For decades, productivity has been steadily accelerating, with technology constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. But the advent of general AI, like OpenAI's GPT, has taken us to a new frontier, catapulting productivity to unprecedented levels for many. This is no longer just a gimmick. This monumental leap calls for a radical rethinking of our approach to work and how we distribute the benefits of this increased productivity. If we act now, we can harness AI's new advantages to their full potential.

Left unchecked, we risk remaining unconscious of the transformative power of AI and continuing on autopilot. This will likely result in employees working the same hours, maintaining their current salaries, and producing 10x their current output. In doing so, we uphold and amplify a system that values profits over people, funneling all benefits of this newfound productivity to the top. This approach has the potential for massive layoffs, a widening wealth gap, and severe environmental consequences, such as a dramatic rise in resource extraction, energy consumption, and waste generation, exacerbating climate change, pollution, and the depletion of non-renewable resources.

Instead of focusing on 10x output, we should strive for a more equitable distribution of AI-enhanced productivity. By allowing employees to maintain their current output while working fewer hours, we create a win-win situation for all parties involved:

• Improved work-life balance: Reducing work hours gives employees more time to spend with their families, pursue hobbies, and engage in leisure activities, potentially leading to increased happiness, reduced stress, and improved mental health.

• Greater job security: By ensuring everyone keeps their job, we can prevent the rise in unemployment that could otherwise result from AI-enhanced productivity gains, creating a more stable and sustainable workforce.

• Increased creativity and innovation: With more free time, employees can explore new ideas, learn new skills, and develop novel solutions to problems, driving innovation and progress that benefits businesses and society as a whole.

The incredible leap in productivity brought about by more general AI like GPT presents us with a unique opportunity to redefine our relationship with work. Instead of blindly pursuing 10x output and leaving the benefits to a select few, we must consciously choose to share this newfound productivity more equitably. By allowing employees to maintain their current output while working fewer hours, we can improve work-life balance, foster job security, and create a more sustainable, innovative, and environmentally friendly future.

I wish people were talking more about this crucial issue, rather than just focusing on the latest AI tricks they've discovered.

Thank you to ChatGPT for working its AI magic to proofread and edit for clarity!✌️