> If we had established UBI then, and people could get paid to sit around, imagine the state we'd be in today. that's simplistic - people generally don't want

> If we had established UBI then, and people could get paid to sit around, imagine the state we'd be in today. that's simplistic - people generally don't want to be unemployed. if they get enough money to (barely) scrap by it takes a lot of weight off their shoulders, because they know they wont starve without their jobs. but having a job that fulfills you and income that enables you to save money is a big part of being happy. the (healthy) unemployed i know are mostly young people and every single one of them is constantly applying for jobs, even though they're able to pay rent, food and the occasional treat on unemployment benefits.