In the YouTube video titled “AGI Will Freeze the Economy,” aired on September 23, 2025, Matthew Berman explores the potential societal impact of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). He questions whether such advancements could lead to a permanent underclass, particularly if human labor becomes valueless. Berman highlights the growing investments by AI companies into server farms, asserting that the new currency of value will be compute power. A key takeaway is the possibility that once achieved, AGI could replicate talent indefinitely, placing capital owners in positions of power. The video effectively uses studies, like Stanford’s paper “Canaries in the Coal Mine,” to back Berman’s claims about the diminishing availability of entry-level positions due to AI. While Berman presents a concerning scenario, he provides an optimistic perspective by discussing the possible implementation of policies like Universal Basic Income (UBI). Supporters of UBI, such as Elon Musk and Sam Altman, suggest it could alleviate issues by providing financial security. However, Berman critically examines potential counterarguments, acknowledging concerns about UBI potentially causing inflation. Further optimism is drawn from the concept of “job augmentation,” where humans will still play roles, ensuring AI doesn’t replace human labor entirely. Berman’s interviews with figures like Aaron Levy of Box support this by suggesting AI’s integration could lead to new opportunities and job creation. In a broader sense, Berman concludes that while the transition to AGI will shift job landscapes, these changes might not spell doom but rather foster a new era of entrepreneurial and creative pursuits, as AI increases productivity across sectors. Ultimately, Berman envisions a future where AI contributes to societal abundance and innovation.