Part 7/14:
As AI further automates tasks rooted in strength, dexterity, cognition, and empathy, the remaining jobs are poised to be centered around empathy-based activities—communication, trust, relationships. Yet, with technological progress, corporations and the wealthy are likely to accrue most benefits, exacerbating wealth disparity.
Shapiro discusses the danger that, as labor becomes less relevant, societal power shifts toward the owners of capital. Capital accumulation intensifies, risking a rentier economy where ownership of assets, including intangible ones like data and stock portfolios, determines social standing. He points out that this trend could lead to a "you'll own nothing and be happy" scenario—resonating with WEF predictions—unless proactive measures are taken.