A World Without Work

by Daniel Susskind
A World Without Work cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Business and Economics
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  • ID: 2684
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780241321102
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2020-01-14
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

A World Without Work by Daniel Susskind delves into the transformative impact of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, on the future of employment. Susskind argues that unlike past technological revolutions, AI poses a real threat of widespread job displacement, affecting tasks from medical diagnostics to legal contracts. The book explores how society can harness this technological progress to create unprecedented prosperity and address one of humanity's oldest challenges: ensuring everyone has enough to live on. /n/n The challenge lies in distributing this wealth fairly, regulating the power of Big Tech, and finding meaning beyond work. Susskind offers a visionary yet pragmatic approach to thriving in a world where work is no longer the center of our lives, making this book a crucial read for understanding the future of labor and society.

Reviews
Forbes · George Calhoun · 2021-07-28
insightful 3.50

The book excels in diagnosing the problems of automation but falls short in providing robust solutions. Despite this, it's a valuable read.

George Calhoun from Forbes highlights that Daniel Susskind's book is particularly strong in its analysis of the issues caused by automation and the future of work. They note that the book's solutions are weaker compared to its diagnosis of the problems. However, Calhoun still recommends the book for its insightful exploration of the challenges ahead. They appreciate the book's ability to spark important conversations about the future of employment and society.

Quick quotes

    Overall, the what-to-do part of Susskind's analysis is much weaker than the what-is-wrong part.

    But still – buy the book.

    The book is particularly strong in its analysis of the issues caused by automation and the future of work.

Human Future of Work · 2020-05-24
comprehensive 4.50

The book is well-structured and full of interesting anecdotes and research. It provides a clear and engaging exploration of the future of work.

The reviewer from Human Future of Work praises Daniel Susskind's book for its clarity and engaging presentation. They appreciate the well-structured format and the inclusion of interesting anecdotes and research references. The book is seen as a valuable resource for understanding the impact of technology on the future of work. The reviewer finds the arguments convincing and the exploration of the topic both comprehensive and accessible.

Quick quotes

    The book is clear, well-structured and full of interesting anecdotes, references to research and, as it could not be otherwise coming from an Oxford economist.

    It provides a valuable resource for understanding the impact of technology on the future of work.

    The arguments are convincing and the exploration of the topic both comprehensive and accessible.

The Guardian · John Naughton · 2020-01-09
thought-provoking 4.00

The book presents a compelling argument about the future of work, though it leaves some questions about solutions unanswered. The analysis is thorough and thought-provoking.

John Naughton from The Guardian finds Daniel Susskind's exploration of the future of work both compelling and unsettling. They appreciate the depth of research and the clear presentation of how automation will impact jobs. However, they feel the book could have delved deeper into potential solutions to the challenges posed by a world without work. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that will make you reconsider the role of work in society. Naughton acknowledges that while Susskind's solutions are not entirely novel, they are worth considering and discussing.

Quick quotes

    Susskind wonders in the final pages whether the academics and commentators who write fearfully about a world with less work are just scaremongering.

    The book is a compelling and unsettling exploration of the future of work.

    Susskind’s analysis is thorough and thought-provoking, but the solutions offered are not entirely novel.

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