The World After AGI

What will life look like after artificial general intelligence (AGI) becomes a reality? How will it change our economies, ambitions, and the way we live? These are questions we need to answer, not in some distant future, but in the very near term. Here’s a closer look at what AGI could mean for businesses, governments, and individuals.

The Economic Shift AGI Will Bring

AGI will redefine work and wealth by making both mental and physical labor nearly limitless. Imagine a world where AGI-powered machines and systems can handle any task—faster, cheaper, and better than humans. The impact? Capital becomes the most important resource, and labor becomes less critical.

Here’s why this matters:

1. Labor Becomes Replaceable: With AGI, companies can pay for limitless “digital labor” through advanced AI agents. This means fewer jobs for people, as machines can handle almost everything.

2. Wealth Defines Power: In this new reality, those who control capital—money, technology, or assets—hold all the power. Without access to capital, moving up the economic ladder will be nearly impossible.

3. Universal Basic Income (UBI): Governments may need to distribute wealth from AGI’s productivity to ensure people’s basic needs are met. But will UBI be enough to keep people motivated and ambitious?

The Ambition Question

If people no longer need to work for survival, what happens to their drive? Human ambition has historically been fueled by challenges and the desire to improve. Without those pressures, creativity and innovation could stagnate. This is already evident in cases where wealthy individuals struggle to find purpose despite having everything they need.

Fewer Opportunities for Big Success

One of the most concerning changes is the decline of “outlier success”—those moments when individuals rise from humble beginnings to achieve greatness. Here’s why this could happen:

• Entrepreneurship Declines: Venture capitalists might use AGI to run startups without human founders, cutting people out of the equation.

• Science and Innovation: AGI will likely surpass human scientists and inventors, solving problems faster and more efficiently than any person could.

• Limited Mobility: Without the ability to disrupt industries, individuals may find it nearly impossible to move up economically or socially.

Will Governments Still Care About People?

Historically, governments have supported education, health, and economic growth to strengthen their nations. But with AGI doing all the work, humans may no longer be seen as valuable resources. This could lead to:

• Reduced Support: States may prioritize investing in AGI systems over supporting citizens.

• Less Human Influence: As AGI takes over key functions, people may lose leverage over governments and businesses.

Two Possible Futures

The blog outlines two likely scenarios:

• Best Case: A world where AGI-generated wealth ensures everyone has a comfortable life. It’s like living in a richer version of Norway—some inequality, but high living standards for all.

• Worst Case: A dystopia where a few AI trillionaires control everything, and the rest of humanity is stuck in a permanent underclass with little power or opportunity.

Keeping Human Ambition Alive

The big question is how to keep people engaged and ambitious in a world run by AGI. Innovation and creativity can’t just be left to machines. Governments and businesses need to:

• Create New Opportunities: Encourage human creativity in areas AGI can’t fully replicate.

• Ensure Fair Wealth Distribution: Use policies like UBI to prevent extreme inequality.

• Preserve Human Agency: Build systems that empower people to make meaningful contributions, even in an AGI-dominated world.

Conclusion

AGI will change everything, but we still have the power to shape this transformation. By addressing these challenges head-on, leaders can ensure that AGI enhances humanity rather than replacing it. The question isn’t whether AGI will transform the world, but whether we’ll adapt in ways that ensure a fair and meaningful future for everyone.

About the Author

Sam Obeidat: AI Strategy Expert, Technology Product Lead, Angel Investor, and a Futurist.

Sam Obeidat is an internationally recognized expert in AI strategy, a visionary futurist, and a technology product leader. He has spearheaded the development of cutting-edge AI technologies across various sectors, including education, fintech, investment management, government, defense, and healthcare.

With over 15,000 leaders coached and more than 31 AI strategies developed for governments and elite organizations in Europe, MENA, Canada, and the US, Sam has a profound impact on the global AI landscape. He is passionate about empowering leaders to responsibly implement ethical and safe AI, ensuring that humans remain at the center of these advancements.

Currently, Sam leads World AI X, where he and his team are dedicated to helping leaders across all sectors shape the future of their industries. They provide the tools and knowledge necessary for these leaders to prepare their organizations for the rapidly evolving AI-driven world and maintain a competitive edge.

Through World AI X, Sam runs a 6-week executive program designed to transform professionals into next-gen leaders within their domains. Additionally, he is at the forefront of the World AI Council, building a global community of leaders committed to shaping the future of AI.

Sam strongly believes that leaders and organizations from all sectors must be prepared to drive innovation and competitiveness in the AI future.

Connect with Sam Obeidat on LinkedIn

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