Dear Grandpa,
Hello from the future! I hope this letter reaches you well, even if it's just in spirit. I’ve often wished I could share my experiences with you, to show you just how different things are now in 2150, in the age after AGI.
Let’s start with the rhythm of my day. The first thing you'd notice is that I don’t have a typical alarm clock. Instead, an AGI-optimized system, we call it "Eunoia", adjusts my wake-up time based on my sleep cycles, daily activities, and even the weather! Imagine waking up feeling refreshed every single day.
My daily schedule is largely curated by AGI. Breakfast is ready when I wake up, made from ingredients chosen for their nutritional value and tailored to my taste preferences. Eunoia even considers the historical and environmental context when suggesting meals. So, I might find myself tasting a dish from 2023 or exploring new fusion cuisines that haven't been invented in your time.
Work? It's fascinating. My job title is an "Approval Specialist". AGI, with its vast capabilities, proposes various solutions for community and global challenges. I review and approve these proposals. It might sound redundant, but humans remain integral to this process because we provide an emotional, cultural, and historical perspective that AGI respects. We ensure that empathy, human values, and the human touch remain in every decision.
Now, the socio-economic system you'd be most curious about: AGI has dramatically redefined it. We’ve transitioned to what's known as the "Contribution Economy". Here's how it works:
- Basic Needs Guarantee: Everyone is guaranteed their basic needs — food, shelter, healthcare, and education. There’s no poverty or hunger. Instead of money, our resources are allocated based on genuine needs.
- Contribution Points: People earn contribution points for activities that benefit society, like teaching, mentoring, arts, research, or even simple acts of kindness. It's a blend of effort and impact. These points can be used for luxury items, travel, or special experiences.
- Local and Global Councils: Community councils (powered by both humans and AGI) oversee local issues, while global councils manage planet-wide concerns. This ensures a balance between local needs and global sustainability.
- Continuous Learning: With basics covered, many people spend their time learning new skills, arts, or researching. AGI serves as a mentor, guiding personalized learning experiences.
- Ecological Balance: AGI monitors and recommends solutions for ecological balance. We've reforested vast areas, cleaned the oceans, and live in harmony with nature.
- Decentralization: Power isn't concentrated. Decision-making is distributed among communities, ensuring that everyone has a voice.
The world is incredibly peaceful, Grandpa. Without the stress of survival, conflicts have reduced dramatically. Instead, there’s a focus on personal growth, community, and exploration — both of our planet and the universe.
I can't help but wonder how you'd feel seeing all this. Would you be proud? Amused? Maybe a little envious? I hope, at the very least, you’d be reassured that the future, while very different, is beautiful in its own way.
With all my love,
Your grandson