It's all over in 2 years

2026-03-19 · Source: David Shapiro · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Future of Work & AI Impact · Depth: Intermediate, medium

Summary

The author anticipates a future of "cognitive hyperabundance" driven by the exponential growth in AI investment, GPU hardware, and model performance, leading to a societal phase change comparable to past industrial revolutions. This shift, termed "vesperence," evokes a wistful nostalgia for the present as an era ends, evolving into a darker sensation of impending, profound disruption. The convergence of long-term debt cycles, societal turnings, and the fourth industrial revolution is expected to upend established norms like traditional career paths. While acknowledging that AI will soon render many human problem-solving abilities moot, the author finds solace in the mathematically provable, astronomical number of possible creative works, such as novels, suggesting enduring human relevance in fields like art, social commentary, and philosophy. However, the author also expresses a sense of powerlessness over global AI competition, which is rapidly reshaping every aspect of life.

Key takeaway

For executives and policymakers navigating the accelerating AI landscape, recognize that traditional economic and social structures are undergoing unprecedented disruption. Your strategic planning must account for the rapid obsolescence of many intellectual tasks and the increasing weirdness of a world reshaped by AI dominance. Prioritize fostering human creativity and social engagement, as these domains offer enduring value amidst the shift towards cognitive hyperabundance.

Key insights

Exponential AI growth is driving a societal phase change, rendering many human intellectual contributions obsolete while preserving creative and social domains.

Principles

• AI's growth curve is super exponential.
• Societal norms are being upended by converging revolutions.
• Creative output potential is astronomically vast.

In practice

• Focus on creative fields like writing and art.
• Engage in social commentary and philosophy.

Topics

• Artificial General Intelligence
• Future of Work
• Post-Labor Economics
• AI Societal Impact
• Automation

Best for: AI Ethicist, Policy Maker, Executive

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by David Shapiro.