The New Economic Scarcities Are Surprisingly Human

In every industrial revolution, some key factor of production is drastically reduced in cost. Relative to the previous cost to achieve that function, the new factor is virtually free. Physical force in the industrial revolution became virtually free compared to its expense when it derived from animal muscle power and human muscle power. Suddenly you could do things you could not afford to do before…The whole economy had to reorganize itself to exploit this physical force. - George Gilder

It’s easy to overlook, but at the center of the current AI explosion is a relentless drive by Nvidia and others stakeholders to lower the cost of tokens. As Dane Vahey from OpenAI recently pointed out , this downhill cost curve is completely unprecedented, even by Silicon Valley standards! As tokens continue to become increasingly abundant and incredibly cheap, the scarcity equation in our economy is dramatically shifting.

With massive intelligence rapidly becoming widely and instantly available, other human-centric qualities will soar in value. George Gilder's insight—that we should massively waste what is suddenly abundant to solve for what is scarce—urges us to explore what has become increasingly rare in today's rapidly evolving landscape.

Here are several possible qualities that are becoming scarce and supremely valuable as AI-driven intelligence becomes massively abundant. For any humans reading this, the AI future is ripe with possibility!

1. Attention and Focus?? - Abundance of Data: With AI, the internet, and big data, we are inundated with information. What’s scarce? Attention. Individuals and companies that can focus deeply on their One Thing (as suggested in "The One Thing " by Gary Keller) achieve extraordinary results by ignoring distractions)

- Actionable Strategy: Cut out multitasking, focus on deep work, and leverage the power of single-tasking to hone your skills. Use AI tools like the calendar tool Motion to help dial into your most valuable tasks and plan your day for maximum focus!

2. Wisdom and Experience - Abundance of Knowledge: Intelligence systems can generate massive amounts of information and knowledge quickly, but what remains scarce is wisdom—the ability to make sound judgments based on experience and emotional intelligence.

- Actionable Strategy: Create mentorship systems (aligning with the CREW Team model ) to cultivate wisdom by pairing younger talent with seasoned experts. This will balance the rapid influx of intelligence with seasoned decision-making.

3. Time and Patience - Abundance of Speed: As everything moves faster with automation and AI, patience and the ability to develop long-term strategies become even more precious. While AI can optimize, patience is needed to cultivate relationships, personal growth, and career paths. Patience is also characterized by the ability to constantly say "No" to what looks good, in order to wait for what is great.

- Actionable Strategy: Leverage time-management principles like the 80/20 rule from 80/20 Sales and Marketing to focus on high-value activities while cultivating patience.

?4. Human Connection and Emotional Depth - Abundance of Connectivity: Despite widespread digital connection, genuine emotional connection has become increasingly rare. AI-driven conversations often lack the nuance of real human interactions.

- Actionable Strategy: Invest in fostering team dynamics and personal growth. Engage with deeper, face-to-face conversations to fill the gap where AI may lack empathy. Conferences, Zoom calls, and Meet-ups , etc. will become even more valuable for professional and personal impact. Adjust your budgets and priorities accordingly.

5. Creativity and Innovation - Abundance of Efficiency: As machines handle repetitive tasks and generate predictive outcomes, the need for creative problem-solving and genuine innovation grows. Intelligence is abundant, but human creativity remains vital to pushing boundaries.

- Actionable Strategy: Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration and risk-taking, leveraging the Courage to Risk principle in the CREW model. Take the bold, creative paths that machines can’t yet predict or replicate.

?6. Meaning and Purpose - Abundance of Automation: With increased automation, meaningful work becomes a scarcity. Humans thrive on purpose and significance, which machines cannot provide.

- Actionable Strategy: Follow frameworks like "Remember Your Future Self " that help to build purpose and momentum. Prioritize work that contributes to long-term goals and a sense of fulfillment.

In summary, as intelligence and technology become abundant, human-led wisdom, creativity, attention, emotional connection, patience, and meaning will become increasingly scarce. To thrive, align with these scarcities—develop human-centric qualities, focus on deep work, and engage in meaningful relationships and pursuits.

In a world of AI token super abundance, remember: Focus. Wisdom. Patience. Emotional Connection. Creativity. Purpose.

These are the new and massively valuable scarcities — develop them to thrive.