The renowned actor Sam Neill recently expressed his reservations about the increasing automation of everyday tasks, particularly within the grocery shopping experience.
During a video shared on Instagram this past Sunday, the 77-year-old star, best known for his role in “Jurassic Park,” voiced his preference for human interaction at supermarket checkouts. He stated, “Call me old-fashioned, but I refuse to check out my own groceries. I want a human being to assist me. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.”
Neill’s concern extends beyond personal preference; he believes the widespread adoption of self-checkout systems could have broader economic consequences.
As he explained, “Every time I check out something for myself, I’m doing someone out of a job. And if robots and self-serving is going to do all the work everywhere, who’s going to be buying the groceries at the checkout? It’s an old-fashioned question, but it’s a legitimate one.”
The actor’s perspective resonated with many fans, who quickly responded in the comments section.
- “Agree 100% and would like to add we need more human interactions to regain some of the empathy, kindness, compassion, and politeness that seem to be evaporating the last few years.”
- “Thank you Sam. People need to remember this. We want human contact and jobs for them not a machine.”
Neill’s candor isn’t limited to his views on technology; he has also been open about his health journey. In 2023, he publicly discussed his diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, describing it as “a fight for my life.” He underwent a period of intense chemotherapy which he described as stripping him of dignity.
Despite the challenging experience, Neill maintains a pragmatic outlook. “It’s not interesting to me,” he admitted when asked about his cancer battle. “I’m not interested in cancer. I’ve got other things on my mind.”
While initially reporting being in remission, Neill later addressed concerns stemming from a remark about the eventual failure of his treatment.
In a heartfelt message to his followers, he apologized for any worry caused by his earlier statement. “I made a passing remark that the treatment I’m on, which has me in remission, will inevitably fail one day. Well, that’s what happens.” He reassured them, “So please stop worrying. I’m getting a lot of messages… I’m sorry to worry everybody. It’s all good, it’s all fine.”
Concluding on a positive note, he added, “It’s a beautiful day, I’m off to work and look how gorgeous those geraniums are in the background.”
