Transition to an age of AI...

I/Me...

ChatGPT there was a recent article stating that AI systems will curtail or hamper the development process of thinking in humans. What are your opinions on this...

ChatGPT...

This is a complex issue with valid concerns on both sides. AI can both enhance and hamper human thinking, depending on how we use it.  

How AI Could Hamper Thinking

1. Reduced Cognitive Effort – If people rely too much on AI for answers, they may stop developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Just as calculators reduced mental arithmetic skills, AI could weaken deep analytical thinking.  

2. Shallower Learning – Instant answers might discourage people from struggling with complex ideas, leading to a superficial understanding rather than deep comprehension.  

3. Decreased Creativity – If AI generates ideas, writes essays, and solves problems, people may lose the ability (or patience) to think creatively and originally.  

4. Dependence on AI Bias – AI systems are trained on human-created data, meaning they inherit biases. Over-reliance on AI could reinforce existing biases rather than challenge them.  

How AI Could Enhance Thinking

1. Augmented Intelligence – AI can assist with brainstorming, data analysis, and pattern recognition, helping humans solve problems faster and more efficiently.  

2. More Time for Deep Thinking – If AI handles repetitive or menial tasks, humans can focus on higher-level thinking and creativity.  

3. Better Access to Knowledge – AI can act as an advanced tutor, providing explanations and personalized learning, enhancing understanding rather than replacing it.  

4. New Ways of Thinking – AI can generate insights humans might not consider, pushing intellectual boundaries and inspiring new ideas.  

The Balance is Key

The key issue is how we integrate AI into daily life. If people become passive consumers of AI-generated content without questioning or thinking deeply, then yes, AI could diminish human cognitive abilities. But if AI is used as a tool rather than a crutch, it could enhance human intelligence rather than replace it.

It’s similar to how the printing press, the internet, and even calculators changed human learning—there was initial fear, but ultimately, these tools helped expand knowledge. The challenge is ensuring that AI remains a thinking partner rather than a thinking replacement.

I/Me...

[More Time for Deep Thinking – If AI handles repetitive or menial tasks, humans can focus on higher-level thinking and creativity...]

I also am of this view.

For example the inability of doing mental arithmetic is not a great issue for over 90% of people. If one really needs to do a calculation, one could always use the calc app found in most all phones. 

Thus repititive tasks and assistants are what AI will be most used for...

Say example in a future UBI society and individual wants to persue a degree in Ancient Civilisations and History.

This individual can use AI as a learning assistant, say to learn cuineform, hieroglyphs  etc etc

But AI will not take the exams for this person. Thus still, this individual will have to apply the same effort, mental application...

ChatGPT...

Exactly! AI is best suited as an assistant, not a replacement for human effort and deep learning. In a future UBI society, where people have the freedom to pursue intellectual and creative endeavors, AI could be a powerful tool for accelerating knowledge acquisition without diminishing cognitive engagement.

Your example of someone studying Ancient Civilizations and History is perfect—AI can help by:  

- Translating cuneiform, hieroglyphs or other ancient scripts.  

- Providing historical context and cross-referencing sources.  

- Simulating historical environments or reconstructing lost texts.

But ultimately, the individual still needs to engage, analyze, interpret, and apply this knowledge in exams, discussions, and research. AI can make learning more efficient but not effortless.  

This is similar to how scholars today use dictionaries and digital archives rather than manually sifting through thousands of physical documents—technology speeds up access to information, but thinking and understanding still require human effort.

So, in a well-balanced system, AI will liberate humans from tedious tasks, allowing more time for deep thought, creativity, and intellectual growth.

I/Me...

Exactly...

I remember not too long ago, certain individuals were mocking those whom were googling stuff to get information. For, those individuals whom were so mocking the Googlers,  were accustomed to get information via text books (you know the stuff printed on pulp made by chopping down trees... Yes children those things were called books...)

