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shannonscotteditorauthor's review against another edition
3.0
More a history of robotics and its influence on society than a Skynet conspiracy analysis. Kinda disappointed it wasn't the latter.
ryanwriter's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed this quite a bit—though it was interesting just how far tech has changed since the book came out only a few years ago. It explores more than the technology, looking into economic trends, government, and other areas that influence and are influenced by the changing technology.
branch_c's review against another edition
challenging
informative
medium-paced
4.0
I’d likely have been even more impressed if I’d read this book in 2015. But in fact I only heard about Ford’s thesis when Andrew Yang popularized it as part of his campaign for president in 2020. Yang says he was heavily influenced by this book, and it shows. The arguments were convincing when Yang made them, and they are here as well - Ford even makes a succinct and evidence-based case for UBI (p. 257 - 273).
It might be questioned whether the predictions made here have actually come true in the time since the book was written. But to be honest, I think Ford’s concern is in the longer term, and his tone less alarmist than the title of the book suggests. Yes, now is the time to start thinking about these issues, but the challenge will be in “the coming decades” (p. 281), not necessarily immediately.
For example, while Yang made a big deal about the likelihood that self-driving vehicles would put truck drivers out of work, Ford was less sure, stating his belief that “…progress is likely to be far more measured. While the trucks may indeed soon be able to essentially drive themselves, the staggering destructive potential of these vehicles probably means that someone is going to remain in the driver’s seat for the foreseeable future.” (p. 190). And indeed so far Ford’s prediction has been more accurate.
But the overall point seems clear. As automation technology improves, companies will be incentivized to invest in it as opposed to in human employees where possible. Why wouldn’t they? And we should welcome that, even if - especially if - it means a transition to a “jobless future”, because humans have better things to do with their time than to work. However, some political and social restructuring will obviously be necessary in order for all of humanity to take advantage of this transition rather than becoming the victims of it.
Anyway, I can definitely recommend this book, still relevant nine years later.
It might be questioned whether the predictions made here have actually come true in the time since the book was written. But to be honest, I think Ford’s concern is in the longer term, and his tone less alarmist than the title of the book suggests. Yes, now is the time to start thinking about these issues, but the challenge will be in “the coming decades” (p. 281), not necessarily immediately.
For example, while Yang made a big deal about the likelihood that self-driving vehicles would put truck drivers out of work, Ford was less sure, stating his belief that “…progress is likely to be far more measured. While the trucks may indeed soon be able to essentially drive themselves, the staggering destructive potential of these vehicles probably means that someone is going to remain in the driver’s seat for the foreseeable future.” (p. 190). And indeed so far Ford’s prediction has been more accurate.
But the overall point seems clear. As automation technology improves, companies will be incentivized to invest in it as opposed to in human employees where possible. Why wouldn’t they? And we should welcome that, even if - especially if - it means a transition to a “jobless future”, because humans have better things to do with their time than to work. However, some political and social restructuring will obviously be necessary in order for all of humanity to take advantage of this transition rather than becoming the victims of it.
Anyway, I can definitely recommend this book, still relevant nine years later.
caraway_and_rye's review against another edition
3.0
10 hours of answering the questions 'When will the robots take our jobs? Which jobs are likely to go first? What should governments do?'
The biggest problem was that was very flat. To me, it just sounded like the same thing repeated over and over again in slightly different phrasing.
The biggest problem was that was very flat. To me, it just sounded like the same thing repeated over and over again in slightly different phrasing.
batsysk's review against another edition
3.0
This book is mosly about economics and I did not know it
jimyster's review against another edition
5.0
An interesting and fun read for sure. Definitely makes a person think about the effect of technology on our future economy and job market. This was my kind of book, and I give it the full five stars.
akorn72's review against another edition
5.0
One influential book.
The most thought provoking book I have read in years. I don't want to come off as a STEM or economics nave but the books offers a clear, understanding, frightening, and hopeful future vision of our global capitalist economy. A true must read.
The most thought provoking book I have read in years. I don't want to come off as a STEM or economics nave but the books offers a clear, understanding, frightening, and hopeful future vision of our global capitalist economy. A true must read.