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AI Elites May Hoard Intelligence Like Mercantilists Hoarded Gold

By PulseAugur Editorial · [1 sources] ·

Venkatesh Rao draws a parallel between the fear of AI-driven job displacement and historical mercantilism, where elites sought to hoard resources. He suggests that AI might actually increase the demand for human cognitive abilities, similar to how early capitalism spurred greater voluntary labor. AI

IMPACT Suggests AI could increase demand for human cognitive skills, countering fears of widespread job loss.

RANK_REASON Opinion piece comparing AI fears to historical economic theories.

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AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 1 sources. How we write summaries →

AI Elites May Hoard Intelligence Like Mercantilists Hoarded Gold

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Opinion piece comparing AI fears to historical economic theories.
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COVERAGE [1]

  1. The Decoder TIER_1 English(EN) · Manuel Uth ·

    AI elites might hoard intelligence like mercantilists hoarded gold

    <p><img alt="" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" height="768" src="https://the-decoder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/cognitive_mercantilism.png" style="height: auto; margin-bottom: 10px;" width="1376" /></p> <p> Engineer Venkatesh Rao compares the fear of AI job lo…

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