The implicit part of the automation discussion is always: the current economic system is not the point and can evolve.
If we don’t assume that, then there is never any useful conversation possible on this topic. We end up with the ridiculous “we need jobs because that’s what we do!”
Which leads to another NIMBYism that I see when this conversation is had: “some generations will have to suffer through the friction of an economic revolution but not MY generation.” I think we need to be prepared that there’s always a chance that we get to be one of those generations.
You’re right that there’s a self-interest there. It makes it almost a good thing that engineers are far too interested in the means rather than the ends.
If we don’t assume that, then there is never any useful conversation possible on this topic. We end up with the ridiculous “we need jobs because that’s what we do!”
Which leads to another NIMBYism that I see when this conversation is had: “some generations will have to suffer through the friction of an economic revolution but not MY generation.” I think we need to be prepared that there’s always a chance that we get to be one of those generations.
You’re right that there’s a self-interest there. It makes it almost a good thing that engineers are far too interested in the means rather than the ends.