The text is a book excerpt from "The AI Economy: Work, Wealth and Welfare in the Age of the Robot" by Roger Bootle. Bootle explores the potential economic impact of artificial intelligence (AI), examining its effects on employment, growth, and income distribution. He argues that AI will not necessarily lead to mass unemployment, but rather will transform the nature of work, creating new jobs while displacing others. Bootle also discusses the need for government intervention to address the ethical, legal, and social implications of AI, including the potential for increased inequality and the need for education reform. He concludes with a reflection on the broader philosophical implications of AI, particularly regarding the nature of human consciousness and the future of humanity.