If you're interested in learning more

Preprint: arxiv.org/abs/2507.05561

Project page: cogscikid.com/preplay

Code + Data: github.com/KempnerInsti...

1/2 the problem is demand-driven labor/"jobs"

the other half is picking skills to grow in

UBI (as your article points out) can give the breathing room for growth

but the space of skills to learn (and the economic "demands" for lab) will be vast and opaque

Love the question.

"jobs" where people contribute to society are one way people commonly get "purpose"

I assume that a world with a dramatically different labor market will be one where people will need to reimagine how they contribute to society

fair. that's an important part of the social welfare solution.

bearish on UBI unless it's coupled with a tool to help people find activities that give them meaning/purpose

So when we need to incorporate this knowledge into decision-making, there really is no replacing humans

Even in conversation, we constantly use knowledge we can't explain. Sensing emotional undercurrents in someone's voice. Knowing when to pause. Feeling when someone needs encouragement versus honesty.

Right now, LLMs have little to no access to this knowledge

Same with dancing - the rhythm in your body, reading your partner's movements. Or coffee tasting - not just "bitter" or "smooth," but the complex flavors that build a sommelier's expertise.

How do you teach ice skating through text? "Bend your knees, shift forward, arms out for balance." But what about the feel of the blade catching ice? The micro-adjustments your body makes? The sensation of momentum?

maybe me?