Technology will not replace humans. Bill Gates says three days’ work in a week is possible

By: Pune Pulse

November 25, 2023

Pune: Bill Gates foresees a future where technology, while not replacing humans, could lead to a work week of only three days.

In a recent episode of Trevor Noah’s’”What Now?’ podcast, Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, shared his thoughts on technology and employment. When asked by Noah about the potential impact of AI on jobs, Gates expressed optimism, suggesting it could free up labour for more productive pursuits.

As per the information provided, Gates argued that the purpose of life is not just to perform a job. Thus, he believes that a society where people work only three days a week or even less could be feasible. He painted a picture of a future where machines take on crucial responsibilities, reducing the need for strenuous human labour. By comparing changes in labour across generations, Gates highlighted the shift from farming being the primary occupation to a more diverse range of work.

He also pointed out that currently, only 2 per cent of Americans are involved in farming, signalling a departure from traditional views. Gates proposed that with ongoing technological advancements and government support for those willing to adapt, there could be a positive impact. He emphasized the importance of assisting individuals in acquiring new skills for a smooth transition. Gates stated that ‘Software enhances productivity. However, if human labour is freed up, it can be used to aid the elderly and maintain smaller class sizes. The need for labour to do good deeds still exists if the skills are matched accordingly.’

In a March blog post titled ‘The Age of AI has begun’ Gates expressed optimism about the transformative influence of AI-powered software on education. He praised ChatGPT as a groundbreaking technological achievement, likening it to his first encounter with the graphical user interface in the 1980s. Gates has been contemplating the potential of AI in the next decade since his initial interaction with the GPT model. He stressed the importance of making AI-powered tools accessible to low-income countries and marginalized communities.