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> Having machines do more and more of the work for us. Automation often does not reduce the requirement for labor, it only shifts the work and cost somewhere e
by n_ary 5y ago
> Having machines do more and more of the work for us.
Automation often does not reduce the requirement for labor, it only shifts the work and cost somewhere else.
- FredPret 5y agoSometimes, “somewhere else” is upward on the value chain and is thus an improvement. Former plowshare-pullers become horse-steerers become tractor drivers. Each new invention does have it’s attendant complications, but they tend to be nicer than the basic, first job. Ie, I’d rather be a tractor mechanic than a plowshare puller. I’m glossing over generations of social upheaval and re-skilling here, but that’s the pattern so far.