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Even in a post scarcity society where we fully automated food production (as well as the production / continuous repair of all machines and systems that produce

Even in a post scarcity society where we fully automated food production (as well as the production / continuous repair of all machines and systems that produce and distribute food -up the chain) this is not tenable. What would motivate someone from going to medical school and busting their ass to help and care for lazy bums mooching off the free stuff from the government? They'd just want to stay in their free housing, enjoying the free food and entertainment too... This utopia won't be possible until we produce self-sustainable machines that can execute all jobs that humans can today.

mmmeff 4y ago
Meanwhile, there's a post on the front-page that talks about a huge shortage of electricians while the entirety of our society is hopelessly addicted to electrically-powered services.
cjwebb 4y ago
What would motivate people? I think healthcare, as in your example, would actually see an influx of people motivated to help others. Not everyone is lazy and would do nothing. Plenty of people work in healthcare today for less money than they would get paid in other industries primarily because they value helping others.
AussieWog93 4y ago
>What would motivate someone from going to medical school and busting their ass to help and care for lazy bums mooching off the free stuff from the government? They'd just want to stay in their free housing, enjoying the free food and entertainment too... In all seriousness, it's possible right now in most developed countries to live off of welfare long-term, without working a day in your life. And yet, most people don't want to do it. You're looked down upon, poor and the lack of a regular occupation basically breeds mental health issues. I think a lot of people really overestimate the economic motivators, while down-playing the social/internal ones.
Dylan16807 4y ago
> What would motivate someone from going to medical school and busting their ass to help and care for lazy bums mooching off the free stuff from the government? They'd just want to stay in their free housing, enjoying the free food and entertainment too... What motivates them today, when they could get a fast food job? UBI isn't supposed to be cushy (with current technology), it's supposed to be minimal food and shelter.
anigbrowl 4y ago
By this logic volunteer work couldn't exist. The reality is that lots of people are capable and like helping other people, without necessarily wanting to make all their activity into an economic transaction. Then again some people don't feel they are doing well unless they see someone else doing worse.
- gigel82 4y ago
  Can you build a viable society on volunteer work alone? I'm sure there are a few (1:million) saints among us that just selflessly give their all, but why would anyone else take any shit from their boss or customers? I like fantasies too but really consider it for a bit; most people volunteer at animal shelters to play with the cute puppies and kittens.
  - anigbrowl 4y ago
    I asserted that it existed, not that it was the sole engine of economic growth. Why make such invalid inferences? The fraction of people who volunteer by default is about 15%; ~20% pursue win-win economic outcomes, a similar portion are risk minimizers, and ~30% prefer a zero or negative-sum outcome as long as they come out on top. The remaining fraction don't adhere to any consistent pattern, whether due to stupidity or selectivity.

mmmeff 4y ago

Meanwhile, there's a post on the front-page that talks about a huge shortage of electricians while the entirety of our society is hopelessly addicted to electrically-powered services.

cjwebb 4y ago

What would motivate people? I think healthcare, as in your example, would actually see an influx of people motivated to help others. Not everyone is lazy and would do nothing. Plenty of people work in healthcare today for less money than they would get paid in other industries primarily because they value helping others.

AussieWog93 4y ago

>What would motivate someone from going to medical school and busting their ass to help and care for lazy bums mooching off the free stuff from the government? They'd just want to stay in their free housing, enjoying the free food and entertainment too... In all seriousness, it's possible right now in most developed countries to live off of welfare long-term, without working a day in your life. And yet, most people don't want to do it. You're looked down upon, poor and the lack of a regular occupation basically breeds mental health issues. I think a lot of people really overestimate the economic motivators, while down-playing the social/internal ones.

Dylan16807 4y ago

> What would motivate someone from going to medical school and busting their ass to help and care for lazy bums mooching off the free stuff from the government? They'd just want to stay in their free housing, enjoying the free food and entertainment too... What motivates them today, when they could get a fast food job? UBI isn't supposed to be cushy (with current technology), it's supposed to be minimal food and shelter.

anigbrowl 4y ago

By this logic volunteer work couldn't exist. The reality is that lots of people are capable and like helping other people, without necessarily wanting to make all their activity into an economic transaction. Then again some people don't feel they are doing well unless they see someone else doing worse.

gigel82 4y ago
Can you build a viable society on volunteer work alone? I'm sure there are a few (1:million) saints among us that just selflessly give their all, but why would anyone else take any shit from their boss or customers? I like fantasies too but really consider it for a bit; most people volunteer at animal shelters to play with the cute puppies and kittens.
- anigbrowl 4y ago
  I asserted that it existed, not that it was the sole engine of economic growth. Why make such invalid inferences? The fraction of people who volunteer by default is about 15%; ~20% pursue win-win economic outcomes, a similar portion are risk minimizers, and ~30% prefer a zero or negative-sum outcome as long as they come out on top. The remaining fraction don't adhere to any consistent pattern, whether due to stupidity or selectivity.