the Daily Whale - 11 November 2021

Permanent universal basic income is a great idea. Look how many times it has been tested: Pick a few people who need money, and give them money for a fixed period. Sure enough, they do better! What could go wrong?

As far as I can tell, the idea has never been tested. Experiments done so far test something different.

The experiment results do suggest a logical poverty reduction program: Substantial temporary supplemental income for a small group of needy people selected at random. Many will be enterprising enough to improve their lot in the long run. It’s a contrast with the usual approach of trying to alleviate the worst suffering for everybody.

11 November 2021 - UBI 1

clue: