Defining what constitutes a well-led life is a complex and subjective task. It involves exploring individual perspectives and recognizing the difficulty in formulating universal rules. The idea of a life being 'well-led' varies from person to person. The pursuit of a well-led life is challenging, especially given the present societal conditions. Imagining an ideal life under current circumstances may involve elements like good health, successful family life, significant contributions to society, personal accomplishments, community involvement, and personal fulfillment. The concept of a well-led life is intricate and may differ for each individual.
If you didn't have to work to enjoy material abundance, would you do it anyway? If an algorithm or a pill could achieve better results, would you bother shopping or going to the gym? These are the kinds of questions we'll need to ask ourselves if AI makes all human labor and other traditional ways of spending time obsolete. Oxford philosopher Nicholas Bostrom, author of Deep Utopia, is downright bullish about our ability, not only to adjust to a life stripped of labor, but to thrive. Listen as Bostrom explains to EconTalk's Russ Roberts what pleasure and leisure might look like in a world without struggle or pain, and why art and religion may come out still standing, or even become more necessary. Finally, they speak about how AI might free us up to be the best people we can be.