Garry Tan Predicts AGI Will Offer Choice: Enhanced Ambition or Leisure

Garry Tan, CEO of Y Combinator, recently shared his perspective on the transformative potential of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), asserting that its full realization will present humanity with a fundamental choice: to "relax" or to "work harder on bigger more ambitious things than you ever thought possible." This statement, made on social media, underscores a growing debate within the tech community about AGI's societal impact, particularly on the future of work and human endeavor.

Tan's vision suggests a future where AGI acts as a powerful enabler, multiplying human capabilities and allowing for unprecedented levels of achievement. This aligns with broader discussions within Y Combinator, where the accelerator has explored how AI redefines work rather than eliminating it. A Y Combinator video featuring Tan, titled "What Everyone Is Getting Wrong About AI And Jobs," argues that technology historically creates new demands and opportunities, citing Jevons' paradox.

The "work harder" aspect of Tan's tweet is further echoed in his previous statements, such as one from January 2025, where he urged individuals not to "just lie flat on the ground because AGI is here and ASI is coming." He emphasized that AGI will "multiply your hands" and empower individuals to bring their ideas into the world, guiding the future with their agency and taste. This perspective highlights AGI as a tool for augmenting human potential and fostering innovation.

While the "relax" option implies a future with increased leisure or potentially a reduced need for traditional labor, often linked to concepts like Universal Basic Income (UBI), Tan's emphasis tends towards ambitious pursuits. However, the choice itself acknowledges the potential for AGI to automate many tasks, freeing up human time. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, in a conversation with Tan, has also discussed the rapid advancements in AI, noting that "the path to AGI is clearer than ever" and predicting that AI agents will perform tasks akin to "junior employees," further hinting at a shift in the nature of work.

The debate around AGI's dual impact on work and leisure continues to evolve, with leaders like Tan and Altman advocating for a proactive approach to harnessing its power for human advancement. Their insights suggest a future where AGI fundamentally reshapes societal structures, offering individuals unprecedented freedom in how they choose to engage with the world.