RE: [WIP] Universal Basic Income
I have an allegory to illustrate the issue of UBI. Imagine that there was a group of people in a lifeboat. In order for everyone to survive, everybody has to work. There can be no ‘lazy folk’, for if there were it would mean the end of them all.
Then, one day, they make it to an island. It is an island abundant with resources, more than enough to sustain the group for the rest of their lives. But the group have gotten so used to having to work that they refuse to let anyone access the abundance all around them unless they ‘earn’ it.
What had been an essential philosophy in their past existence has now become an impediment to making the most of their current situation.
I think this sums up the real life issue of UBI. Once upon a time everybody had to submit to labour in order for society to survive, but those days are coming to an end. If we continue to believe that everyone must have a job when they actually don’t, we’ll probably end up inventing bullshit jobs rather than just freeing people to enjoy the abundance that collectively-built technologies have made possible.
I really like your example; it's apt and a lot more concise than I could have put it, while also painting a tangible picture for people who might not care to learn about all the technology behind this metaphorical island full of resources. A great "tl;dr" way of putting it all.
Speaking of imagery, that actually gives me an idea; maybe I should add some political cartoon style images that highlight the main message of each section.
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I was expecting if anyone did reply, it would be trolling.
I do feel like were in a point where the rich are too greedy to even maintain the level of bullshit busywork jobs needed to sustain the population, as evidenced by the stock buybacks instead of job creation from the recent tax cuts.