„What makes you lionhearted?“
The „Courage Module“ as a prelude to the exhibition project „Wow! Basic Income!“ more information on the entire project
For further reading and engagement:
Questions around UBI – Unconditional Basic Income?
Work
What does work actually mean?
Work is more than earning money; above all, it’s about providing for others. People give and take work, much of it unpaid. We all live from the work of others: care and family work, gainful employment, voluntary work. UBI enables and facilitates the whole spectrum of work.
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Funding –
How is UBI funded?
Economically, it is a zero-sum game where the national income is redistributed. UBI builds from the bottom up into current incomes. The tax and contribution system is redesigned for this purpose. Injecting profits from financial transactions and digitalisation provides a significant share.
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Common Good –
For the common good or selfishness?
What does an economy serve? UBI means: one for all, all for one! It opens up new options for producers and consumers to take responsibility for the common good. UBI stabilises the economy without forcing growth.
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Welfare State –
Rethinking the welfare state?
UBI does not abolish the welfare state, but rather advances it. It is not a social benefit for hardship, but a universal basic right. The previous welfare state stigmatises people in need as being needy, while UBI treats them as free people just like anyone else. Entitlements to supplementary and special benefits are retained.
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Distinction –
Don’t poor people already get a basic income?
UBI is not a social benefit only intended for poor people. It is a universal basis for everyone to flourish freely. This makes it fundamentally different from existing basic security models, such as Bürgergeld (DE), Sozialhilfe (CH, AT), Mindestsicherung (AT), Universal Credit (UK) and Jobseeker’s Allowance (IE, UK).
Digitalisation –
Digitalisation: Opportunity or threat?
Digitalisation and AI are making a lot of people feel left behind, while at the same time enabling greater prosperity. UBI highlights the inherent value of human beings in face of the omnipotent influence of technology. It transforms digital productivity into human freedom. A basic income that relies on digital control would therefore be an abuse of the idea.
Self-Efficacy –
Do you believe in yourself?
Do you make decisions for yourself? Do you fulfil your potential? Do you recognise your talents? How important is personal freedom for you? Would UBI change the expectations you have of yourself?
Idea of Humanity –
Do you have to be a „good person“ to get UBI?
Being human is all it takes! It is often assumed that UBI implies a certain, idealised view of human nature. However, UBI does not define a specific understanding of humankind. Only humans have an image of themselves and others and can also alter it. UBI lets them develop their own views on this.
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Volunteering –
Are you doing what you really want?
How often „must or should“ we do something? How about replacing that with „can and want“? UBI supports voluntary action, which releases energy, leads to better results and improves quality of life.
Inactivity Bonus –
Does UBI reward inactivity?
You also get UBI if you work, and it only covers basic needs. Any additional earnings come on top. In fact, UBI spurs people to action. Why would people disengage if they are treated fairly?
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Self-Determination –
Who decides for you?
UBI enables you to take control of your own life and gives you the freedom to make autonomous decisions. No to paternalism! Yes to self-determination!
Unconditionality –
What does unconditional actually mean?
That it applies to all people and is already rooted in our civil rights. A new way of looking at it would be as individual economic independence. It means thinking and acting on an equal footing. It strengthens solidarity and alleviates social conflicts (see also the definition on the left).
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Change –
Will everything change or stay the same?
Living in the city or countryside? In a relationship or shared flat? Self-employed or employed? Do you need a fresh start? So what do you think is missing to get the ball rolling? Do we as a society need a fresh start? What are we lacking to achieve that?
Afraid of change? How come?
Diversity –
Everything is possible, right?!
Everyone gets UBI – are you ready? Do you respect your neighbours even if they are not in the labour force? What about your sense of tolerance? What can you put up with?
Health –
What helps you when you’re feeling down?
UBI promotes well-being by reducing sources of anxiety.
Does your work make you ill? Is your work making others ill?
Initiative: Hamburger Netzwerk Grundeinkommen e.V. 2023