> I think someone only earning BI probably wouldn't have the resources or motivation to do Bell Labs-style research. It's sure as hell better than earning $0,

> I think someone only earning BI probably wouldn't have the resources or motivation to do Bell Labs-style research. It's sure as hell better than earning $0, being forced to work some shit job 60 hrs a week at a SV startup providing SaaS full of proprietary software that will circle the drain in a few years, receiving money from a VC that truly doesn't give a shit about the greater good. Instead said person could work 15hrs at that shit startup to live more comfortably, and spend the rest of their time working on ffmpeg or something. It doesn't have to always be Bell Labs tier. > Unless you're implying that all of a sudden with the help of basic income, people's interests and preferences will change and result in a glut of engineering talent I don't see how it's at all relevant. With BI many people will no longer be tied down to the rat race and will actually be able to work on themselves. It has nothing to do with interests and preferences. Time is money.