The connection between rapidly evolving AI and Universal Basic Income (UBI)

The connection between rapidly evolving AI and Universal Basic Income (UBI) centers on addressing the economic disruption that artificial intelligence is expected to cause in the job market. As AI technologies advance at an unprecedented pace, they're creating both opportunities and challenges that are prompting serious consideration of UBI as a policy response.

The AI Displacement Challenge

AI is transforming the employment landscape in ways that distinguish it from previous technological revolutions. McKinsey predicts AI could replace up to 45% of jobs in the U.S., while the IMF estimates that in advanced economies, about 60% of jobs may be impacted by AI. Unlike past technological changes where workers could transition to new industries, AI represents a unique challenge because entire job categories may be permanently eliminated.

The displacement is already beginning. Google recently revealed that 25% of its code is now generated by AI agents, reducing the need for junior-level developers. Companies are increasingly leveraging AI to reduce employee costs, with 40% of employers expecting to reduce their workforce where AI can automate tasks. The World Economic Forum projects that by 2025, AI will displace 75 million jobs globally while creating 133 million new ones, resulting in a net gain but significant disruption in certain sectors.

UBI as a Policy Response

UBI is being proposed as a crucial safety net for workers displaced by AI automation. The concept involves providing a guaranteed income to all citizens, regardless of their employment status, which could address several key challenges posed by AI:

Economic Security During Transition

UBI would provide financial security for individuals who lose their jobs due to AI, ensuring they maintain purchasing power and can continue participating in the economy. This is particularly important because AI-driven unemployment may be more permanent than displacement from previous technological changes.

Enabling Human Development

By decoupling income from traditional work, UBI could empower individuals to pursue education, entrepreneurship, or other forms of meaningful work without the constant fear of economic insecurity. This aligns with the need for workers to retrain and adapt to an AI-transformed economy.

Addressing Inequality

AI's benefits are likely to accrue disproportionately to those who own the technology and capital. Geoffrey Hinton, often called the "godfather of AI," warns that while AI will boost productivity and wealth, "the money would go to the rich and not the people whose jobs get lost and that's going to be very bad for society". UBI could help redistribute some of AI's economic benefits more broadly.

Funding Mechanisms

To make UBI financially sustainable in an AI economy, several funding approaches are being proposed:

• AI automation taxes on companies that benefit from AI-driven automation
• Capturing a share of the increased productivity and wealth generated by AI systems
• Redirecting existing social welfare spending into a more efficient universal system

Evidence and Skepticism

While UBI has shown positive effects in trials—with over 160 UBI tests conducted over four decades generally yielding benefits for poverty alleviation, health, and education—some experts question whether AI displacement specifically justifies UBI. A major study backed by OpenAI's Sam Altman suggests that UBI's benefits may be valuable regardless of whether AI actually displaces workers on a massive scale.

The Broader Vision

UBI is increasingly viewed not just as a response to AI displacement, but as part of a fundamental recalibration of the social contract for the AI age. Proponents argue it should be combined with universal healthcare and lifelong education to create a comprehensive framework for ensuring AI's benefits are shared broadly rather than concentrated among a privileged few.

The connection between AI and UBI reflects a recognition that as artificial intelligence transforms the economy, society needs new mechanisms to ensure technological progress serves human welfare rather than undermining it. Whether UBI proves to be the right solution remains to be seen, but the rapid pace of AI development is making this conversation increasingly urgent for policymakers worldwide.

Sam Altman’s Thoughts on Universal Basic Income (UBI)

Sam Altman’s Thoughts on Universal Basic Income (UBI)

Sam Altman is a strong proponent of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a tool to reduce poverty and equip people for an era of rapid technological change, particularly as AI advances could disrupt traditional labor markets. He has backed large-scale studies to empirically evaluate UBI’s impact, most notably funding OpenResearch’s comprehensive trial in which low-income individuals received monthly, unconditional payments.

Altman’s rationale for UBI originates from his skepticism about traditional government welfare programs and his belief that directly providing people with cash enables better decision-making and autonomy. He argues, “if you could just give people money they would make good decisions...I’m very much in favor of lifting up the floor and reducing, eliminating poverty.”

Results from the Altman-backed pilot have shown that recipients spent most of their basic income on food, housing, transportation, and childcare, and that overall reductions in hours worked were marginal (about an extra 15-minute break a day), indicating UBI does not meaningfully discourage employment.

More recently, Altman has begun to speculate that the future should involve not just traditional UBI, but also “Universal Basic Compute”—giving everyone a share of advanced AI resources (such as compute from models like GPT-7) that they can use, sell, or donate, thus equitably sharing the productivity gains from AI.

