Musk Predicts Universal High Income from AI

Billionaire Elon Musk posited on December 17, 2025, that the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics will herald a future characterized by “universal high income,” rendering the practice of saving money obsolete. Musk expressed his views while replying to a post by investor Ray Dalio regarding the launch of new savings and investment accounts under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, intended for newborns and young Americans.

Musk acknowledged the charitable gesture of Dalio and the Dells but emphasized his belief that poverty will not exist in the future, stating, “There will be universal high income.” This assertion aligns with Musk’s recurring theme that AI and robotics will eliminate poverty and even the necessity of work, thereby instigating a new economic order.

AI as a Game Changer for Employment

During the Viva Technology conference in Paris in May 2024, Musk elaborated further on his predictions. He remarked that, in an optimistic scenario, job roles may diminish as AI and robotics foster an environment devoid of employment needs. “There will be universal high income – and not universal basic income – universal high income,” he stated, asserting that there would be an ample supply of goods and services.

Musk’s Perspective on Work and Meaning

Musk highlighted a profound philosophical question: with a future where AI could outperform humans in nearly every task, one must ponder the meaning of life and work. He indicated a high probability (around 80%) that society would arrive at a point where machines handle all labor, allowing humans the luxury to choose work for pleasure rather than necessity.

Musk stated, “If you want to do a job as kinda like a hobby, you can do a job, but otherwise, the AI and robots will provide any goods and services that you want.” This prospect undoubtedly raises concerns about human purpose in an increasingly automated world.

The Broader Implications for Society

Moreover, Musk articulates a belief that the transformative advancements in AI and robotics could potentially address significant socio-economic issues, such as the U.S. debt crisis, implying that their integration into the economy is vital. The vision Musk presents could radically alter work-life dynamics, rendering traditional employment structures as antiquated relics of a bygone era.

In summary, Musk’s bold assertion that universal high income will replace the conventional need to save money reflects his long-standing views on the disruptive power of technology. However, as we stand on the precipice of such possibilities, crucial discussions surrounding the implications for individual purpose, work, and economic stability must continue.