EconTalk Purpose, Pleasure, and Meaning in a World Without Work (with Nicholas Bostrom)
36 snips
May 20, 2024 
Join Oxford philosopher Nicholas Bostrom, author of 'Superintelligence,' as he explores a future where AI takes over labor and how we might thrive in a world of material abundance. He discusses the shift in societal values, questioning whether traditional work defines our identity. Bostrom tackles the allure of artificial versus genuine experiences, emphasizing the importance of human connections. Delving into education, he advocates for fostering creativity and personal growth, highlighting the need to reclaim a sense of wonder in our increasingly automated lives.
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The Fear of Leisure
- Many worry about a leisure-filled world, fearing a loss of purpose and meaning tied to work.
- Bostrom suggests this fear stems from our self-worth being linked to contribution, but this could evolve.
Education's Purpose
- A solved world could free us from work-centric education, fostering creativity and broader human development.
- Current education systems primarily produce disciplined workers, neglecting other valuable pursuits.
Work Satisfaction
- Bostrom and Roberts discuss the nature of work satisfaction and the potential impact of a solved world.
- They question whether the enjoyment of work stems from the activity itself or its perceived worthwhileness.
