I would like to say that I am a simple man but let's be honest here... Sometimes the way I behave can only be termed as simplistic. So here are my naive thoughts on UBI.
It appears that the need for a universal basic income or UBI is not only apparent but also immediate in many parts of the world. On the other hand the very idea that people should be paid ‘just because’ has become a hotly contested debate for last several years. In fact countries like Finland have already applied this model on a restricted scale and tested the waters for UBI. The results of such experiments have been interesting, to say the least.
Those who oppose the UBI mostly do so for a multitude of reasons. One such reason is – with ‘free’ money that is guaranteed to support people for life, they would lose the motivation to work. Without motivation the productivity of the society would plummet and not to mention that the lives of people might actually become less satisfying. Others say that the financial resources of the world will not be able to bear the load of paying each and every human being on Earth without an equivalent return (in form of work or services from an individual).
…….. These are all regular arguments that are used to oppose the idea of UBI.
Although I do think the all these arguments hold some merit, but I also believe that they are too short-sighted. These arguments assume that people work just to earn enough money to get by. The problem with this is that mankind by nature is inescapably greedy. Unlike the popular belief, greed can actually be quite the motivator. Humans fulfil their needs but it is their deepest desires that they actually pursue relentlessly. Do you think that I am being a hedonist? Not quite.
My own reasons for not being pro UBI are much more simple. I just think that people need to earn their place in society. Earning an income is part of that journey or rather one of the first steps of that journey. Through that our pursuits have the potential to be converted from hedonism to dignified and positive human actions.
I will also add that I find a certain merit in the idea of UBI being implemented in interim periods – Such as a crisis or a place that has no work due the off-season unemployment, etc.
In the end I will add that debates can quickly deteriorate to squabbles if we do not conduct them with discipline and an understanding of human nature. The good guys will keep fighting the good fight but it is important to remember that all of them might not have the same goals in mind.
PS: I have applied for some UBI crypto token airdrops before, so you can just overlook the hypocrisy ;-)