The agreement that the taxes we pay go toward bettering our own lives is almost universally accepted. In many countries, this includes the healthcare and education systems, both of which are provided by the government. The idea behind Universal Basic Services, or UBS, is that we can expand those to other services needed for a dignified life, such as housing, sustenance, transport, information (like access to the internet), and even legal aid. Once a society has their basic needs taken care of, they can contribute to their environment better, as they are free to pursue a better education, or to apply themselves in areas that traditionally don’t pay too well but are useful to the world.
The usual simple but low-paying jobs can easily be automated, which is already happening all around the world. An important, though hypothetical question that is often asked is, “How many people could have cured cancer, but were forced into hard labor jobs because they needed them to survive?” While the answer will remain unknown forever, it is obvious that simple survival is far from enough to optimize society.
Free public housing means no more struggling to pay rent and utilities; access to good quality, nutritious food means people’s health is not an obstacle to reaching their potential; free public transport means more incentive to use that instead of private vehicles, which pollute the environment; free access to information means opportunities to better yourself; free legal aid means nobody can take advantage of you. All of these lead to a happier, healthier society full of people looking to give back to it.
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