A growing trend in AI startups is the adoption of extreme working hours, akin to the previously banned "996" work pattern, with companies like Cognition and Replit expecting employees to work 80+ hours a week. Despite the risks of burnout and declining productivity, the urgency to achieve Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) drives this culture, as founders aim for rapid success and substantial financial rewards. However, the sustainability of such work patterns remains questionable, as history suggests that long hours do not always correlate with success in the tech industry.

Armin Ronacher critiques the demanding 996 work culture, arguing that it is unsustainable and detrimental to personal well-being. He emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, advocating for productivity measured by output rather than hours worked. Ronacher believes that promoting such intense work schedules can lead to burnout and should be challenged.

The article discusses the paradox of AI technology, which was intended to reduce work but has instead led to increased work hours and psychological pressure to remain productive. It highlights the emergence of a 996 work culture in the tech industry, driven by the relentless capabilities of AI tools, and argues that this trend fosters a mindset where rest is viewed as inefficiency rather than a necessity for creativity and well-being. The author calls for a cultural shift towards recognizing the importance of downtime in maintaining our humanity and fostering true innovation.

The concept of "996" work culture, characterized by long hours and hard work, is often a sign of weakness rather than strength, indicating a lack of innovative ideas or leverage. Successful individuals and companies find ways to create value without excessive effort, emphasizing the importance of insight, strategy, and product-market fit over mere toil. Ultimately, reliance on sheer effort can lead to burnout and inefficiency, as true progress comes from working smarter, not harder.