lack of creativity in the case of the average thinker could just be a result of their mind-numbing jobs that they are currently in.
If people were more creative, why did they wind up in mind-numbing jobs? Einstein was a patent clerk so he had time to think.
For instance: Empathy.
Empathy is programmable as it reads environmental signals. It is only a matter of time. Compassion is likely the greater trait though as it comes with action to act to ease suffering without requiring a personal connection.
I foresee a switch to more jobs coming up in those areas as a result of AI.
At first I think you are right but it won't take long for an AI to create a better AI.
With the epidemic of depression that you talk about a logical result would be an increase in psychotherapists
Maybe the increase in psychotherapists are driving the depression rates ;)
We're all doomed!! :D