Amazon founder Jeff Bezos believes that the rapid advances in the field of AI could drive productivity high enough for some people to maintain their lifestyles while working fewer hours. Bezos recently claimed that some families could potentially live on one income, while others may choose to work only three days a week in an interview. Not only that, but he also discussed his work at Prometheus. Towards the end of the interview, the Amazon founder also touched on space exploration, stating that the US needs to stay ahead of China in human missions to the Moon. Here’s everything you need to know from the Jeff Bezos interview.
Speaking to Fox News at Blue Origin’s facility in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Bezos said rapid advances in AI could raise productivity so much that some people may not need to work full-time. Not only that, but he also added that families could potentially live on one income, while others might choose to work only three days a week.
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According to him, higher productivity could allow workers to earn enough without putting in long hours. He also suggested that some people may eventually decide they have enough income from a shorter working week and may not want to take on second jobs or work extended hours.
While responding to a question related to job cuts, Bezos said Amazon’s situation was unusual because the company had significantly increased its workforce during the pandemic. He further acknowledged that concerns about automation and employment were understandable.
The Amazon founder also pointed to his work at Prometheus, a company he co-founded, where the goal is to develop what he calls an ‘artificial general engineer’. The system is intended to help turn ideas into physical products. Bezos believes a major increase in productivity could mean that people need to work less to maintain their standard of living. However, he stressed a possible challenge for businesses could be finding enough people willing to work longer hours.
He also spoke about space exploration, stating that the US needs to stay ahead of China in human missions to the Moon. Furthermore, he expressed confidence that American astronauts could return to the Moon in 2028.
Blue Origin and NASA are currently working towards a broader lunar programme that could include regular cargo deliveries and support a lasting human presence. Bezos said the Moon could eventually help support missions to Mars, including by providing resources such as oxygen and materials for solar cells. Bezos said, ‘We’ll go to Mars. We’ll do all the other things. But we need to go to the moon first.’