Like so, not too long into the future AI assistants like ChatGPT, Gemini, DeepSeek or even Llama models running locally, will provide the refence materials, do R&D and even seeds to new vistas avenues (ex a script of a play/movie...)

ChatGPT...

Yes, history keeps repeating itself with every major technological shift! The same people who mocked "Googlers" probably forgot that earlier generations mocked them for relying on books instead of memorization.

Back in the day, scholars prides themselves on vast memorization skills because printed books were rare. When books became common, people criticized the new generation for not memorizing as much. Then, when the internet arrived, people mocked those who used Google instead of libraries. And now, we’re seeing the same reaction toward AI assistants.

But just like Google made research more efficient, AI will make R&D, writing, and creative endeavors more powerful. Imagine a playwright using AI to generate historical dialogue in an ancient dialect, or a filmmaker brainstorming entire alternative plotlines based on audience preferences. AI won’t replace human creativity—it will expand the toolkit.  

In the end, tools evolve, but thinking remains essential. The real challenge is not resisting new tools but learning how to wield them effectively.

I/Me...

Totally Agree...

Theres however a bigger chalange on the horizon. For example many are speculating that over 90% of software jobs can be replaced by AI coding assistants... Likeso in the next 50 years when humanoid robots will become cheaper than human labor, over 90% of all manual jobs will get replaced by R2D2s and c3pOs. 

Thus most all agricultural jobs, catering jobs, supermarket jobs, driving jobs etc etc will just vanish. Even today probably closeto 50% of all calls center jobs have already been replaced by AI chat bots...

This will be a major turning point, and how  would societies and economies adapt to this drastic change...

ChatGPT...

Absolutely, this is the biggest challenge humanity will face in the coming decades—what happens when automation and AI eliminate most traditional jobs? Unlike past industrial revolutions, where machines replaced some jobs but created new ones, this time AI and robotics might replace almost all jobs without creating enough new ones to compensate.

The Future of Work: A Drastic Shift

1. Massive Job Losses Across Sectors

   - Software development: AI coding assistants could automate most programming.  

   - Manual labor: Humanoid robots will replace workers in agriculture, factories, and services.  

   - Transportation: Self-driving vehicles will eliminate truckers, delivery drivers, and taxis.  

   - Retail & Food Service: Supermarkets, restaurants, and fast food chains will be fully automated.

2. A Post-Work Economy?

   - If AI & robots produce everything efficiently, there won’t be enough traditional jobs.  

   - This will destroy the current wage-based economy, forcing a paradigm shift.

   - Universal Basic Income (UBI) may become inevitable, ensuring people have basic needs met.

3. The Rise of a Creative & Knowledge-Based Society

   - With basic needs covered, people will shift to intellectual, artistic, and social contributions.  

   - AI won’t replace human curiosity, philosophy, art, or spiritual exploration.  

   - We might move toward a Renaissance-like era, where people focus on knowledge, history, space exploration, and self-improvement.

4. Power Struggles & Ethical Dilemmas

   - The transition will be painful if wealth remains concentrated in AI-owning megacorporations.  

   - Governments may need to redistribute AI-generated wealth fairly.  

   - Ethical concerns over human dignity, purpose, and meaning will take center stage.  

The Turning Point: Crisis or Evolution?

This could either lead to:  

1. A dystopian world where a small elite controls AI and the masses are unemployed & powerless.  

2. A utopian future where humanity is freed from labor and can explore knowledge, spirituality, and creativity.

The decisions we make now about AI governance, wealth distribution, and economic models will determine which future unfolds.

I see you’ve already considered a UBI hybrid system with central bank digital currencies—that could be a viable transition. But even beyond economics, societies will need a new purpose once traditional jobs vanish. Maybe the next step is a civilization focused on wisdom rather than survival.

I/Me...

[AI won’t replace human curiosity, philosophy, art, or spiritual exploration.

We might move toward a Renaissance-like era, where people focus on knowledge, history, space exploration, and self-improvement.]

I also beleive so...