Altman has also endorsed funding UBI-like dividends through public wealth generated from AI or land taxes, rather than solely from general taxation. He distinguishes UBI from guaranteed basic income (GBI) aimed at poverty reduction; he envisions a UBI as broadly sharing new societal wealth, similar to resource dividends like Alaska’s oil fund.

Altman does not claim UBI is a panacea: he acknowledges it won’t solve every problem (such as healthcare or housing affordability), but sees UBI as a foundational economic reform for widespread AI-driven disruption.

Guy Standing’s Writings on Universal Basic Income

Guy Standing’s Writings on Universal Basic Income (UBI)

Guy Standing is a leading expert and advocate for Universal Basic Income (UBI), having written extensively on the subject for over thirty years. His work spans books, academic articles, public debates, interviews, and policy advocacy, making him a central figure in the international UBI movement.

Standing’s writings present UBI not just as an economic tool, but as a new human right—an unconditional, regular payment to all individuals, intended to provide economic security and greater freedom. He grounds the justification for UBI in ethical and philosophical arguments, emphasizing it as a remedy for the social and economic inequalities caused by rentier capitalism—the concentration of wealth and power among those who derive income from property and financial assets rather than labor.

Key Works and Ideas:

• Basic Income: And How We Can Make It Happen (2017): Standing provides an accessible, comprehensive analysis of UBI’s effects on the economy, poverty, and work. He synthesizes evidence from global pilot studies, addresses common criticisms (such as affordability, disincentives to work, and universality), and outlines practical pathways for implementation. He contends that UBI is urgent given rising inequality, technological automation, precarious work conditions, and the failings of traditional welfare systems.
• Basic Income: A Guide for the Open-Minded: This book offers further in-depth analysis, substituting instrumentally focused policy arguments with an ethical rationale. Standing insists that basic income is a matter of social justice and enhanced personal freedom.
• Empirical Evidence: Standing frequently highlights findings from UBI pilot programs worldwide, showing that UBI improves individual mental and physical health, reduces stress, increases educational participation, and fosters social solidarity.
• Addressing Objections: He rebuts common objections, arguing that unlike means-tested benefits, UBI avoids welfare traps, enhances incentives to accept employment, and can be funded through changes in taxation and the redistribution of public assets.
• UBI During COVID-19: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Standing argued that the crisis underscored the urgency and feasibility of UBI, exposing the limitations of tying social protection to employment and the vulnerability of the “precariat”—a term he coined to describe people in insecure, unstable forms of work.
• Battling Eight Giants: Basic Income Now (2020) and related lectures: These recent works focus on the multifaceted crises facing society (inequality, insecurity, climate change, etc.) and frame UBI as part of the solution.
• Policy Experience: Standing’s approach is practical as well as visionary—he has participated in more than 50 UBI pilots and draws on this experience in advocating for incremental but meaningful policy shifts towards an unconditional basic income.

In summary, Guy Standing’s writings on UBI are characterized by their breadth, their ethical emphasis, practical proposals, and integration of empirical research and policy experience. He frames UBI as a transformative proposal for both freedom and fairness in 21st-century economies.

Key UBI + AI Thought Leaders

Key UBI + AI Thought Leaders

Tech Leaders Advocating for UBI:

• Sam Altman (OpenAI) - One of the most vocal proponents, funding UBI pilot studies
• Elon Musk - Has called UBI "necessary" as AI displaces jobs
• Mark Zuckerberg - Advocated for UBI experiments in his Harvard commencement speech
• Andrew Yang - Made UBI central to his presidential campaign, directly linking it to AI displacement

Researchers & Economists:

• Erik Brynjolfsson (MIT) - Studies AI's economic impact and automation's effects on labor
• Daron Acemoglu (MIT) - Research on technology and inequality
• Guy Standing - UBI advocate and author of "Basic Income: And How We Can Make It Happen"

The AI-UBI Connection

The Displacement Argument:

• As AI automates jobs faster than new ones are created, UBI could provide economic stability
• Allows people time to retrain/adapt (connects to Khosla's "ability to learn" advice)
• Prevents social unrest during the transition period

The Abundance Argument:

• AI could create so much wealth that UBI becomes affordable
• Khosla's vision of "almost free" services suggests dramatic cost reductions
• UBI could distribute AI's economic benefits more broadly

Counterarguments:

• Concerns about work incentives - Will people still be motivated to contribute?
• Funding challenges - How to pay for it without stifling innovation?
• Implementation complexity - Political and logistical hurdles

Current Experiments

• OpenAI's Sam Altman funded a major UBI study
• Various pilot programs worldwide (Finland, Kenya, Stockton CA)
• Results have been mixed but generally positive for mental health and job searching

The UBI debate essentially boils down to: Can we manage AI's disruptive potential through economic policy, or do we need entirely new social structures?

