If the media narrative that artificial intelligence will destroy our jobs sounds familiar, it should: Fear of new technology’s threat to labor has persisted since Aristotle wrote about it in 350 BC. 

The Luddites in 19th-century England destroyed power looms to preserve weavers’ jobs. 

Karl Marx sought the seizure of the means of production in part because he believed the “improvement of machinery” made a working-class living “precarious.” 

Similar fears arose with the advent of electricity, computers and robotics.  

True, technology can be disruptive — but automating tasks is nothing new.

And throughout history, automation has led to surges in productivity, bringing a host of benefits: falling prices, rising demand, new industries, higher overall employment and higher living standards. 

The tractor eliminated millions of farm jobs, but allowed a small sliver of the population to feed entire nations — enabling mass education and pathways to other industries.

Cars replaced horse-drawn buggy drivers, but led to the auto industry, interstate highways and trucking.

Personal computers eliminated typist pools and clerical roles, but created new careers........

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