How would it likely alter society if automation and robots did all the work, and thus all basic needs and most luxuries were free for the taking, and no one had to work for a living?
by 
HungryGuy
ANSWERS: 7
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We would be lazier and more self centered than we are already, if that's imaginable.Then we would redefine needs and luxuries and some people would do what it takes to get them and some people wouldn't and would be envious. In other words, we wouldn't change much, it would just look different.
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Humans typically need to have productive work to do in order to maintain good mental health, but many of us are lazy so we would not work if it was not necessary, so I expect mental health would decline a lot. People would have to find meaningful things to occupy their minds and bodies or they would decline mentally and physically. Some people would tend toward generosity because they could always get more of what they need. Others would tend toward selfishness, feeling no need to look out for neighbors or fellow citizens. I do not think this scenario would be good for people or society.
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Just imagine a society that had slaves and you will see what it would be like! History repeats itself once more! It may free up some time for some people, so they can find time to do other things! Would you want to own robot slaves,that go to work for you and they send the paycheck to you? How many would you buy and would you be required to supervise each one while it's working? What if it made an error would the owner have to make restitution for the mistakes of his machine?
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Like IRobot? Remember, something always goes wrong in these Utopian type situations...
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I asked this question back in 2005, and just stumbled upon it again whilst browsing through the dark underbelly of Answerbag. I think it would be a boon to humanity for the most part. Free from having to work for basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, and medical care, I think most people would be artists (which includes musicians, writers, performers, etc.) and scientists who would learn and create simply for the pleasure they get from creating and sharing their talent with the world. I think most of us DO have such talents, but few of us get to exploit our talents because we're too busy slaving away at a job to develop them. Of course, some people probably would just zone out, but since such folks aren't hurting anyone else or costing anyone else anything, I don't think too many people (except the control freaks amongst us) would care about it. But the greatest boon would be the near absence of crime, murder, and corruption since these things are all caused by disputes over money, which would no longer be necessary.
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Not good. Who would own these machines? if the machines did all the work, what would people do and how would they make money to pay for the services the machines provide?
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We would truly be living in a freer and more intelligent society.
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