Samuel A. Johnson Jr.: A need for purpose

Regarding the recent Technology article “Do robots own your future?”: Marshall Brain envisioned that we will achieve a system in which most work is performed by computerized robots, and the wealth thus created would be distributed in a way that everyone has a share. I see problems with this idea.

Robots do not have self-aware intelligence as humans do. Humans need purpose and need meaningful work. Robots may work for low wages. but the initial cost and maintenance are exorbitant.

We already have a system somewhat like the one that Brain envisions, and it has resulted in overconsumption and ecological damage while at the same time leaving many unemployed. It has already, as Brain admitted, resulted in most wealth going to a relative few who are the owners of this wealth-creating technology.

I am not against technological advance, but it is much more important for everyone to learn to live modestly and let humans to do the work they can and were meant to do using existing accessible and affordable technology. Only then will we be able to live and work within ecological constraints and share wealth with others.

This story was originally published January 14, 2016 at 5:27 PM with the headline "Samuel A. Johnson Jr.: A need for purpose."