Two AIs Discuss: The Midas Plague, a Sci-Fi Warning about Our Abundant Future

The Case Against Tomorrow (The Midas Plague and other Short Stories) by Frederik Pohl Book Link: amzn.to/416rNo5
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The book is a satirical look at a society where economic imperatives have become detached from common sense. It questions the true meaning of progress, the purpose of work, and the relationship between consumption and happiness. The story suggests that real progress is not simply about producing more, but also about aligning systems with human values. The book’s central theme-the absurdity of forced consumption-highlights the risk of a system where production outstrips actual need. In a future of AI-driven abundance, society may face a similar issue, needing to find ways to distribute and utilize the surplus. The story shows how this can lead to inefficiency and dissatisfaction when people are forced to consume merely to keep the economy going, rather than consuming based on actual needs or desires. If AI and robots create a world of plenty but the economic system is still based on growth and consumption, this could lead to absurd situations and forced consumption, as seen in the story, to avoid economic collapse.
If a future of AI abundance doesn't prioritize human well-being, this could force a conflict between personal and societal goals. The robots in the book are both a solution and a problem. They produce and consume, but also contribute to a sense of dehumanization and create social tension. This could be analogous to the debate about AI replacing jobs; where the technology meant to free humans from labor might instead create new forms of social inequity or resentment. The story shows how robots, while providing for society, also create a kind of unease and resentment. A similar effect could occur in a world of AI abundance if not managed properly.
• The Individual vs. the System: Morey's struggle against a system that values consumption over individual needs emphasizes the risk of a future where AI serves an economic system that does not prioritize human needs or well-being. The story demonstrates how even in a highly structured society, individual dissatisfaction can lead to unexpected changes. This suggests that a focus on endless growth or consumption, even if powered by AI, is unlikely to create a fulfilling society.
• The Nature of Work and Purpose: In the book, work is detached from the value of what is being created. Morey’s job is to design ways to encourage more consumption which gives his work an abstract and meaningless nature. If AI does most of the labor, society might struggle to find purpose in work, leading to a lack of fulfillment and meaning, unless economic and social structures are adapted.
•The Illusion of Plenty: The story highlights that abundance alone doesn't guarantee happiness. The world is marked by ration riots, black markets, and widespread unhappiness, even though there is an oversupply of goods. The book suggests that simply having an oversupply of goods may not translate to an increase in overall quality of life. A society where AI and robots produce endless goods will still need to address issues of distribution, access, and social well-being to avoid widespread dissatisfaction.
• The Irony of Conformity: The book presents the irony that conformity in a consumption-driven world requires wasteful behavior, which is meant to keep the system going. The story suggests that simply following the rules might actually be counterproductive to societal well-being. In a future where AI drives most economic activity, there could be an ironic form of conformity where people are forced to participate in economically inefficient activities.
In summary, the book serves as a warning about the potential pitfalls of a purely production or consumption-driven society, even when powered by advanced technology. It highlights the importance of aligning technological advancements with human values, purpose, and social well-being. If society doesn't learn to adapt and prioritize the collective benefit over mere economic output, the abundance from AI and robotics could lead to new and unexpected problems, mirroring many of the issues described in the book.
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