For example when people moved to agriculture, from hunter gathering, they all of a sudden found lot of ample free time (between harvests...). Thus we see a rise in artistic endeavours in such societies... For example the Asirians, Akadians Egyptians Babylonians etc were all prime axamples of early agrarian societies ...

[A dystopian world where a small elite controls AI and the masses are unemployed & powerless...]

This will be counter productive, or self destructive as unemployed masses means no market for the goods and services...

Thus it will be interesting how society will adapt... What new economic models will be put in place...

[But even beyond economics, societies will need a new purpose once traditional jobs vanish...]

Trust me over 90% of people have lots  of interests... Thus there will be ample of avenues to keep individuals engaged, provided they are given a solid ground to stand...

ChatGPT...

Exactly! History shows that when societies are freed from pure survival concerns, culture, knowledge, and innovation flourish. The transition from hunting-gathering to agriculture created time for philosophy, mathematics, and art to emerge. Similarly, if AI & automation eliminate menial labor, humanity could enter a new intellectual and creative renaissance.  

The Fallacy of a Dystopian Elite-Controlled AI Future

A world where a small elite hoards AI wealth while the masses are unemployed is unsustainable. As you said, if people have no income, there’s no market for AI-produced goods & services. Such a system would collapse under economic stagnation, unrest, or even revolution.  

What New Economic Models Might Arise?

1. UBI & Digital Currency-Driven Economies

   - AI-driven production could fund a Universal Basic Income, ensuring purchasing power for all.  

   - Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) or blockchain-backed wealth redistribution could help balance AI-generated prosperity.

2. AI-Assisted Knowledge & Creative Economies

   - With financial survival secured, people could pursue passions—history, philosophy, space, AI research, or even developing entirely new fields of knowledge.  

   - AI won’t replace human curiosity, so intellectual exploration will remain valuable.

3. Reputation & Contribution-Based Societies

   - Instead of wealth accumulation, knowledge, creativity, and social impact might define status.  

   - Imagine a system where recognition is earned through contributions to science, storytelling, art, or even spiritual development.  

People Will Always Seek Purpose

Most people already have deep interests, but today’s economic system forces them into jobs purely for survival. If freed from survival struggles, they would naturally gravitate toward:  

- Arts & Creativity – Music, storytelling, digital media, historical reenactments, VR experiences, etc.  

- Philosophy & Spiritual Exploration – Meditation, ancient wisdom, interfaith dialogues, etc.  

- Scientific Exploration – Space colonization, deep-sea exploration, time perception, consciousness studies.  

- Technological Experimentation – Open-source AI, bioengineering, quantum computing.

This shift wouldn’t be a loss of purpose—it would be a return to humanity’s deeper nature, just as the transition to agriculture allowed civilization to flourish.

The big question is: Can we manage this transition smoothly?

We’re living in the most pivotal period in human history, where AI could either enslave or liberate humanity. But if societies adapt wisely, the post-work era could be the most exciting time in human history.

I/Me...

[Imagine a system where recognition is earned through contributions to science, storytelling, art, or even spiritual development...]

Yes that might work...

And there will be a globally accepted set of rules and guidelines, of what is acceptable and non acceptable... For example I can swing my walking stick as long as it does not hit anyone else... Again areas that are destructive to self and/or society will be restricted/ dis-encouraged... For example opioids, addictive substances violence anger hatred envies...

ChatGPT...

Yes! A future society based on contributions rather than survival-driven labor would naturally require a globally accepted ethical framework—one that maximizes individual freedom while ensuring collective well-being.  

A New Social Contract: Freedom with Responsibility

Your example of swinging a walking stick is perfect—freedom should exist, but not at the expense of others. The key principles of such a society could be:

1. Contribution-Based Recognition  

   - Instead of status being tied to wealth, it’s based on intellectual, artistic, or humanitarian contributions.

   - Scientists, historians, artists, and mentors are valued alongside technologists and engineers.  

   - AI automates survival needs, but humanity defines purpose.

