A new paper, “Some Simple Economics of AGI,” is making the rounds—so we sat down with author Christian Catalini (MIT Crypto Economics Lab) and Eddy Lazzarin (CTO of a16z crypto), in conversation with Robert Hackett, to unpack what AGI could mean for work and markets.
A hot paper — "Some Simple Economics of AGI" — has been making the rounds, so we sat down with the author, covering:
Featuring Christian Catalini (founder of MIT Crypto Economics Lab) and Eddy Lazzarin (CTO of a16z crypto) in conversation with Robert Hackett, our discussion dives deep into how automation is reshaping labor markets, as well as the nature of intelligence.
What do these changes mean for startups, the future of work, and your career?
Highlights
00:00 Introduction
01:47 AGI economics optimism and playbook
05:39 Agents as coworkers
07:39 Software work becomes verification
10:47 Automation versus verification
12:03 "Unknown unknowns" and taste
16:27 Human augmentation and intent
17:55 The "AI Sandwich" and "Codifier's Curse"
21:54 "Meaning-makers" and the human touch
23:48 Crypto for identity and trust?
27:10 Measurability: How to think about it
33:23 Machine coordination and art after automation
35:46 Trojan horse risks
37:47 Liability and insurance
41:08 Crypto and verification
44:31 A hollow vs. augmented economy
49:45 Career advice in the AI era
51:26 The one-person billion-dollar startup
57:15 Open-source as antibodies
58:42 Blockchains for coordination
01:01:49 Closing thoughts
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