Inventing the Future: Postcapitalism and a World Without Work is a compelling and provocative book by Nick Srnicek and Alex Williams, published in 2015. It challenges the entrenched norms of neoliberal capitalism and offers a vision of a future that transcends the limitations of the current economic system. The authors argue that the current state of capitalism, with its precarious work conditions, widening inequalities, and environmental degradation, is unsustainable. Instead, they propose an alternative vision rooted in the potential of technology and automation to create a post-work society.
The book is divided into two main parts. The first half is a critique of the present, focusing on what the authors call “folk politics.” This term refers to the fragmented, reactive, and localised forms of political engagement that have come to dominate leftist movements in recent decades. According to Srnicek and Williams, these forms of politics are insufficient to challenge the global and systemic nature of neoliberal capitalism. They argue that while grassroots movements and local activism are important, they often lack the strategic vision and scale necessary to enact meaningful change on a global level.
The authors trace the rise of neoliberalism, exploring how it came to dominate global politics and economics from the late 20th century onward. They highlight how neoliberalism has successfully embedded itself in our social, cultural, and political institutions, making it seem like the only viable economic system. This, they argue, is a testament to the strategic and coordinated efforts of neoliberal thinkers and policymakers, who have worked over decades to reshape the world in their image.
In contrast, the left has often been reactive, focusing on short-term goals and localised issues rather than developing a coherent and long-term vision for the future. Srnicek and Williams suggest that if the left is to challenge neoliberalism effectively, it must adopt a more ambitious and forward-thinking approach.
The second half of the book is dedicated to outlining this alternative vision, which they term “postcapitalism.” Central to this vision is the idea of a world without work, made possible by the widespread adoption of automation and artificial intelligence. Rather than viewing technological advancements as a threat to jobs and livelihoods, the authors argue that they should be embraced as tools for liberation. By automating mundane and repetitive tasks, we can free up time for individuals to pursue more meaningful and creative activities.
However, the transition to a post-work society requires more than just technological innovation. Srnicek and Williams propose a series of policy measures to facilitate this transition, including the implementation of a universal basic income (UBI), reduced working hours, and the decommodification of essential services such as healthcare and education. These policies, they argue, would provide economic security for all, while also reducing our reliance on traditional forms of employment.
Moreover, the authors stress the importance of a new leftist political strategy that is global in scope and ambitious in its goals. They advocate for the creation of a “counter-hegemonic project” that can challenge the dominance of neoliberalism and offer a compelling alternative vision for the future. This would involve not only policy changes but also a cultural shift that reimagines our relationship with work, leisure, and economic value.
Inventing the Future is a bold and thought-provoking book that challenges the status quo and offers a vision of a future beyond capitalism. Srnicek and Williams make a compelling case for why the left must move beyond reactive and localised politics and embrace a more ambitious and strategic approach if it is to create a world without work and build a fairer, more sustainable future.