Universal Basic Provision: The New Era of Abundant Intelligence
The advent of generative artificial intelligence has transformed human perspectives on life, influencing virtually every aspect of existence. Despite lingering concerns regarding security and privacy, the adoption of this technology is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. A notable example comes from OpenAI's ChatGPT, which saw a million new users within just one hour after unveiling its latest image generator. This event sparked widespread interest, particularly with Studio Ghibli-inspired memes gaining traction on social media platforms. Furthermore, reports indicate that ChatGPT leads among over 10,500 AI tools in terms of popularity, receiving more visits daily than competitors do monthly.
In a recent YouTube interview, Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft’s AI CEO, shared insights into how generative AI could redefine societal norms as we transition into the AI era. According to him, generative AI will usher humanity into a utopia characterized by universal basic provision (UBP), where intelligence becomes abundant and accessible to all. Suleyman envisions a future where intelligence serves as the new currency, reducing reliance on traditional monetary systems. He emphasizes that this shift does not eliminate the need for cash but rather complements it, offering people enhanced capabilities to achieve their goals.
Suleyman argues that making intelligence cheap and readily available mirrors providing individuals with a support team to assist in executing ideas. In this envisioned reality, knowledge transforms from a commodity to a freely accessible resource. Consequently, fewer financial resources will be required for acquiring goods and services traditionally dependent on intellectual labor. Instead, people can leverage AI-driven solutions to meet their needs efficiently.
This paradigm shift implies that spending on intelligence-based commodities will become obsolete due to AI's ability to provide these resources freely. As a result, individuals may require less money for purchasing tangible goods. Suleyman suggests that access to such intelligence enriches people, presenting a future where sustaining oneself might demand less monetary income compared to current standards.
As society moves toward embracing UBP through generative AI, the distinction between earning money and accessing intelligence blurs. While cash remains essential for certain transactions, the availability of abundant intelligence creates opportunities for growth and innovation beyond traditional economic frameworks. Thus, the integration of AI into daily life promises not only convenience but also empowerment, enabling humanity to thrive in ways previously unimaginable.
