Advantage 28 – Higher incentive to perform well

Excerpt from the book »Gradido – Natural Economy of Life«

»Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstance.«

– Bruce Barton

American author

One might think that the incentive to deliver good work would decrease with a basic income. But is that really the case? In order to make a judgement, let’s look at the interaction of the following parameters.

It is correct that a basic income, be it active or unconditional, makes provision for everybody. This means that the sheer survival instinct no longer serves as an incentive. Hardly any applicants will be found for unpleasant, boring, dangerous and degrading jobs but most of this work will be rationalised away anyhow. Moreover, it does not serve to enhance the workers’ quality of life: on the contrary, most people who have to do such jobs today are emotionally detached from their work. They will quit their jobs immediately they find something better. Therefore we would do well to let machines do more of this type of work or at least make it more agreeable, more interesting and easier.

Motivation and the incentive to perform well increase in all other jobs. Why is this? People who are provided for by basic incomes only take up jobs they enjoy and/or which are well paid. They pick employers or customers who offer an excellent working climate and meaningful tasks. Conversely, this means that employers will make every effort to make the working conditions as good as possible. Good working conditions allow people to work well and with motivation; they are glad to perform at a good level.

Thus seen, all unfavourable circumstances which have hitherto been able to stop »normal« people performing in an outstanding manner have been done away with. It used to be exceptional people who performed in an exceptional manner. The Natural Economy of Life creates circumstances in which every completely normal person can develop their full potential and accomplish true miracles in their very personal field. And a high incentive exists on the financial level as all income is tax-free.