Paid to Live

I have only been alive for twenty-seven years, but I have to tell you all, that I think the modern capitalist system has a really big gaping hole on the bottom end of it, and I also think that wonderful, and especially talented creative people are falling through this hole.

The essential problem of the capitalist system can be summed up in one basic phrase, "You are paid to work".

That to me leaves a big gaping hole. The biggest problem of course is not just the capitalist system, but the definitions we use to explain it. Certainly there are the fabulously rich people out there who have worked hard, and have in many ways gotten rewarded for it in their lifetime. There are also those who have worked hard and gotten few rewards for that hard work. Then there are those who simply struggle with the whole concept of work.

I personally continue to struggle to find a place in this system we have, and I feel very strongly that my greatest problem is not me, but the system. I believe it is time we work on building a new system. I believe millions, if not billions of people all over the world should start working on this tomorrow, if not tonight while I'm asleep and getting a little rest before going 'to work' tomorrow, for the first time next week, and maybe the last (besides looking for work).

To me, the best future possible for mankind is to realize how valuable every person we meet is to us, and to start investing in these people. Not just the people we meet though, but also the people who we will never meet, but whose fruit we will be blessed by throughout our lives. I believe that we should build a system where humans, and other beings, are paid to simply live. Yes, that is what I think. I think every government on earth should sit down and that every person on earth should make sure they do sit down, and start to write the global economy in a way that will change our lives for the better. By deciding that our next currency system will be based upon a standard of human value given to us by the universe that allows us to live, by the universe that sends us to live. I think this value is in the trillions of dollars, but for the sake of being able to build a new economic system on this concept, I would start by simply deciding on a universal system that gives us a daily paycheck(or direct deposit) for being here. Something like $100 dollars in the U.S. (at least, where I live that would work rather nicely). After we all are given a small credit (based on a very low percentage of our true universal value) meant to cover only our necessities, we can then work on earning 'fun money'. In other words, our jobs and our work could be only things we wish to do, not things we 'have' to do. Doesn't that sound better? Not only that, but anyone and everyone could use their $100 a day to buy food, clothing or perhaps shelter for the night, while saving up to start a new business, or buy a house, etcetra, whether or not they were capable of being hired to flip burgers! Authors could spend their first thirty years writing a book from hotel rooms without having earned one penny for their writing, and finish the epic trilogy that only the next generation will appreciate. Instead of building houses and plumbing for a living, and falling dead of sudden complications before they finish their first book which was given second place to 'working for a living' and instead became their 'hobby'.

In fact, we can still take this idea even further. Once our needs are met, whatever else we have to give we can truly give willingly and freely. Including large tips to pizza delivery people who work for the fun of delivering pizza. Including giving something or buying something for friends, family, or even getting something for a stranger who we came across when we needed their advice, or friendly smile. Our economy would adapt, and the change could help propel humankind into a brighter future. If we would only allow it to begin now.

Seriously, aren't you worth it? I think God thinks we are worth it, or else we would not be here. Some others may disagree with that logic, but I think they are worth it too. Here is an example: What if my purpose in life is to write this blog? Will I get paid for it? I haven't gotten paid to write one word so far. But if it helps you, shouldn't I be given the basic needs of my body at least to allow me to continue to live so I can continue to help people with the words I write, and if you think I help people with the words I write, imagine what I could do if I had nothing else to do all day, and saw people in another yard, in the store, on the side of the road, who could use help from me there? Shouldn't living to help others without having to worry about whether or not we'll be able to eat dinner be allowed by everyone? Shouldn't everyone be allowed to choose to live to help others, instead of make money?

I think so. I always will. Let's get paid to do something we don't have to try or learn to do, let's get paid to live.