The 21st Century's Emerging Inequality
MUMBAI, 13 October, 2015 -- The Asia Society India Centre welcomed Yuval Noah Harari, Lecturer, Department of History, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in conversation with Gaurav Gupta, Asia Director, Dalberg. The conversation explored the evolving concept of inequality between men and women, caste, and countries in the 21st century. Harari started with an introductory presentation to set the context for our attendees.
Inequality is a historical norm across the world. It is prevalent in all global cities, across Egypt, India, and China and quite frankly is seen as part of the natural order. Society is able to function successfully through inequality, although in the 20th century, gaps are gradually reducing. Humans have both physical and cognitive abilities however, it is the latter which will enhance human race. The first divide or inequality in human kind is seen through medical advances. Those who can afford it will use new medical technology until those become the norm. When the mass can access those healthcare luxuries at an affordable cost the affluent start to demand a new norm creating an encouraging cycle. The new inequality is creating a divide between a new upgraded elite and a new "useless" proletarian class.
The 20th century was for the masses, all human were valuable and each city needed their humans to progressive and move forward collectively. For example Britain would not be able to undergo the Industrial Revolution to become an economic and military super power if they did not take care of their population. Harari went on to say how algorithms and artificial intelligence will gradually account for over 40% of jobs in the near future, not only limited to blue collar jobs but doctors too. Over the last century machines have been replacing humans, although as time goes on, a new set of jobs are created for a new market that incudes technology. Artificial intelligence is so successful because an economy needs astuteness from an economic and military viewpoint, but they don’t need a conscious.
When asked about his thoughts on inequality, religion, and the way forward by Gupta, Harari went on to say religion will be prevalent now and in the near future. Society can’t exist unless we have something to believe in. However he sees a new religion manifesting in Silicon Valley and not based on any conservative religion. Silicon Valley is a religion, he acclaims, the ideas, creativity, and the new norms.
Video: Watch the complete program (1 hr., 28 min.)
Reported by: Maneka Chotirmall, Programme Assistant, Asia Society India Centre.
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