Universal income, of course, isn't a new idea. The most widely discussed version — universal basic income — involves providing every citizen with a regular cash payment, regardless of employment status or income.
Musk's proposal takes that concept a step further, suggesting not just a basic income to cover necessities, but a high level of income distributed broadly across society.
One of the biggest sticking points in proposals like this has traditionally been inflation. Critics often argue that injecting large amounts of money into the economy risks driving up prices, especially if demand rises faster than supply.
Musk, however, says that may not apply in this case.
"AI/robotics will produce goods & services far in excess of the increase in the money supply, so there will not be inflation," he wrote.
Some online responses have pushed back on the premise. One widely liked reply questioned whether abundance would dilute the value of money altogether, asking: "If money means nothing, what determines who gets the penthouse suite?"
Musk responded by doubling down on his vision of an AI-driven economy.
"AI/Robotics will mean everyone can have a penthouse if they want. The output of goods & services will be several orders of magnitude higher than today's economy," he said
