Advantage 17 – Active basic income

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

»The more you give, the more you grow.

But there must be somebody to receive.«

– Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

French writer

A basic income is an inherent part of the Natural Economy of Life. It is the first third of the threefold creation of money, besides the national income and the Equalisation and Environment (EEF). There are two possible options for the basic income – the active and the unconditional basic income.

The active basic income guarantees unconditional participation in the community. Every person has the right to contribute to the good of the community and earn their basic income by doing so. The contribution they make should be consistent with their nature as far as possible, i.e. their inclinations and abilities should be taken into consideration. A person who loves what they do is happier, more contented, healthier and more productive than a person who does not like their work. Alone for this reason it is in the interest of all that everyone is allowed to contribute something consistent with their nature.

This also applies to children and old people. Children who are allowed to contribute to the common good in a responsible manner display self-confidence and a sense of responsibility in their early years. They develop in a healthier way both physically and mentally. Old people who have the feeling of being needed stay healthy longer and live longer.

Unconditional participation consists of both giving and receiving in two directions. It enables every person to give and grow through their tasks. The community receives gifts from its members and gives them an active basic income – »A thousand thanks for being with us!«

The deep satisfaction that emerges from being allowed to contribute to the common good and the associated positive impact on quality of life and health lead us to give clear preference to the active basic income.