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am_Unition  ·  3230 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Ask Hubski: What would you do with your free time if you didn't have to work?

I'm one of those assholes who would actually keep working their job because I was stupid lucky enough to land something that engages me and matches with my particular types of intelligence. Honestly, I'd probably just end up working the same amount that I do now, but I'd ditch every bit of paperwork and focus on more educational/technical pursuits.

Luckily, I have solved the problem by quitting this nice job to pursue a higher degree that very well may kill me, but ehh, I'm all in.

None of this would have changed had basic income been (or was going to be) instituted. I doubt many people could say the same thing.

Honestly, and I don't mean to point fingers, but far too many people would opt into spending time on more "artistic expression" endeavors. I've been there. I was just there moments ago, guitar around my neck, it's a Sunday night with a Monday holiday, I wrote a simple little chord progression, because feels. No joke.

I have long since argued with some of the most respectable Hubski users about basic income's promise, but I just don't think we're quite there yet in terms of automation capacity. We're not quite ready to replace truck drivers, taxis, delivery drivers, etc., but soon, yes. People argue that we'll see automation of many other lines of work shortly thereafter, but I've grown so used to being disappointed by slow rates of technological progress.

When increasingly larger numbers of folks are put out of work with no corresponding creation of jobs in the "information" and "technician" sectors (or call them what you will), there may be no choice but to implement a basic income policy, save some other kind of socioeconomic revolution. Similarly, a basic income that necessarily taxes the wealthy most heavily may be one of the only ways to compensate for the fact that capital operates more efficiently with increased automation, hence a decreased need for human labor. Edit: and none of this tax loophole offshore account portfolio divestment discount PAC fund 100% deduction bullshit. I made some of that up to account for the other 3,629 methods that I don't know about.

I think the pro- and eventual-basic income crowds are mostly at odds in their estimates on the current climate of readiness for basic income and the rates at which automation will see adoption in various industries.

As for the anti-basic income crowd, I would like to hear any and all arguments.

wasoxygen & theadvancedapes, because you guys are great, and I'd love to hear you answer newgreen's original question as well, but no pressure if you're busy and all, I know how it can get. :)