> the AI is human enough That could count as sentient. I mean, look at most people - we follow a preset course from birth to death. Anyone doing "their own th

> the AI is human enough That could count as sentient. I mean, look at most people - we follow a preset course from birth to death. Anyone doing "their own thing" is the exception. And even they have limits. Enter the job market and you're almost guaranteed a heavy grind (maximum productivity) with no time for novel thoughts, or indeed any thoughts at all. Of course, there are professions where that's not true, but for the majority of people, who are at the bottom, it's not an easy life and intelligence either fades or is an obstacle (pesky thoughts like "I need to escape this bs" but lacking resources is even less pleasant than just working mindlessly till you die). Just wait for retirement. And the governments hope you die 2 days before it :)