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He’s making the same argument I’ve heard software developers make for the past 3 years. Lawyers are saying similar types of things. Knowledge work isn’t as special as we all thought it was. Now, it’s Terence Tao’s turn to go through the same motions we’ve had to go through over the past few years.

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I never went through them.

I did not think my ability to write code was special, and I was always thrilled the clankers might do it for me.

But yes, I agree. And many are in line behind Tao, soon to have their turn.

Plumbers are feeling pretty good right now.

Until we design fittings and fixtures that just snap together. This has already happened to some extent in the construction trades. It doesn't outright replace labor but it reduces the labor content of trade work. It's a myth that automation can't replace labor.

> Plumbers are feeling pretty good right now.

Until their job market is flooded with all the career switchers.

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