous Thomas Edison, in some areas. While this article can’t delve into the details of Mr. Westinghouse’s life and accomplishments, his legacy is immense. Westinghouse’s inventions and leadership have had a lasting impact, not only because of the way he conceived his innovations but also because of his genuine care for people. He was universally loved and looked after everyone who worked with him.

Automation arrives, whether driven by collective or individual motivations, bringing with it both advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the 19th century, it played a significant role in accelerating human evolution across various domains, from food production to industrial advancement, education, information, healthcare, increased life expectancy, and heightened awareness. However, this acceleration came at a cost, with conflicts escalating faster, industrial health hazards and widespread diseases like the Spanish flu, the development of weapons of mass destruction, major wars, and human atrocities such as World War I, World War II, and the Holocaust.

It’s unfair to assign blame for these calamities to automation. Still, we cannot deny that Automation 1.0 left an indelible mark, a traumatic trigger, shaping our perception of the impending wave of automation.

What Do We Do When AI and Automation Replace Jobs? How Do We Survive? Automated production leads to optimized time and cost efficiency, consistent product quality, and reduced human errors. The more we rely on automation, the higher the profit margin and the lower the cost. In a factory where automation is central to assembly, you can envision various robots with different tasks — learning, training, and assembling. Robots manage and educate other robots, creating a highly skilled workforce. In such an environment, only highly skilled humans will find employment, while others may have to seek work in less automated factories. However, these less automated facilities will struggle to compete unless they also increase their automation levels, creating a cascading effect.

In a dystopian vision, the workforce may be relegated to subsistence living, receiving meager compensation and occasional Universal Basic Income (UBI) support in more developed countries. In less fortunate nations, vast slums may emerge, marked by extreme poverty. While this grim image may seem distant, it mirrors a reality that exists today. Often, such conditions accumulate like a bad debt. Here’s another fact: this evolution is organic and natural. It resists attempts to slow, alter, or halt its course. Some politicians may promise to intervene, but history shows that, while there may be short-term improvements, the overall trajectory continues.

Climate change may not evoke the same level of concern as automation’s impact on jobs. Every parent worries about their child’s future job prospects and the challenges they will face in raising and educating them to secure a better future. Yet, there’s no guarantee that the job one envisions for their child will even exist when the time comes.

The reality is that no place on Earth is immune to unemployment, but we often overlook the role of Creative Plasticity Survival in each instance. This recurring scenario can take various forms. In more favorable cases, companies may offer compensation packages, similar to what happens when businesses move their factories to regions with lower labor costs. In less favorable situations, the unemployed are left to navigate their circumstances unsupported. This situation is akin to populations living in post-war zones, except that those affected by automation receive limited assistance. The stories we’ve discussed in response to the first question illustrate how two individuals played pivotal roles in shaping the modern era. One promoted automation, while the other creatively crafted a framework for work in the automation age. This framework continues to benefit us today. It’s what allows us to enjoy paid holidays, a product of Uncle George’s inventive spirit.

So, how will Creative Plasticity Survival work its magic in Automation 2.0? That’s a topic for our next article.