A World Without Work
Analysis of how automation may reshape paid work and policy
Ranked 6 of 12 in best career and future-of-work books
An economic argument about how automation could reduce paid work, with a focus on policy responses. Its forecasts are speculative, so it ranks below the empirical economics of The Second Machine Age.
Best for Automation, paid work and policy responses
About A World Without Work
Susskind asks how far technology and automation could reduce the amount of paid work people do, and what societies might do in response. The book is an economic argument about jobs, incomes and public policy rather than a guide to any one tool. Its subtitle makes the policy focus explicit, so readers should expect a discussion of responses as well as forecasts.
Penguin published the book in 2020, and Picador issued a paperback in 2021 with 336 pages. It reads as an argument, not a practical guide, and readers will need to judge its forecasts for themselves. It is best read next to The Second Machine Age and Prediction Machines, which cover related economic questions with more specific examples.
Key features
- Automation and paid work
- Economic change and incomes
- Policy responses
- Paperback from 2021
Strengths
- Focused on technology and the future of work
- Covers policy responses as well as forecasts
- Paperback edition from Picador
Limits
- Forecasts are speculative and contested
- Little practical advice for individual careers
Where A World Without Work ranks
How A World Without Work compares
| Product | Score | Price | Formats | Main angle | Best reader | Draws on research or data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#4 Range | 88.0 | Paid | Generalists and specialization | General readers and career changers | Yes | |
#5 So Good They Can't Ignore You | 87.0 | Paid | Career capital and skills | Early-career professionals | No | |
#6 A World Without Work | 86.5 | Paid | Automation and the future of paid work | Policy readers and economists | Yes | |
#7 Designing Your Life | 86.0 | Paid | Design thinking for careers | People making career or life decisions | No | |
#8 Mindset | 85.0 | Paid | Fixed and growth mindsets | Learners and people changing careers | Yes |
The full comparison table for best career and future-of-work books has all 12 products.
Alternatives to A World Without Work
All 11 alternatives
Co-IntelligenceEthan Mollick's practical guide to working alongside generative AI
The Second Machine AgeEconomic analysis of how digital technology affects work and prosperity
Prediction MachinesHow AI lowers the cost of prediction and what becomes more valuable- RangeDavid Epstein's case for broad experience over early specialization
- So Good They Can't Ignore YouCal Newport's argument for building rare skills over following passion
- Designing Your LifeDesign-thinking exercises for career and life decisions
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Questions about A World Without Work
- Is A World Without Work free?
- A World Without Work is a paid product (paid). Print editions sold by booksellers; price varies by seller.
- Which formats is A World Without Work available in?
- A World Without Work is offered as Print.
- What is A World Without Work best for?
- Automation, paid work and policy responses. In our ranking of career and future-of-work books it is number 6 of 12 with a score of 86.5.
- What are the best alternatives to A World Without Work?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Co-Intelligence, The Second Machine Age, Prediction Machines, Range.
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