United States (U.S.) billionaire Bill Gates stated that by 2035, artificial intelligence (AI) will replace doctors, teachers, and other professionals, marking the beginning of what he calls the era of “free intelligence.”
In that future, expert-level services – such as medical advice and private tutoring – will be widely available and free of charge, especially in underdeveloped regions like India and Africa.
AI will not only transform so-called white-collar professions, but will also spread to sectors such as construction, logistics, agriculture, and manufacturing, he believes.
Gates states that this change will redefine the very role of work in society. As AI takes over more tasks, traditional full-time jobs could give way to shorter workweeks, earlier retirement, and more free time.
Because of this, societies, as he points out, will have to reconsider concepts such as productivity and purpose. Although this transition could lead to an era of abundance and accessibility, Gates warns of dangers such as job loss and growing inequality. As a solution, he proposes universal basic income and a fairer distribution of wealth.
Despite the changes, Gates does not believe that AI will replace all human jobs. Jobs that require creativity, emotional intelligence, and real human connection – such as psychotherapy, art, and caregiving –will still have their place.
He especially emphasizes the importance of responsible AI development, in order to avoid problems such as bias, disinformation, and monopolistic power.
In conclusion, Gates calls on young innovators to direct the development of AI toward human-centered goals, with global cooperation for fair progress.
