I think that the experiments in a minimum monthly income have a lot of promise. Studies so far have shown that the majority of people don’t stop working or work less if provided with a “living wage” level of income regardless of working status.
Think of the possibilities for economic and cultural growth that would be unlocked in the US economy if people could freely choose to start companies, volunteer full time for causes they are passionate about, study advanced subjects, perform research or create art, music, and other “poorly paying occupations” because they are not constrained by simple needs like food, rent and medical care which drive so many people into dead end jobs.
And when you think of how much the government could be simplified with a simple VAT system combined with sending everybody a check every month. So many departments dedicated to social support, food stamps, etc, etc, etc. could all go away. Yes it does smell a little like socialism of some sort, but it isn’t really. It is a government providing the basics to free up the market from base level friction and allow people to determine their own fates. Want to couch potato 24/7 in a small apartment — fine. That’s cheaper to society than you living under a bridge and begging. Many other people would be freed to do great things.
