This post is in response to the question, “If machines could do all the work that is currently being done, would there be no work left for humans to do?” by
I do not believe that machines could ever fully replace the human workforce. The human body and mind is such a complex organism that a machine could never fully imitate it. Perhaps a large number of robots could try to satisfy the tasks that one human completes. In that case, the efforts would be far larger than the reward.
If machines were to take over a large portion of our jobs, then I have no doubt that we would transition as a society to create more. This same phenomena has happened continually over history. Think of the industrial revolution. Society used technology to advance their efforts and improve their way of life. We are doing the same thing today. We have needs that need to be met, so we are creating long-term solutions. Can you image a life without a car? We have technology to thank for our daily comforts. We are meant to evolve and innovate. This is the only way forward.
I think that one clear sign that we have not reached our full potential is that there are still undeveloped countries lacking the “basic necessities” that we have right here in the United States. If machines are so cheap, then why are they not available worldwide yet? There is so much opportunity still to be uncovered - so the question is not will there be more work for humans when machines take over all the work. The question is how can we continue to use machines to take over our work so that we can focus on other things? Once our hands are freed from skill-less labor, we can begin to change even the most remote parts of the world.