Even though music has long been automated, we enjoy hearing it live everywhere, & those making the music enjoy performing it live. In a world with basic income, expect more live music. With the need to survive taken off the table, humanity can enjoy the experience of being human.
Tech will eliminate many jobs, but there will always be added value in real human experience. The problem is despite that value, it may not pay enough to flourish. But flourishing becomes that much more possible when people are starting above the poverty line instead of below it.
One aspect of the future of work is the uniqueness of human creation. Sure, machines can make very affordable knives for example, but many chefs will still always seek hand-forged one-of-a-kind knives. The same goes for all kinds of unique handmade works of 21st century artisans.
Like "Made in the USA" labeling, those who can afford it will pay a premium for "Made by Humans" labeling. Automation will make many products cheaper, but a demand will remain for man-made products, simply because they're man-made. UBI will better enable this new artisan economy.
It's a laughable notion to hear people talk about the loss of meaning with UBI as if poverty somehow drives meaning. As if bullshit jobs somehow drive meaning. As if the benefits of rising productivity only flowing to the top somehow drive meaning. As if freedom isn't meaningful.
Fuck your unimaginative bullshit notions of a future where automation works only for the rich and the masses derive their meaning from being whipped with the fear of poverty into employment that harms their souls & limits the very experience of being a human instead of a machine.
Looking at you @JoeBiden. The last thing we need in this age of automation is one who worships at the altar of toil and believes people freed from poverty would die of meaninglessness. Jobs are for machinery. Life is for humanity.
As Lennon said, "Imagine. It's easy if you try."
As Lennon said, "Imagine. It's easy if you try."
