A World without Work
Authors: Susskind Daniel 
Published: November 2022

A WORLD WITHOUT WORK by Daniel Susskind. New York: Metropolitan Books, 2020. 305 pages. Hardcover; $28.00. ISBN: 9781250173522. *Will AI systems inevitably displace humans from employment? While computer and AI technology continue to advance at astronomical rates, the popular concern is often of an apocalyptic future where highly intelligent robots have taken over (e.g., Terminator, Matrix, etc.). In his book, A World without Work, Daniel Susskind predicts the current capabilities of technology will lead to a future in which powerful AI systems can do many of the jobs held by humans. Susskind therefore believes that the proliferation of AI systems will lead to a future "world without enough work for everyone to do" (p. 5). With his expertise in economics, Susskind explores how the continued advanced of technology will have profound effects on future employment, growing inequality, and the methods whereby humans find meaning and purpose. *The book is divided into three sections. In the first section, Susskind sets out the historical context of technological advancements and their effects on employment and economics. He highlights how the early advancements of computer technology were often met with disappointment as creators found it exceedingly difficult to create a machine that could replicate human intelligence. However, this early disappointment led humans to underestimate the efficiency of AI systems in performing tasks that are easy to automate (or what Susskind refers to as "routines"). *In the second section, the discussion shifts to exploring how the increased power and affordability of machines enable them to perform more human roles. The fear of increasing unemployment due to technological advancement is a real fear. Susskind differentiates between two types of technological unemployment: frictional and structural. While frictional unemployment (humans not having the skills to perform a job) is certainly an issue, structural unemployment (there actually being too few jobs for everyone) is the more pressing problem. The threat of rising unemployment leads Susskind to predict that economic inequality will grow since only certain people will be able to acquire well-paying jobs. *In the third and final section, Susskind tries to provide a solution to the growing unemployment problem. He claims the attempted solution of technology education fails as a long-term response since not all people have the disposition to learn about technology, nor will there be enough jobs. A potential solution is to provide a UBI (universal basic income) for all people so that the economic inequality will not be so severe. However, Susskind rejects the UBI solution in favor of his proposed CBI (conditional basic income) which still provides income but with requirements that must be met. Susskind believes his proposed CBI solution has the added benefits of solving the inequality problem and providing meaning and purpose that a job once held. *Computer and AI technology are certainly advancing at a rapid rate. Susskind is not alone in his warnings regarding the potential dangers of technological advancements. However, Susskind helpfully points out that the danger does not come from machines gaining sentience and oppressing humans but, rather, the danger is one of machines gradually replacing us in our employment due to their overwhelming speed and efficiency. While there is relief that such an apocalyptic future is unlikely, the prediction of a future without enough work to go around ought to be a significant concern. *While Susskind's prediction of a future with significantly reduced employment is well founded, his potential solution of implementing a CBI to provide the meaning and purpose lost from unemployment seems incomplete. With jobs no longer providing the sense of meaning and purpose, it is difficult for Susskind to find a solution to fulfilling these existential longings can be fulfilled. Unfortunately, he is unwilling to seriously consider a religious answer to these existential questions, which could help provide a more satisfying response. *What applications can Christians consider from this book? There are at least two. First, if Susskind's prediction of machines performing many jobs traditionally done by humans is accurate and unavoidable, then Christians need to reconsider what work means and how our concept of work may need to evolve. Due to a lack of available positions and the difficulties of acquiring the skills needed, not everyone will be able to enter the field of technology work. While the existence of much traditional work may disappear due to automation, we still need to understand what it means to pursue a calling. *Second, Christians should be part of the philosophical and ethical discussions surrounding computer and AI progress. As the technological field continues to progress at a rapid rate, questions regarding the moral status of machines and their ethical implications for humanity will naturally rise to the forefront. The worldview that shapes these important discussions will have a profound impact on how future technology is designed and created. *Overall, Susskind's book is a welcome addition to the growing literature on AI technology concerns. He helpfully points out the potential future consequences of AI technology from an economic standpoint. I would recommend this book as a resource for thinking through the potential future ramifications of an increasingly automated world. *Reviewed by Eddy Wu, IT Operations Manager and PhD student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC 27587.