How to Do More with Less

9The Future of Commerce

Qualityland

If you ever want to get a taste of what the future is like, read Qualityland. It's like reading 10 episodes of Black Mirror in a book, because these new technologies are all happening simultaneously.

Here are some traits of this land:

• Predictive Algorithms: The society is run by predictive algorithms that suggest (or rather, decide) everything for the citizens, from whom they should date to what products they should purchase.
• No Returns: The shops in QualityLand use predictive algorithms to send people products they haven't ordered, but the system believes they'll need. And because the algorithm is “always right,” there's no return policy.
• Government in QualityLand: Because power corrupts and humans cannot control themselves, the prime minister is a robot, run by an algorithm known as “The System” but also has a human King, a symbolic figurehead whose main job is to entertain citizens. (Funnily enough, in 2025, Albania just instigated its first AI minister for large procurement contracts to combat corruption in the country.)
• Relationships and Dating: “The System” matches individuals for relationships based on compatibility predictions.
• Ranking: Everyone in QualityLand is ranked based on their achievements, abilities, and socio-economic factors. They are divided into classes named after metals, such as Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Your class determines your quality of life.
• Job Assignments: The job you hold is determined by the system's evaluation ...