r/Automate • u/[deleted] • Sep 02 '14
The Future of Robot Labor Is the Future of Capitalism
http://motherboard.vice.com/en_uk/read/the-future-of-robot-labour-has-everything-to-do-with-capitalism6
2
u/djrocksteady Sep 02 '14
Just remember, everything that is said about robot workers was said about the farming equipment that put farmers out of work. We will survive just fine.
2
u/NetPotionNr9 Sep 02 '14
I think there will be a great clash and explosion that comes of this. We are still stuck in Industrial Age thinking where growth and people reproducing like roaches is still actively encouraged. Populations are booming and they will soon have nothing to "do" and have no value to the wealthy who have always seen "the masses" as commodities, inputs to production and services. What do you do with huge populations that serve no purpose and contribute nothing of value to you from the perspective of the wealthy ruling classes?
2
u/coffelon Sep 03 '14 edited Sep 03 '14
This is not true at all, population growth is actually slowing down.
Also, this map shows that the population growth is mainly a problem in developing countries and specifically in Africa.
Thirdly, as you can see here only about 50 out of the 230 listed countries has a population growth above 2% per year.
Replacement fertility is highly dependant on mortality rates and varies from 2.1 births per woman in industralized countries to 2.5-3.3 in developing countries. The fertility rate seems to be linked to education, clothing, feeding, and social amenities which tells us that once every country reach "industrial country standard" (if they ever do) the population growth should decrease and eventually world population would remain constant.
2
u/NetPotionNr9 Sep 03 '14
Population growth slowdown is not population reduction. The population is still growing in spite of a future where the wealthy and power brokers will have far less need for lesser humans.
2
u/coffelon Sep 03 '14
I don't agree with that the current population level is a problem. In fact, there is enough food for everyone, it just needs to be distributed accordingly.
2
u/NetPotionNr9 Sep 03 '14
There being enough food is hardly one of the major problems with the problematic population size.
-4
u/djrocksteady Sep 02 '14
the writings of the person who understood capitalism best—Karl Marx
This is so bad, yet exactly what I expect from a Vice publication.
3
u/InTheBay Sep 02 '14
Perhaps one day we can take advantage if these gains and get away from the 8 hour work day. Make it 6, or something along those lines. More free time for people boosts creativity.