I think we should be honest and consistent about losing our jobs to AI. For decades we justified automation by saying things like: "Sure, the toothpaste tube machine replaced 30 workers, but someone will need to maintain and operate it." And whenever someone pointed out that one mechanic doesn't replace those 30 lost jobs, everyone went quiet.
Now we're using the same logic again: "Well, you just need to learn to use the AI before someone else does."
And if anyone doubts that the world can move on without the software engineer, remember that it moved on just fine after eliminating the toothpaste tube fillers. The world kept turning, just a little colder and more indifferent each time another role disappeared.
Maybe instead of pretending this time is different, we should focus on writing the best epitaph we can.
Now we're using the same logic again: "Well, you just need to learn to use the AI before someone else does."
And if anyone doubts that the world can move on without the software engineer, remember that it moved on just fine after eliminating the toothpaste tube fillers. The world kept turning, just a little colder and more indifferent each time another role disappeared.
Maybe instead of pretending this time is different, we should focus on writing the best epitaph we can.