4 ms·

Not even 200 years ago, most people exchanged labor for food. Currency was not used, as you most likely lived on the farm you worked for. There was no form of

Not even 200 years ago, most people exchanged labor for food. Currency was not used, as you most likely lived on the farm you worked for. There was no form of advancement to be seen, but also no rent, student loans, medical bills, child care etc. There was also no Whole Foods or freedom of speech. But how much farther have we really come in 2018? We have more things, but if you stop working, you will starve or go ill just as quickly as an Irish laborer in 1850.

bilbo0s 8y ago
Not saying this would make it any "better" in the essentials, but I mean, we are at least a little more entertained while we're here. That's something at least.
- anoncoward111 8y ago
  100% agree!!! I spend countless hours on my phone entertaining myself on hundreds of sites at near zero cost. I don't know how our ancestors did it, playing with mud and rocks XD
elif 8y ago
Definitely true in america. In countries such as the netherlands, if you lose your job, you get up to 38 months of 70% salary, rent benefits, child care benefits, and of course your illness will still be treated.
- simonh 8y ago
  Brit, but basically the same here. The country loses out when people fall into debt and become unproductive for economic or health reasons. Failing to safeguard the productivity of your economy and citizenry in this way isn’t capitalist, or conservative particularly. It’s on a different axis, that particularly in the USA has become associated with the political right. That’s not inevitable or necessary though.
- Entalpi 8y ago
  Bringing previously hard working people back into work is hugely benefitial to society.
- anoncoward111 8y ago
  In the USA, many states will allow you 50% income for 6 months, and potentially Medicaid for health treatment. This isn't much, but I was speaking in more general terms of "what if someone permanently decides to stop work."
  - Raphmedia 8y ago
    > But how much farther have we really come in 2018? We have more things, but if you stop working, you will starve or go ill just as quickly as an Irish laborer in 1850. In the province of Canada that I live in, you get $650 - $800 a month as a single adult if you stop working and enter the system. You are allowed to work on the side and gain up to $200 extra a month. If you managed to get in the social housing program, you also get housing that is capped at 25% of your income along with free electricity and water. Some also offer internet and tv at a reduced price. For reference, my 4 rooms apartment's rent is 675$/month.
bryanlarsen 8y ago
There's a big difference between Irish starvation in 1850 and the food insecurities of America in 2018. The former resulted in ~ 1 million deaths. The latter results in a ~17.5% drop in standardized math scores in affected children. The latter is definitely a massive problem, but we have made progress.
- supertrope 8y ago
  Yes. In a wealthy country an economic downturn means you lose your job. When things go bad in a poor country the proportion of people who can't afford food increases significantly.
Draiken 8y ago
Living in a completely unsustainable capitalism system, I am surprised how much we're stuck in our own little bubbles. Personal finance shouldn't even be a thing. We have the capacity to provide every basic need to everyone, but we choose not to, in order to make very few people extremely rich. Oh well, it's not like anything will ever change (at least while I'm alive)
- thelasthuman 8y ago
  Simple priorities. We value these money games we play with each other more than people. This is why capital is free to go where it may find the most benefit to it, but human beings are not. Priorities.

bilbo0s 8y ago

Not saying this would make it any "better" in the essentials, but I mean, we are at least a little more entertained while we're here. That's something at least.

anoncoward111 8y ago
100% agree!!! I spend countless hours on my phone entertaining myself on hundreds of sites at near zero cost. I don't know how our ancestors did it, playing with mud and rocks XD

elif 8y ago

Definitely true in america. In countries such as the netherlands, if you lose your job, you get up to 38 months of 70% salary, rent benefits, child care benefits, and of course your illness will still be treated.

simonh 8y ago
Brit, but basically the same here. The country loses out when people fall into debt and become unproductive for economic or health reasons. Failing to safeguard the productivity of your economy and citizenry in this way isn’t capitalist, or conservative particularly. It’s on a different axis, that particularly in the USA has become associated with the political right. That’s not inevitable or necessary though.
Entalpi 8y ago
Bringing previously hard working people back into work is hugely benefitial to society.
anoncoward111 8y ago
In the USA, many states will allow you 50% income for 6 months, and potentially Medicaid for health treatment. This isn't much, but I was speaking in more general terms of "what if someone permanently decides to stop work."
- Raphmedia 8y ago
  > But how much farther have we really come in 2018? We have more things, but if you stop working, you will starve or go ill just as quickly as an Irish laborer in 1850. In the province of Canada that I live in, you get $650 - $800 a month as a single adult if you stop working and enter the system. You are allowed to work on the side and gain up to $200 extra a month. If you managed to get in the social housing program, you also get housing that is capped at 25% of your income along with free electricity and water. Some also offer internet and tv at a reduced price. For reference, my 4 rooms apartment's rent is 675$/month.

bryanlarsen 8y ago

There's a big difference between Irish starvation in 1850 and the food insecurities of America in 2018. The former resulted in ~ 1 million deaths. The latter results in a ~17.5% drop in standardized math scores in affected children. The latter is definitely a massive problem, but we have made progress.

supertrope 8y ago
Yes. In a wealthy country an economic downturn means you lose your job. When things go bad in a poor country the proportion of people who can't afford food increases significantly.

Draiken 8y ago

Living in a completely unsustainable capitalism system, I am surprised how much we're stuck in our own little bubbles. Personal finance shouldn't even be a thing. We have the capacity to provide every basic need to everyone, but we choose not to, in order to make very few people extremely rich. Oh well, it's not like anything will ever change (at least while I'm alive)

thelasthuman 8y ago
Simple priorities. We value these money games we play with each other more than people. This is why capital is free to go where it may find the most benefit to it, but human beings are not. Priorities.