Why we should give everyone a basic income | Rutger Bregman | TEDxMaastricht

You know, it's human nature. They are lazy. If that's what you're thinking, I have some news for you. Experiments that have been done all over the world, and common sense also tells us that most people want to contribute to society. Most people want to achieve something in their lives. In fact, some poor experiments have shown it. Especially the poor work harder when they are

give

n a subsidy because it

give

s them the opportunity to invest, for example, in their lives, in their lives. The third objection, ladies and gentlemen, is probably the most difficult to overcome. Sometimes I hear people say, "Well, that's a great idea.

Maybe we can pay and I won't stop." Also... but... this is too much. You know politicians today are busy with themselves and this will never happen. There is always a short-term vision and this is a very big idea that I don't see happening. accomplished. Well, if this is what you're thinking, I'd like to introduce you to this man, you know? This is Richard Nixon, the conservative president, the corrupt president of the Watergate scandal. Yes, this was the man who almost began implementing a modest

basic

income

in the early 1970s in the United States of America. It almost happened that his project was overlooked. the House of Representatives, and when it got to the Senate, the doubts returned because more than one senator said: Oh, it's a great idea, but we want a bigger

basic

income

, so we'll reject this bill and... well, We never heard back Talk about it.

It's almost a missing link in the history of the United States of America, but it shows us that it is possible. Remember again, a utopia that prevails in that becomes a reality of the end of slavery. Equal rights for men and women and democracy were once considered utopian ideas, but throughout history there is something called progress, no matter how slow and lost it may be. The only thing we need is a little patience. ambition more now I think this short TED probably can't convince you that free money for all will be the most important idea of ​​the 21st century, so I invite you to read more about it to see the. evidence for yourself and think: Is it time to change my view of the world?

As I say, our ideas often lag behind the speed at which our societies and our economy change, basic income may not be implemented in the next three or four. years, but it can be implemented in the next thirty or forty years. In fact, history is judged by little, as the Irish poet Oscar Wilde said: “An idea whose time has come is stronger than itself. thousands of armies.” And I think nowadays it's time to have free money for

everyone

. (Applause).