Billionaire technocrat Elon Musk envisions a radical societal transformation within the next 10 to 20 years, driven by the advancements he foresees in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Musk believes that if these advancements fructify, the need to save for retirement will become obsolete, as an abundant society will comprehensively meet all healthcare, housing, and income requirements. During an appearance on the 'Moonshots with Peter Diamandis' podcast, Musk conveyed his optimism, stating, "In 10 or 20 years, you won't need to save for retirement. If any of the things that we've said are true, saving for a retirement will be irrelevant." He expressed confidence that the future will be extraordinary, with AI and robots facilitating "sustainable abundance."

Addressing concerns about jobs, healthcare, and the cost-of-living, Musk predicted a future characterized by "universal high income" and a potential for social unrest when all human desires are satisfied. He described himself as "optimistic," asserting, "I think we're going to end up beyond abundance — beyond what people possibly could think of as abundance. AI and robots will saturate all human desire." Within the same 10-20 year timeframe, Musk anticipates that AI will surpass the combined intelligence of humanity and take over more than half of today's jobs. Nevertheless, he frames this as an optimistic outlook, where robots performing work will significantly increase productivity and lead to reduced prices for goods and services. He suggested these advancements could result in productivity gains so substantial they would exceed "what people possibly could think of as abundance," leading to "an abundant world, massive amounts of compute, universal high income. Like universal — you can have whatever you want — income. That's really what it amounts to."

Musk has previously articulated these views, noting in an October social media post that AI and robots will replace all jobs, making human work optional. He stated, "AI and robots will replace all jobs. Working will be optional, like growing your own vegetables, instead of buying them from the store." Furthermore, in an interview with United States Senator Ted Cruz, Musk elaborated that in the future, goods and services will become nearly free of cost. He explained, "It's not as though people will be wanting in terms of goods and services. You have tens of billions of robots that will make you anything or provide any service you want for basically next to nothing." Musk clarified that this future would not result in a lower standard of living; rather, people would experience a "much higher standard of living." He concluded by identifying the central challenge in this abundant future: "The challenge will be fulfilment. How do you derive fulfilment and meaning in life?"