After AI, what of the poor?

Was Christ wrong? Will we not always have the poor among us?

What will the role of philanthropy be when AI has managed to predict and effectively distribute food to those it deems should receive it, or funding to those it deems should have it, and takes from those who are producing to give to others who are producing less.

The idea that artificial intelligence will solve our environmental and social ills is fascinating, and I’m always astonished by how many grown men and women—intellectuals and industry leaders—talk about this as if it were only a matter of time. But it leaves me wondering: if it does, will we still have philanthropy?

I suppose not, for the government of artificial intelligence will so effectively plan, predict, and produce resources and distribute them to those it deems deserving that the idea of helping one another will no longer be necessary. And philanthropy is not about looking good or the tax breaks, though maybe that is what it often gets reduced to these days. It’s not about patronizing the poor. It’s also not a subconscious balancing of power, hoping that if we ever found ourselves in their shoes—if the roles were reversed—they would take care of us.

But we must actively choose to still have philanthropy.