The problem lies in the very transition from one phase of society to another. Yes, in two generations the world will be able to live in magnificent comfort and prosperity. But in just two decades, chaos could ensue. Now many are considering two ways to cope with this transition – an unconditional basic income or a shortened work week. But this is too primitive: simply moving money or working hours can treat the symptoms, but not the root causes.
The philosopher Fridtjof Bergmann has a more elegant idea. His concept of a “New Job” is to combine the ability of people to work less in order to help use the free time to do more meaningful activities for them. The enormous transformation of the labor market provides venture capitalists with opportunities to make a profit, but also a chance to help those who are laid off move on to more productive activities.
