Basil Halperin, assistant professor of economics at the University of Virginia, rejects the notion that individuals can escape an AGI-driven permanent underclass by comparing it to pre-conquest historical scenarios

— Chris Painter called the view inconsistent and a meme urged escape within two years.

Original post

CP#1092@CHRISPAINTERYUPOPBHBasil Halperin|@BASILHALPERIN

"Trying to escape the permanent underclass" is like an Incan trying to save enough money to escape Pizarro, sorry -- Either the political system works (and there is nothing to escape) or you're just screwed ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

10:32 AM · May 18, 2026 View on X