Bill Gates envisions a possible three-day work week, emphasising life's purpose beyond employment
Bill Gates: In an insightful discussion on Trevor Noah’s “What Now?” podcast, Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, articulated his vision of a future where technological advancements would lead to a reduced workweek without compromising productivity.
Gates, optimistic about the role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), expressed that the purpose of life extends beyond jobs. He envisions a society where humans would potentially only need to work three days a week, allowing more time for pursuits beyond traditional employment.
Highlighting the transformative potential of AI, Gates emphasised its ability to handle essential tasks, consequently lessening the dependence on strenuous human labour. Drawing parallels with historical shifts in labour practices, he pointed out the evolution from generations where farming was seen as the sole legitimate occupation to today's diverse job landscape, where a mere 2 per cent of Americans are involved in farming.
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Emphasising the need for governmental support and a gradual transition, Gates underscored the importance of enabling individuals to acquire new skills as technological advancements continue. He suggested that if this transition is managed effectively, it could result in positive outcomes.
Moreover, Gates sees AI-driven software as a catalyst for revolutionizing education. In a blog post titled "The Age of AI has begun" from March, he expressed confidence in AI's potential to transform learning. Gates praised innovations like ChatGPT, drawing parallels to his experience with the graphical user interface in the 1980s.
Inspired by the possibilities presented by AI-driven tools, Gates advocates for equitable access, particularly for low-income countries and marginalised communities. He believes that making these technological advancements accessible can create opportunities and drive positive change on a global scale.
- With inputs from agencies
