Tom Friedman has apparently entered a comical Write Like Tom Friedman cometition.
Holy tobasco.
It’s hard to have a conversation today with any worker, teacher, student or boss who doesn’t tell you some version of this: More things seem to be changing in my world than ever before, but I can’t quite put my finger on it, let alone know how to adapt. So let me try to put my finger on it: We now live in a 401(k) world — a world of defined contributions, not defined benefits — where everyone needs to pass the bar exam and no one can escape the most e-mailed list.
Tom?
Thomas?
Could you, please...
Not put your finger exactly there, in public?
And please allow me to tell you where to stick that finger?
If you are self-motivated, wow, this world is tailored for you. The boundaries are all gone. But if you’re not self-motivated, this world will be a challenge because the walls, ceilings and floors that protected people are also disappearing. That is what I mean when I say “it is a 401(k) world.” Government will do less for you. Companies will do less for you. Unions can do less for you. There will be fewer limits, but also fewer guarantees. Your specific contribution will define your specific benefits much more. Just showing up will not cut it.
You will be increasingly robbed and exploited by utterly unaccountable corporate rentiers, who will make you fervently believe your humiliating subordination is your own stupid fault because you never got off your ass and designed some horseshit phone app.
After all... are there not poorhouses MOOCs?