Why we should give everyone a basic income | Rutger Bregman | TEDxMaastricht

Summary

The speaker presents the concept of a basic income as a transformative idea for the 21st century, capable of bridging political divides and eradicating poverty. They discuss its historical roots, the practicality of implementation, and the positive outcomes observed in various experiments worldwide. Addressing common objections, the speaker argues that a basic income is not only feasible but also an investment in societal progress, advocating for a reevaluation of our economic systems in the face of automation and changing job landscapes.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Basic income is proposed as a transformative idea for the 21st century, with the potential to unite diverse political ideologies and eradicate poverty.
• 📚 The concept of basic income has historical roots, being advocated by thinkers like Thomas Paine, Martin Luther King, and Milton Friedman.
• 💵 Basic income, also known as 'citizen's dividend' or 'free money for everyone', is a monthly grant intended to cover basic needs such as food, shelter, and education.
• 🌐 It is distinct from social security or welfare state models because it is universal and unconditional, providing a right to all citizens regardless of their employment or wealth status.
• 🔍 Empirical studies and experiments across the globe, particularly in the Global South, have shown positive outcomes such as reduced inequality, poverty, and crime rates.
• 🏙️ A specific case study in London demonstrated that providing homeless individuals with unconditional cash led to significant improvements in their lives and cost savings for the government.
• 🤔 Despite the potential benefits, common objections to basic income include concerns about its cost, the possibility that people might stop working, and the challenge of political implementation.
• 💼 Historically, even conservative figures like Richard Nixon have come close to implementing basic income, indicating that it's not just a utopian dream but a feasible policy.
• 🌱 The speaker suggests viewing basic income as an investment in society, which could yield returns by reducing poverty and its associated costs, and by empowering individuals to contribute more effectively to the economy.
• 🚀 The idea of basic income resonates with contemporary challenges like automation and job displacement, presenting it as a potential solution for the future of work and social welfare.

Q & A

What is the main idea proposed in the script?

The main idea proposed is the implementation of a basic income for everyone, also known as 'free money for everyone,' which is a monthly grant sufficient to cover basic needs such as food, shelter, and education.

Why is basic income considered a unifying concept across political ideologies?

Basic income is considered unifying because it has been supported by thinkers from various political backgrounds, including civil rights campaigners like Martin Luther King and free-market economists like Milton Friedman.

How does basic income differ from the current social security systems?

Basic income is universal and unconditional, meaning everyone receives it regardless of their employment status or wealth, unlike current social security systems which often have conditions and are not universal.

What are some of the positive outcomes associated with basic income according to the experiments mentioned?

Experiments have shown that basic income can lead to lower inequality, reduced poverty, less infant mortality, lower healthcare costs, lower crime rates, better school completion, higher economic growth, and improved emancipation rates.

Can you provide an example of a basic income experiment discussed in the script?

An example given is an experiment in London where 13 homeless men received £3,000 each with no strings attached. The result was that many of them became more frugal, found housing, and started planning for the future.

What was the cost savings from the London homeless experiment?

The London experiment cost £50,000, including the wages of aid workers, and it saved money by a factor of at least seven, as it reduced the costs associated with healthcare, legal, and policing for the homeless men.

What is the speaker's perspective on the relationship between poverty and character?

The speaker argues that poverty is not a lack of character but a lack of money, suggesting that giving money to the poor is an effective way to address poverty.

How does the speaker address the concern that providing basic income might lead to people becoming lazy and not working?

The speaker counters this concern by citing experiments and common sense, which suggest that most people want to contribute to society and that basic income can actually enable them to invest more in their lives and work.

What historical figure is mentioned in relation to almost implementing a basic income?

Richard Nixon, the former U.S. president, is mentioned as someone who almost implemented a basic income in the United States in the 1970s.

What is the speaker's final call to action regarding the idea of basic income?

The speaker encourages the audience to read more about basic income, consider the evidence, and to update their worldviews to consider the possibility of implementing basic income in the future.