In a recent post, Shridhar Vembu raised a striking observation: if machines and automated systems begin to produce not only physical goods but also software and services, then employment, particularly for wage earners—will decline. With falling employment comes reduced purchasing power, ultimately compelling companies to lower prices to a point where even the unemployed can afford their offerings. This creates a systemic feedback loop—automation reduces employment, which reduces demand, which in turn pressures producers to reimagine value.
He further noted that software engineering itself will be fully automated in the near future. The implication? Many products and services derived from software development—once considered premium intellectual outputs—could become virtually free.
This isn't just speculative commentary. We are witnessing a macro-level shift where automation targets tasks traditionally seen as high-skill and cognitively demanding: coding, computing, data aggregation, analytics, and even aspects of research. The value chain is clearly migrating. Humans of the 21st century will need to engage in continuous learning, re-learning, and unlearning—not as a luxury, but as a survival imperative to maintain relevance and purchasing power in a world rapidly being reshaped by machines.
Historically, the concentration of wealth has always followed the locus of productive capacity. In ancient times, it was with warlords and kings commanding armies. In the agrarian era, it moved to landlords and productive farmers. The industrial revolution handed the reins to factory owners and engineers. Then came the era of services, finance, and information technology. Now, with AI, we're witnessing another shift—perhaps the most disruptive of all—where intelligent automation could redefine what it means to create and exchange value.
This raises a deeply personal and societal question: What must a human do to survive with dignity? Our basic needs remain consistent—nutritious food, clean clothing, and warm shelter. Either we produce these ourselves, or we must earn the means to obtain them. Society, however, operates on a currency of exchange: you must give something back to receive what you need. That's the cycle of economics, rooted in contribution and reciprocity.
Hyper-consumerism and wealth concentration are intimately linked. In the past, fortunes were amassed through conquest and territorial dominance. Today, they're accumulated through algorithms and markets. While the tools have changed, the dynamics of accumulation remain. The difference is that now, consumerism itself may falter. As automation replaces more jobs, disposable income may shrink, especially for the middle class, forcing society to reevaluate consumption patterns. At its extreme, the economy could contract to essentials.
And yet, humans have never simply settled for the essentials. At every turning point in civilization, we've created anew—tools, systems, arts, and technologies that extend beyond basic survival. If AI marks a closing chapter for some traditional roles, it also opens a new page for others. The story of progress is still being written—and we are the ones who must decide how it continues.
Originally published on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/software-engineering-ai-future-human-value-gunjan-sharma-ztovf/ | Published: June 7, 2025