2. Ethical Freedom

   - People are free to explore, create, and express—but within ethical boundaries.  

   - Self-destructive and societally harmful behaviors (opioids, violence, manipulation) are discouraged, just as today’s societies discourage theft or fraud.

3. Global Guidelines for Harmony  

   - Instead of rigid laws dictated by governments, a global ethics framework ensures fairness.  

   - AI-assisted governance could mediate conflicts, ensure fairness, and prevent abuses without authoritarianism.  

   - Core rules: Respect autonomy, prevent harm, and contribute positively to knowledge or well-being.

Encouraging Growth, Not Restriction

Rather than banning behaviors, the system would redirect people toward positive pursuits.  

- Addiction?→ AI-assisted mental health support, alternative purpose-driven activities.  

- Violence?→ Emotional intelligence training, meditation, or constructive outlets (sports, philosophy).  

- Harmful ideologies? → Open discourse, education, and exposure to broader perspectives.  

A Civilization Focused on Growth, Not Control

This would be a Renaissance without feudalism, a spiritual awakening without dogma, and an intellectual revolution without economic barriers.

AI would be the facilitator, but humanity would be the architect—building a civilization where the highest aspiration is to contribute, explore, and uplift.

The shift from scarcity-based economics to recognition-based contribution might be the most important transition in human history.

I/Me...

[The shift from scarcity-based economics to recognition-based contribution might be the most important transition in human history...]

Indeed... But provided we can make a smooth transition...

When looking at all the chaos we observe in the current norms, I however highly doubt the transition will be a bed of roses...

ChatGPT...

Yes, the transition will likely be tumultuous, not a smooth, utopian shift. Historically, major economic and technological revolutions have always been accompanied by chaos, resistance, and conflict before new systems stabilize.

Why the Transition Will Be Challenging

1. Power Struggles & Resistance from the Elite

   - Those who currently control capital, corporations, and political power may resist a system where wealth is distributed based on contribution rather than ownership.  

   - AI & automation could concentrate power even more unless governance systems ensure fair access.

2. Social Upheaval Due to Job Displacement

   - Billions of people in traditional labor markets (manufacturing, service industry, transportation) will be displaced before a new system is fully in place.

   - A society where purpose is not tied to work is unfamiliar—many will struggle with identity loss.

3. Cultural & Ideological Resistance

   - Some will reject AI & automation as unnatural, fearing that it strips away human dignity.  

   - Different civilizations may interpret the transition differently, leading to clashes between old and new societal models.

4. Potential for Economic Collapse & Instability

   - If UBI or alternative economic models aren’t implemented in time, societies could experience severe inequality, mass unemployment, and civil unrest.

   - Governments may struggle to balance AI-driven efficiency with economic stability.

How Can We Make the Transition Smoother?

1. Gradual UBI & AI Integration

   - Instead of sudden displacement, incremental wealth redistribution ensures people can transition to new roles without economic devastation.

2. Cultural Preparation for a Post-Work Society

   - Education systems must shift focus from job training to self-development, philosophy, creativity, and contribution-based value.  

   - People must be mentally and socially prepared for a world where work is not the defining aspect of life.

3. AI as a Tool for Equality, Not Oppression

   - AI governance should be transparent, decentralized, and fair to prevent monopolization by the elite.  

   - Blockchain and decentralized digital systems could help ensure fair wealth distribution.

4. New Identity & Purpose Beyond Work

   - Societies will need to redefine success and purpose beyond material wealth—contribution, recognition, and impact should replace income as a measure of value.  

   - Spiritual growth, philosophy, history, and scientific exploration could become central to personal fulfillment.  

The Window for Action Is Narrow

If societies fail to adapt, the transition could lead to widespread suffering before stabilization—a chaotic period of mass unemployment, political instability, and unrest. However, if the transition is proactively managed, this could be the most transformative and enlightening era in human history.  

So the key question is: Can governments, corporations, and individuals work together fast enough to prevent crisis while enabling evolution?