> That kind of runaway automation that could pay for this kind of a party isn't close Automation is already here, and has been for a long time. The whole point

> That kind of runaway automation that could pay for this kind of a party isn't close Automation is already here, and has been for a long time. The whole point of the industrial revolution is about automation: Machines that support or replace human workforce. The explosion in availability of computing power in the last two decades put automation into overdrive, and I don't see it slowing down. Meanwhile, the gains of automation do not directly translate in inproved wealth for all members of society. For example, if a company replaces 50% of its workforce with machines, they might make more money because they save on salaries, but effectively worsen the situation for the pensions of the layed off people.