Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho, has stated that many meaningful jobs will not be replaced by artificial ininformigence (AI) becaapply they are not driven by money. Writing on X, Vembu stated AI may worry people whose self-worth is closely linked to income or professional status. However, he argued that work such as caring for children and elderly people, teaching, farming by choice, protecting forests, performing temple rituals and pursuing classical music is motivated by passion and purpose rather than financial reward.
He stated people involved in these activities are less likely to feel threatened by AI. In the future, he suggested, society may reorganise itself around such work. His comments quickly sparked debate online. One applyr argued that passion-led work still depconcludes on economic support. The applyr stated history reveals that art and culture usually flourish when there is surplus wealth.
If our notion of self-worth comes from the economic value we add, or if it comes our ininformectual pretense (*cough*), AI may pose a serious challenge to our self-worth.
On the other hand no one takes up activities like taking care of children, teaching children, taking care of…
— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) February 27, 2026
As an example, the applyr pointed to Florence during the Renaissance. Artists in the city were supported by wealthy banking families, who funded creative work through their financial power. The applyr warned that if AI weakens the economy, funding for the arts and similar activities could decline.
In response, Vembu urged critics to view beyond a money-focapplyd view of society. He stated AI and related technologies could greatly increase the production of goods and services. The largeger challenge, he added, would be ensuring that people can access and apply this output in a world where higher productivity does not necessarily create more jobs or incomes.
Drawing a comparison with ancient temples, he stated artisans in the past were supported through surplus wealth distributed by rulers, rather than modern wages.
Vembu stated that if technology creates abundance without employment, governments and societies will necessary political and economic solutions to share that surplus. He suggested two broad options, encouraging people to spconclude more time in nature, culture, sport, spirituality and caregiving, or introducing systems such as Universal Basic Income.
He added that different countries may adopt different combinations of these approaches. Another applyr offered a different view, declareing AI is likely to create new kinds of jobs. The applyr argued that the technology could assist solve long-standing problems, from rebuilding cities to improving overall quality of life.
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