Hi Everyone,
As you may (but probably do not) know is that I have a passion for progress, the future, and humanity's march towards truth in the universe. I believe we are all on this planet in order to raise our collective social consciousness towards the truth, and that every action we take must take us closer to truth. Because of this, I spend a great deal of time thinking about what the next steps are in our journey to enlightenment, and how we can get there. The more I read and meditate on this idea, the more I become convinced that strong marriage between capitalism and socialism is key, and should be the next step we take.
With our quick rate of technological advances, I do not think it would be unreasonable to surmise that we will be in need of a universal income within our lifetimes. Many "jobs" in the United States today are essentially repetitive actions, and computers are much more efficient at said actions. This means that a large portion of society's current professions will be replaced by automation. Those that are gainfully employed will be valued for their ability to create value through one - off projects, projects that require them to do something new and interesting every time. These kinds of people will be the minority and in high demand, and the market will shift to favor them more and more, but what about the rest of us?
Meanwhile we have a system that values "growth", because capitalism needs constant growth to provide value, but much of this growth is actually just acquisitions and cutting employee wages, there is no real genius behind them, and that is where socialism steps in to assist capitalism - to lend a helping hand. If a large portion of society could be freed from the shackles of traditional employment, the creativity that lives in each one of us could be explored and exploited for actual growth and gains. Imagine if you did not need to stay at your employer for healthcare because the state provided a healthcare option that you could buy into independently? You could actually work part time and work on that book/software/return system you've been thinking about. You could spend more time in your community, with family, with friends, you could care for sick loved ones, unfettered by the demands of current day corporate America, and society would reap the benefits of a happier, healthier, more engaged society. Some of these people would also solve problems in society to great monetary rewards, and that too, would be a benefit. Real growth, real profit, that is the next step, and that is why capitalism and socialism need each other.