Hmnnn.... interesting article. Interesting theory. I'd like to see the theory tested in a live population. But that probably won't happen. Or has it already? Having worked with what we might call "the lower classes" for a few decades I can assure you that most of these folks who make a career out of milking the government system for money have no intention or desire to develop skills and talents or a spiritual life. However, I think the day of a basic wage or annual income will be here soon simply because so many people will be displaced by bots.

As far as the "dignity" issue, I think there is another root to investigate, namely since humanities earliest days when we were living in small clans, larger extended family groups, villages, etc., it was essential that all community members worked, had a niche, had a means to provide for oneself and by so doing advanced the strength and survivability of the group. Your value to the clan or community depended upon the nature of the service, work, or trade you brought to the community. People who offered nothing, who did not work, who did not contribute had very little value and very little sense of self respect or pride and were often given the boot, so to speak. Throughout the ages if one did not work one died. Simple as that. And this was standard issue long before banksters showed up. If a man was a blacksmith, for instance, one Did have a sense of pride and value, and if fortunate was able to hand that down to a son.

There is a greater issue here, one that might actually be aided by a universal income, namely the endemic need for humans to have a sense of purpose and meaning. Perhaps, as you suggest, people will have, and take the opportunity to develop interests and talents and spiritual practice. I know I would. But like I mentioned above, many have no desire for any self-improvement. The motivation (survival) frankly is gone.

But lets run a little test. What would happen if everyone now on Steemit were to receive a basic income sufficient enough so that they could live off of it in "real life". I'm betting that the entire system would collapse in a matter of days. Can you imagine a newbie or minnow continuing to work for pennies? One good thing would occur though: spam would disappear.

Anyway, appreciate your post. This is an issue we must face and discuss sooner than later. You're open to consider other opinions in the search for the best path possible, aren't you?