The idea of a basic income has been around for centuries but has never been successfully implemented. However, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) may finally provide a way to make it a reality for everyone. According to Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, AI is the key to achieving a universal basic income.
The basic idea behind a universal basic income is that everyone would receive a certain amount without any conditions. This concept was first mentioned more than 500 years ago in Thomas More’s book Utopia. Since then, many philosophers, such as Bertrand Russell, John Stuart Mill, and Milton Friedman, have supported the idea of a basic income to improve traditional social systems or simplify complex social security systems.
Altman believes that AI will be the driving force behind a universal basic income. As AI increasingly replaces human workers, people will need a way to support themselves and their families. A basic income could provide financial security for everyone, regardless of their job or employment status.
One challenge, however, is how to fund a universal basic income. Should the government or companies benefitting from AI be responsible for paying for it? Altman admits that a universal basic income is still a distant dream, but he sees his new cryptocurrency, Worldcoin, as a way to make it a reality. Unlike Bitcoin, Worldcoin is designed to fight against anonymity. Users must create a World ID account, which requires providing personal information and scanning their iris. This strict security measure ensures that all members of the Worldcoin network are real people, minimizing the risk of fraud.
Altman believes that Worldcoin can help achieve a basic income by improving the global economy. The more people who hold and use the same currency, the more valuable it becomes for everyone. Worldcoin is designed to be a “fair cryptocurrency,” with 80% of the virtual coins distributed among users and the remaining 20% used for the parent organization’s and its investors’ needs.
While a universal basic income may still be a distant dream, Altman’s vision for Worldcoin and AI provides a glimmer of hope. With the right technology and funding, a basic income could become a reality, providing financial security and reducing income inequality worldwide.
The Role of AI in a Universal Basic Income
Altman’s vision for a universal basic income relies heavily on the development of AI. As AI replaces more jobs, people will need a way to support themselves and their families. A basic income could provide financial security for everyone, regardless of their employment status.
However, there are still many challenges to implementing a universal basic income. One of the biggest challenges is how to fund it. Altman suggests that companies that benefit from AI and governments could be responsible for paying a basic income. However, this is a contentious issue, and there are many different opinions on how to fund a basic income.
Another challenge is determining who would be eligible for a basic income. Would it be available to everyone or only those who meet specific criteria? Altman suggests that a universal basic income should be available to everyone, regardless of their employment status or other factors.
Despite these challenges, Altman remains optimistic about the potential of AI to provide a basic income for everyone. He believes AI will transform the global economy, creating new opportunities and ways to support people.
Worldcoin: A Path to a Basic Income
Altman’s new cryptocurrency, Worldcoin, is designed to provide a pathway to a basic income. Unlike Bitcoin, Worldcoin is designed to fight against anonymity. Users must create a World ID account, which requires providing personal information and scanning their iris. This strict security measure ensures that all members of the Worldcoin network are real people, minimizing the risk of fraud.
Altman believes that Worldcoin can help achieve a basic income by improving the global economy. The more people who hold and use the same currency, the more valuable it becomes for everyone. Worldcoin is designed to be a “fair cryptocurrency,” with 80% of the virtual coins distributed among users and the remaining 20% used for the parent organization’s and its investors’ needs.
While Worldcoin is still in its early stages, Altman is optimistic about its potential. He believes that Worldcoin can help create a more fair and equitable global economy, providing financial security for everyone.
The Future of a Universal Basic Income
A universal basic income may still be a distant dream, but Altman’s vision for Worldcoin and AI provides hope for the future. With the right technology and funding, a basic income could become a reality, providing financial security and reducing income inequality worldwide.
The idea of a basic income is not new, but AI and cryptocurrencies like Worldcoin provide new opportunities to make it a reality. As the global economy continues to evolve, it will be essential to consider new ways to support people and ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.