Post-Labor Economics is happening.

2026-03-17 · Source: David Shapiro · Field: Finance & Economics — Economic Analysis & Policy, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning · Depth: Intermediate, long

Summary

A new book, "Post-Labor Economics," has been completed, detailing a future where human labor is decoupled from economic output. The author, driven by audience feedback and student concerns about job security in an AI-driven world, spent 18 months developing this 180,000-word work. The book posits that the economy's three sectors (primary, secondary, tertiary) will see the tertiary sector decline, mirroring historical shifts in primary and secondary sectors. It also argues that household income, traditionally from wages, transfers, and capital, will increasingly rely on transfers and capital as wages diminish. The author emphasizes that a book is the most effective medium to achieve "mimetic saturation" and build consensus among diverse groups, from university professors to politicians and voters, for the "labor zero movement." A Kickstarter campaign is currently live, aiming for maximum backers to boost awareness and ensure a high-quality launch in July for paperback, hardback, audiobook, and digital formats.

Key takeaway

For policymakers and economic strategists weighing future societal structures, you should critically examine the "Post-Labor Economics" framework, particularly its emphasis on boosting capital and transfers to offset declining wages. Your focus should shift from solely labor-centric policies to those that ensure economic stability and consumer demand in a post-wage environment, leveraging comprehensive resources like this book to inform broad public and political consensus.

Key insights

Post-labor economics posits human labor decoupling from economic output, shifting income sources from wages to transfers and capital.

Principles

• Economic sectors historically shift dominance.
• Household income derives from wages, transfers, or capital.
• Books are effective for broad consensus building.

Method

The author's method involved extensive co-creation with an audience, incorporating feedback on blind spots (e.g., demand-side economics) and historical data analysis to develop the "Post-Labor Economics" framework.

In practice

• Focus on social and communication skills for career resilience.
• Consider capital-boosting strategies for future income.
• Utilize Kickstarter for project marketing and awareness.

Topics

• Post-Labor Economics
• AI Automation
• Economic Disruption
• Future of Work
• Household Income

Best for: Policy Maker, Executive, AI Ethicist

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