ActiveWords: A Lazy Person's Dream Productivity Tool

For those who prefer efficiency over effort, ActiveWords is a game-changing application that caters to the inherently lazy yet productivity-seeking individual. This text-activated tool transforms mundane tasks into effortless actions, allowing users to accomplish more while doing less.

Minimal Effort, Maximum Results

ActiveWords operates on a simple premise: type a few characters, and voilà! Your desired action is executed. This appeal to laziness is evident in several key features:

1. Text Expansion: Why type out long phrases when you can create shortcuts? ActiveWords allows you to expand abbreviations into full sentences or paragraphs, saving countless keystrokes.
2. Instant Program Launching: Forget clicking through menus or searching for icons. With ActiveWords, you can open any application by typing a short command, like "ff" for Firefox.
3. Quick Access to Files and Folders: No more navigating through complex folder structures. A few keystrokes can open your most-used documents and directories.

Laziness-Friendly Interface

The lazy person's aversion to learning complex systems is addressed by ActiveWords' user-friendly design:

• Context-Free Operation: ActiveWords works anywhere in Windows, eliminating the need to switch between applications.
• Intuitive Setup: Creating new shortcuts is as simple as dragging and dropping content onto the ActiveWords icon.
• Floating Icon: A convenient interface that's always accessible without cluttering your workspace.

Set It and Forget It

Once configured, ActiveWords becomes a silent productivity booster:

• Automatic Corrections: The tool can catch and fix common typos, reducing the need for proofreading.
• Personalized Shortcuts: Create custom commands that align with your thought process, making actions feel more natural and effortless.

The Lazy Person's ROI

While initially setting up ActiveWords might require some effort, the long-term benefits for the lazy are substantial:

• Time Savings: Repetitive tasks are automated, freeing up time for more important (or leisurely) activities.
• Reduced Physical Effort: Minimize mouse usage and repetitive typing, perfect for those who prefer to expend as little energy as possible.
• Improved Accuracy: By reducing manual input, ActiveWords helps maintain consistency and reduce errors, appealing to those who dislike double-checking their work.

For the lazy individual who paradoxically seeks to be productive, ActiveWords offers a tantalizing proposition: do more by doing less. It transforms the computer into a tool that adapts to the user's preferences, rather than forcing the user to adapt to the computer. In essence, ActiveWords allows the lazy to work smarter, not harder, making it an ideal companion for those who value efficiency and minimal effort in their digital lives.

Hidden Assets of a Deceased Individual: What Executors Should Know

When someone passes away, not all of their assets may be immediately visible to family or the estate executor. Hidden assets can take many forms—from traditional valuables tucked away at home to modern digital currencies. Properly identifying and securing these assets is a critical step in settling an estate and ensuring beneficiaries receive their due inheritance. Below is a detailed overview of the types of hidden assets you may encounter and practical suggestions for finding and accessing them.

Common Types of Hidden Assets

1. Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets

• Forms: Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, and currencies stored on exchanges or in “hot” (software-based), “cold” (hardware devices), or even paper wallets.
• Access Challenges: These assets are commonly password-protected and may require a “seed phrase” or other credentials to access. If details are not documented, it can be nearly impossible to recover them.
• Where to Look: Examine computers, external hard drives, USB sticks, printed documents, emails, and search for apps, exchange accounts (like Coinbase or Gemini), or mentions in electronic correspondence.

2. Online Payment System Balances

• Forms: PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, e-wallets, and even balances in ecommerce and financial platforms.
• Access Challenges: Often require login credentials and may have two-factor authentication tied to a device or email.
• How to Proceed: Look for passwords in a password manager or written down by the deceased. If credentials are unavailable, contact the payment provider directly with legal documentation (e.g., death certificate, proof of executorship).

3. Cash Hidden at Home

• Common Locations: Safes, mattresses, under floorboards, behind paintings, in the attic, freezer, pantry cans, garden, books, and other creative or unlikely locations.
• Search Tips: Do a thorough physical search, especially in places where valuables could be stashed. Sometimes, large amounts of cash can be hidden in small denominations or unconventional spots.

4. Coin and Currency Collections

• Identification: These can be valuable and are often stored in coin albums, boxes, folders, bags, or even in random containers.
• How to Handle: Organize and inventory what you find. Research or consult a professional about valuation—do not sell or distribute until their worth is verified.

5. Other Overlooked Assets

• Examples: Old bank or brokerage accounts (possibly at closed or merged institutions), insurance policies, unclaimed pension benefits, real estate, safe deposit boxes, and stocks.
• How to Find: Review mail, tax returns, online statements, public records, and contact known confidants (accountants, financial advisors, employers).

