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Poverty. Why take the risk of starting a business if you can't really benefit from it. Why invest money in another business if you can only own 1000 times the m

Poverty. Why take the risk of starting a business if you can't really benefit from it. Why invest money in another business if you can only own 1000 times the median per capita wealth? Why save money at all? Just spend it immediately! It would be the world's greatest party until it collapses, because no savings, investments, and risk-taking means that jobs disappear. Also, stealing would be very popular, so a job in law enforcement is about as good as it gets. It would allow you to seize the most.

nercht12 8y ago
For your disaster scenario, I think it depends on how low the max is. If 1000 times the median per capita wealth still buys you a couple office buildings and a yacht to boot, the ceiling would still be high enough that the vast majority people wouldn't all resort to stealing (much less petty theft). However, it would still lead to shady business deals, high-dollar theft, and hidden assets (especially foreign). But that's a problem for the wealthy. In other words, the idea is that you can be rich, but not TOO rich.
- Mirioron 8y ago
  The 1000 times median net worth is the upper limit, but you're still paying taxes based on wealth.
hliyan 8y ago
My idea was that if the rich want to increase their wealth, they need to start by increasing the wealth of the poorest members of society. Also, everything above the 1000x level is taxed heavily. Everything below, possibly a low, flat rate. I don't know how this applies to America, but where I live, 1000x median wealth will give you more money than you'd know what to do with. This particular plot revolves around a mathematical proof (not unlike psychohistory in the Foundation) that indicates any society where a single member is able to acquire more than 1000x the power of the median member results in a power/wealth accumulation feedback loop that eventually destroys the society.

nercht12 8y ago

For your disaster scenario, I think it depends on how low the max is. If 1000 times the median per capita wealth still buys you a couple office buildings and a yacht to boot, the ceiling would still be high enough that the vast majority people wouldn't all resort to stealing (much less petty theft). However, it would still lead to shady business deals, high-dollar theft, and hidden assets (especially foreign). But that's a problem for the wealthy. In other words, the idea is that you can be rich, but not TOO rich.

Mirioron 8y ago
The 1000 times median net worth is the upper limit, but you're still paying taxes based on wealth.

hliyan 8y ago

My idea was that if the rich want to increase their wealth, they need to start by increasing the wealth of the poorest members of society. Also, everything above the 1000x level is taxed heavily. Everything below, possibly a low, flat rate. I don't know how this applies to America, but where I live, 1000x median wealth will give you more money than you'd know what to do with. This particular plot revolves around a mathematical proof (not unlike psychohistory in the Foundation) that indicates any society where a single member is able to acquire more than 1000x the power of the median member results in a power/wealth accumulation feedback loop that eventually destroys the society.