Author: Ben Buckland
I recently heard a thought-provoking quote from Naval Ravikant, a prominent figure in the angel investing space: “AI will replace those who think it will.” This statement resonated deeply with me because I believe it’s fundamentally true.
The rise of AI has sparked widespread fears of job replacement. Social networks are now flooded with concerns about AI taking over jobs, leaving many worried about their future employment. However, after meditating on this thought for some time, I now hold a different perspective: AI will only replace those who BELIEVE it will.
The Role of Rational Optimism
Pessimism is the factory setting. We come out of the box looking for problems. Optimism, however, is an upgrade. It requires us to see potential and opportunity where others see threats. Being a rational optimist means understanding that while AI and other technologies will change the job landscape, they will also create new opportunities and enhance our capabilities.
Since the dawn of time, humans have continuously sought better ways to do things and improve efficiency. Technology has always been an aid, not just a replacement tool. Consider the introduction of electricity. When electricity became widespread, it rendered some jobs obsolete, like those of lamplighters and specific manual labour roles. However, it also created an entirely new set of jobs in electrical engineering, maintenance, and various industries that benefited from increased productivity and new possibilities. Electricity did not result in a finite number of jobs; it reshaped the job landscape and created more opportunities.
AI as a Tool, Not a Threat
AI is poised to replace repetitive, mundane tasks, allowing us to focus on more creative and intellectually stimulating work. For instance, while AI can handle data entry and simple customer service queries, it frees humans to engage in complex problem-solving, strategic planning, and creative endeavours. This shift not only enhances job satisfaction but also drives innovation.
Furthermore, the idea of a finite number of jobs is a misconception. We are not simply dividing up the same number of jobs we had in the 1980s or medieval times. New tools and technologies continuously create different types of jobs and opportunities. For example, the rise of the internet led to the creation of web developers, digital marketers, and countless other roles that didn’t exist before.
Here in Australia, we are currently experiencing very low unemployment, with record job postings. Demonstrating that new technologies, including AI, are not diminishing job opportunities but are instead contributing to a dynamic job market. Employers are looking for people who can work alongside these new technologies, leveraging them to enhance productivity and drive growth.
Final Thought
Just like in the rise of previous technologies, the early adopters are the ones who will reap the benefits. By adopting a rational optimist mindset, we can see AI as a powerful tool that can significantly enhance our capabilities and outputs.
Optimism is not about ignoring challenges; it’s about recognising opportunities and potential within those challenges. By upgrading our mindset from factory-set pessimism to rational optimism, we can harness the power of AI to create a better, more productive and efficient world.
Click HERE to book a no-obligation discussion to learn how we can help you embrace the power of AI.