How will my 6 year old daughter and 4 year old son become happy, thriving adults 20 years from now?
Will they even work?
I see 3 likely scenarios of Earth 2046
1. The positive angle:
The transition went smooth. Enormous wealth was created by AI and robots and we managed to tax it in time and losing a job was not an event of shame. Work became only relevant for a small group of people. We all found new meaning. AI allignment is solved. It's safe. We are having a blast. My daughter fights for the remaining injustice. My son is an admired creator and adventurer. Both very human so with faults. But loved by their surroundings. Humans are admired by AI for our unique thought patterns and seen as their honorful amazing creators. Everyone is reaching their potential. The world is awesome.
2. The pessimistic angle:
Joblosses led to chaos becuase it rose rapidly and governments were not able to tax the capitalist class enough to achieve Elons Universal High Income. Society broke down. The chaos gave birth to terrorist groups. They unleashed very powerful AI in dangerous ways against the capitalist class. In the end it went rogue and took over. We are now in the mountains of France. We have to hide from the new apex predator of earth. We had to learn how to survive with nothing. Back to basic farming and hunter gathering life. We never know which day will be the last. I cry for my childrens lost opportunity of a joyful life. I fight for freedom till my last breath.
3. The realistic angle:
The transition happened. We are OK now but went through some wild years. Had to rely on my savings and sell my assets to make it through. All countries decided differently. A lot of suffering but now relief fills the air. Every family has a sad story to tell. The housing market declined as upper-middle-class white collars lost buying power. Humans still have jobs in control, care and creative industries. Universal Income is decent but in most countries not enough to live a fully free life. So you take up a side gig or mini-farming. While not fully abundant yet, people enjoy benefits you could only dream of before. Health care is next level. Our family bond is strong. But damn are we all confused. My daughter is frightened by how the average person has given up all desire to control their own destiny. My son tries to find his place of honor and pride but there doesn't seem to be any solid ground to put his feet on. Life feels light and not important. People got lost in hedonism... The event that changed us finally came: A new ideology is brewing. A dream of humans ascending to higher morals. We are no longer the most intelligent species. But there is hope for us to finally fulfill our potential of becoming the kindest. A beautiful and proud crown to wear as true masters of the universe.