Inventing the Future by Nick Srnicek Summary

Inventing the Future critiques neoliberalism’s failures and advocates for a post-work society through full automation, universal basic income (UBI), and shorter workweeks. Authors Nick Srnicek and Alex Williams argue for reimagining technology’s role to liberate humanity from labor, expand political possibilities, and create a equitable, postcapitalist world.

This book is ideal for policymakers, activists, and readers interested in political economy, automation’s societal impact, or alternatives to capitalism. It appeals to those exploring topics like UBI, post-work theory, or strategies for systemic change beyond traditional "folk politics".

Yes—its analysis of automation, neoliberalism, and labor remains critically relevant amid AI advancements and shifting labor markets. The book’s vision for repurposing technology and redefining work offers actionable insights for addressing contemporary economic challenges.

“Folk politics” refers to localized, short-term activism focused on direct action rather than systemic transformation. Srnicek and Williams argue this approach is inadequate for dismantling global capitalism, urging instead for scalable, visionary strategies to reshape societal structures.

The book outlines three pillars:

• Full automation to eliminate unnecessary labor.
• Shorter workweeks to redistribute remaining work equitably.
• Universal basic income to decouple survival from wages.

The Overton Window—the range of politically acceptable ideas—is central to expanding post-work advocacy. The authors stress reshaping public discourse through media, culture, and policy to normalize concepts like UBI and automation.

It advocates democratizing technology to prioritize social good over profit. Examples include public investment in green energy and AI systems designed for collective benefit, challenging corporate control of innovation.

Critics argue its vision is overly utopian or dismissive of grassroots movements. Others question the feasibility of rapid automation or UBI implementation. Supporters praise its bold rethinking of labor and techno-optimism.

The book connects systemic critiques to intersectional struggles, urging solidarity across race, gender, and class lines. It encourages movements to pair immediate demands with long-term visions for structural change.

• “The future isn’t working”: Highlights capitalism’s failure to provide stable employment.
• “A post-work world is not a utopia”: Emphasizes achievable steps toward liberation from labor.

While Platform Capitalism analyzes tech monopolies’ economic power, Inventing the Future focuses on solutions—using technology to dismantle capitalism and create post-work systems. Both emphasize restructuring labor and ownership.

As AI accelerates job displacement, the book’s frameworks for UBI, automation ethics, and democratic tech governance provide critical tools for addressing inequality and redefining work in an AI-driven economy.