Sam Altman envisions a future where universal basic income is a "slice of GPT"

Sam Altman, a prominent entrepreneur and investor, has expressed his vision for a future where universal basic income (UBI) is a “slice of GPT,” or a small portion of the wealth generated by advanced artificial intelligence (AI). In a recent interview, Altman shared his thoughts on the potential impact of AI on society, particularly in regards to jobs, and how UBI could help mitigate some of the negative effects.

According to Altman, he began realizing the consequences of advanced AI on society in 2016. He noticed that as AI systems became more sophisticated, they were capable of performing tasks that were previously done by humans, leading to a significant reduction in jobs across various industries. This realization prompted Altman to conduct an experiment to explore the potential benefits of UBI.

The experiment involved providing a small group of people with a guaranteed basic income, without any conditions or requirements. The results showed that UBI could negate some of the issues arising from AI-driven job displacement. By providing a safety net, UBI allowed individuals to pursue their passions and interests, rather than being forced into low-paying jobs solely for financial survival.

Altman believes that as AI continues to advance and become more integrated into our daily lives, it will be essential to implement UBI on a larger scale. He envisions a future where UBI is funded by a slice of the wealth generated by GPT, or advanced AI systems. This would ensure that the benefits of technological progress are shared fairly among all members of society, rather than being concentrated among a select few.

The idea of UBI has been gaining traction in recent years, with several countries and cities implementing pilot programs to test its feasibility. The concept is simple: every citizen receives a regular, unconditional sum of money from the government to cover their basic needs. Proponents argue that UBI could help reduce poverty, improve health and well-being, and increase financial security, while also promoting creativity and entrepreneurship.

However, implementing UBI on a large scale will require significant funding, which is where Altman’s idea of using GPT comes in. By leveraging the vast wealth generated by advanced AI systems, it may be possible to provide a basic income to every individual, without placing an undue burden on the economy.

There are several ways that GPT could be used to fund UBI. One approach would be to impose a tax on companies that heavily utilize AI, such as those in the tech and automation sectors. Another option would be to create a sovereign wealth fund that invests in AI technologies and uses the returns to finance UBI.

While there are many challenges to implementing UBI, including political and economic hurdles, Altman’s vision offers a promising solution. By harnessing the power of GPT, it may be possible to create a more equitable society where technological progress benefits everyone, rather than just a privileged few.

In conclusion, Sam Altman’s idea of using GPT to fund UBI offers a fascinating glimpse into a potential future where technological advancements are harnessed for the greater good. By providing a basic income to every individual, we can ensure that the benefits of AI are shared fairly and promote a more equitable society. While there are challenges to overcome, Altman’s vision represents a promising step towards a brighter future for all.