

Elon Musk, speaking at VivaTech 2024, predicted that AI and robots might render jobs optional, suggesting a future where work is more like a hobby due to AI handling most tasks. He proposed a "universal high income" to support this model, differentiating it from universal basic income. Musk expressed concerns about AI's rapid development and its implications on societal roles and personal fulfillment, emphasizing the need for meaningful human interaction despite technological advances.

Experts believe that jobs requiring high emotional intelligence and human interaction are less likely to be replaced by AI due to the unique understanding, creativity, and decision-making abilities of humans2. AI and machines, despite their advancements, still struggle to replicate the complexities of human emotions, empathy, and intuition. Additionally, jobs that involve social-cognitive skills, such as responding to others, performing services, and engaging in agile or creative thinking, are open to personal opinions and intuition, making them less susceptible to automation.
Tasks that require a combination of skills, flexibility, and problem-solving are also more challenging for AI to perform, as transitioning between diverse tasks incurs expensive setup costs. Humans, on the other hand, can switch tasks with much less effort and adapt to a wide array of tasks, making them less prone to automation.
In summary, the unique human traits of emotional intelligence, creativity, adaptability, and the ability to perform tasks that require a combination of skills make certain jobs less likely to be replaced by AI.

The "Culture Book Series" by Iain Banks is a utopian science fiction series that envisions a post-scarcity society called the Culture, where humans, aliens, and advanced artificial intelligences (AI) coexist23. In this society, AI and machines handle most of the work, allowing the inhabitants to pursue personal interests and hobbies without worrying about jobs or economic needs. This concept aligns with Elon Musk's views on AI and its potential to make jobs optional in the future.
Musk considers the Culture series a realistic portrayal of a future with advanced technology because it explores the possibilities of AI and automation in a society where machines handle most tasks. The series also showcases the potential benefits of such a society, such as the elimination of poverty, scarcity, and the need for money. Additionally, the Culture series presents a world where AI and humans coexist harmoniously, with AI serving as benevolent caretakers for the well-being of humans and other sentient beings.
The series also highlights the importance of AI safety and ethical considerations, which Musk has been vocal about in his concerns. The Culture's advanced AIs, known as "Minds," are depicted as powerful, wise, and humane, working to maintain the utopian society while respecting the autonomy and individuality of its inhabitants.
In summary, the Culture Book Series by Iain Banks relates to Musk's views on AI as it presents a vision of a future where AI and automation have made jobs optional, allowing people to focus on personal fulfillment and well-being6. Musk considers it a realistic portrayal because it explores the potential benefits and ethical considerations of a society driven by advanced technology and coexisting with AI.