Suggestions for Executors: Discovering Hidden Assets

• Search Personal Effects: Methodically go through the deceased’s paperwork, safe deposit boxes, and electronic devices. Look for any account statements, emails, or lists of assets/passwords.
• Forward Mail: By forwarding the deceased's mail, you may receive statements and alerts from previously unknown asset sources.
• Access Digital Devices: Check computers, tablets, and smartphones for installed apps, emailed statements, browser bookmarks, and digital wallets.
• Contact Services and Institutions: Reach out directly to banks, payment systems, and crypto exchanges when you suspect assets might exist, presenting your official documents as executor.
• Review Tax Returns and Financial Records: These can reveal interest income or dividends indicative of accounts, as well as insurance and pension payments.
• Engage Confidants: Speak to accountants, lawyers, and close associates. They might know of assets not documented elsewhere.
• Hire Search Services: If you have exhausted your options, asset search services (sometimes with a fee) can search for unclaimed financial accounts or overlooked real estate holdings.
• Preserve Evidence: Whenever you find a cache (esp. cash, coins, or valuables), inventory it with a witness and provide a signed record for estate files.

Important Legal and Practical Tips

• Documentation: Maintain meticulous records of all assets found, their location, and any communications with institutions or professionals. This is crucial for transparency with beneficiaries and required by Canadian estate law.
• Stay Alert for Scams: Especially in the cryptocurrency space, avoid sharing seed phrases, passwords, or any sensitive information with unknown individuals or online contacts.
• Do Not Rush to Sell: Particularly for coin collections or rare items, consult appraisers before taking action; hasty liquidation can reduce value.

By combining careful physical searches, good record-keeping, reaching out to confidants, and leveraging both traditional and digital investigative methods, executors can maximize the recovery of a deceased individual’s hidden assets for the benefit of the estate and its rightful heirs.

Sun-Kissed Summers in Ottawa: Top Outdoor Adventures & Local Delights

Summer in Ottawa, Ontario, arrives in a burst of color and activity. With long, sunny days and vibrant festivals, Canada’s capital becomes a playground for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re craving the beauty of nature, world-class events, or local flavor, Ottawa has you covered. Let’s dive into the best summer activities in Ottawa, along with tips to make your experience unforgettable.

1. 

The iconic Rideau Canal is more than just a winter skating destination! In summer, its scenic pathways are perfect for leisurely strolls, cycling, and inline skating. Rent a bike or lace up your running shoes and enjoy:

• Lush green parks and charming views of Parliament Hill

• Pop-up food stalls and picturesque bridges

• Canoe and kayak rentals for on-the-water fun

2. 

Ottawa’s summer festival season is legendary, attracting music lovers, foodies, and families.

• : International and local musicians perform against Ottawa’s striking skyline.

• Ottawa International Buskerfest: Street performers dazzle crowds downtown with acrobatics, comedy, and magic.

• : While it begins in late spring, vibrant blooms often linger into early summer, creating colorful backdrops for your photos.

3. 

Just minutes from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park offers a refreshing escape for outdoor enthusiasts. Summer activities include:

• Hiking over 165 km of trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs

• Swimming at beautiful beaches like Meech Lake and Philippe Lake

• Picnicking in shaded areas or at scenic lookouts

• Spotting local wildlife, including deer and turtles

4. 

Nothing says summer like a day at the beach! Ottawa has several gems worth exploring:

• : Family-friendly with paddleboard rentals, volleyball courts, and lifeguards on duty

• : Wide sandy shores, shaded picnic tables, and a laid-back vibe

• : Nature trails, sandy beaches, and unique wildlife reserves

5. 

Hop aboard an Ottawa River boat cruise for spectacular city views you can’t get anywhere else. These guided tours offer:

• Breathtaking sunsets behind Parliament Hill

• Insightful commentary on local history and landmarks

• Themed cruises, from dinner dances to sightseeing excursions

• : Sample summer berries, fresh maple treats, and gourmet ice cream.

• : The Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery feature beautiful gardens and outdoor art installations.

• : From rooftop bars along Elgin Street to riverside patios in Westboro, Ottawa’s food scene shines in the summertime.

• : Popular events, bike rentals, and cruises often sell out.

• Use public transit or bike share to avoid parking hassles downtown.

• : Ottawa summer weather can change quickly!

From bustling city streets to tranquil parklands, Ottawa pulses with energy and charm all summer long. Whether you’re a local rediscovering your city or a first-time visitor, endless adventures and cherished memories await under the warm Ontario sun.

So, grab your sandals, gather your friends, and dive into the heart of an Ottawa summer!