Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

So one of the interesting perspectives I ran across recently said basically that "industrialization destroyed a whole class of jobs leaving millions of workers with no further economic role ever. But those workers were horses."


... and which way do you take that; that, because we're not horses, we're ok? Or, that horse-skilled people can indeed be left out forever?

(It's possible; see this on the US' Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

http://thelastpsychiatrist.com/2010/11/the_terrible_awful_tr...)


The latter basically. Technology wiped out the work of horses, so there's no reason it can't move up the "skills ladder" and wipe out more skilled employees.


Very interesting. Are you suggesting horses play the part of Tyler Cowen's Zero Marginal Product workers in the Industrial Revolution?

http://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2010/07/zer...

Also, if you remember where you saw that point specifically, I'd love to read it.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2026 batch! Applications are open till July 27.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: