With the automation tech of 10 years ago we could have 70% unemployment world-wide and still produce western middle-class living standards for absolutely everyone, and tech only became better since then. Cars would be an issue but who needs one when there’s proper public transit but a home, healthy food, education, healthcare, PC and washing machine with integrated dryer? No problem.
Capital isn’t going for it because the ROI on most automation is just too long-term and R&D doesn’t look good on quarterly profits, for now it’s cheaper to hire humans in many areas especially when you can outsource. But it’s not a question of whether it’ll happen but when, and whether it’ll be an utopia or fuckers like Thiel will be able to create their preferred neo-feudal societies.
Have you ever thought about the massive water usage of international shipping?
No I’m serious. People complain about animal agriculture and then want herds of rowing bisons back. I’m actually not opposed to that either but that doesn’t mean that there will be less animals eating less plants. And if we don’t eat them then other predators will.