Artificial intelligence is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, but one of the world’s best-known historians believes its long-term impact could fundamentally reshape civilization itself. Historian and author Yuval Noah Harari, whose bestselling books Sapiens and Homo Deus have influenced business leaders, policymakers, and technology executives around the world, warns that AI may eventually render large segments of humanity economically irrelevant, creating what he calls a “useless class.”
Harari argues that unlike previous industrial revolutions—which replaced human muscle while increasing demand for human intelligence—the AI revolution has the potential to outperform people in both physical and cognitive tasks. If that happens, millions or even billions of workers could find themselves displaced with few opportunities to compete against increasingly capable machines.
A Different Kind of Industrial Revolution
Throughout history, technological advances have displaced workers while simultaneously creating entirely new industries.
Harari acknowledges that predictions of mass technological unemployment have repeatedly failed over the past two centuries. However, he believes artificial intelligence represents a fundamentally different challenge.
Speaking to The Guardian, Harari compared today’s AI revolution to the famous fable of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.”
“I’m aware that these kinds of forecasts have been around for at least 200 years… But in the original story… the wolf actually comes, and I think that is true this time.”
According to Harari, AI systems no longer need to exceed human intelligence in every area. They simply need to perform specific tasks more efficiently and at lower cost than human workers.
The Rise of the “Useless Class”
Harari’s phrase “useless class” has generated widespread debate.
He emphasizes that the term is not a moral judgment about people’s worth, but rather a description of how future political and economic systems could view individuals whose labor is no longer needed.
Historically, governments depended upon citizens as workers, taxpayers, and soldiers.
If AI systems eventually perform many of those functions more effectively than humans, Harari argues existing economic models could assign significantly less practical value to large segments of society.
The concern extends beyond unemployment.
Harari questions whether entirely new professions will emerge quickly enough—or whether humans will outperform AI in those new careers.
Education May Need Constant Reinvention
One of Harari’s most striking predictions centers on education.
He argues that traditional schooling may no longer prepare students for careers lasting decades.
Instead, future workers could face a lifetime of continual retraining as technological advances accelerate.
According to Harari, many of today’s students may discover that much of what they learn during childhood becomes obsolete long before retirement.
Rather than mastering one profession, future generations may need to reinvent themselves repeatedly throughout their working lives.
AI’s Expanding Capabilities
Recent advances in artificial intelligence have fueled discussions surrounding automation.
Modern AI systems now assist with:
- Software development
- Medical image analysis
- Customer service
- Legal research
- Financial analysis
- Language translation
- Scientific research
- Content generation
While many experts believe AI will augment rather than replace most workers, others caution that certain occupations face significant disruption as the technology continues to improve.
Researchers continue to debate which professions are most resilient and which may undergo substantial transformation over the coming decades.
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The Search for Purpose
Harari argues that one of the greatest challenges may not be economic survival but human purpose.
If automation eventually provides society with abundant goods and services while reducing the need for human labor, governments may find ways to provide financial support.
The larger question, he suggests, is how individuals will find meaning in a world where employment is no longer central to daily life.
Harari speculates that some people could increasingly turn toward immersive virtual reality, digital entertainment, or pharmaceuticals in search of fulfillment, though he presents these as possible future scenarios rather than certain outcomes.
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AI Policy Becoming a Political Issue
Harari believes decisions surrounding artificial intelligence should not be left solely to technology companies or software engineers.
Instead, he argues governments, educators, businesses, and the public should actively participate in shaping policies governing AI development, safety standards, employment transitions, and education.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, lawmakers around the world continue debating regulations designed to balance innovation with public safety and economic stability.
Faith Perspective
Artificial intelligence raises profound questions about human identity, work, creativity, and purpose. Scripture teaches that every person possesses inherent dignity because humanity is created in the image of God—not because of economic productivity or technological usefulness. While innovation has long improved human life, many believers encourage careful discernment regarding technologies that could reshape relationships, employment, and society. Regardless of how advanced machines become, the biblical understanding of human worth rests in God’s creation and purpose rather than occupational value.
Conclusion
Whether Harari’s predictions ultimately prove accurate remains uncertain, but his warnings have become part of a growing global conversation surrounding artificial intelligence.
Supporters of rapid AI development believe the technology will unlock extraordinary medical, scientific, and economic advances. Critics warn that without thoughtful governance, AI could deepen inequality, disrupt labor markets, and challenge longstanding assumptions about work and human purpose.
As governments, businesses, and researchers race to develop increasingly powerful AI systems, one question continues to grow in importance: How can society harness the benefits of artificial intelligence while ensuring people remain at the center of the future it creates?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Yuval Noah Harari?
Yuval Noah Harari is an Israeli historian and bestselling author known for Sapiens, Homo Deus, and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century.
What does Harari mean by the “useless class”?
He uses the term to describe a hypothetical future in which many people become economically unnecessary because AI performs most valuable work more efficiently.
Does Harari believe AI will eliminate all jobs?
No. He argues that new jobs may emerge but questions whether humans will consistently outperform AI in those new professions.
Why does Harari think education will change?
He believes technological change will occur so rapidly that workers will need continuous learning and repeated career changes throughout their lives.
Is Harari’s prediction widely accepted?
No. His views are influential but remain one perspective within an ongoing debate. Many economists and AI researchers expect AI to transform jobs significantly, though they differ on the scale and pace of disruption.
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