Solving the world economical problems is a big task. But I cannot help to think that somewhere somehow, things could be different. How much are we willing to give up though, to be part of this change?
The following comments were inspired by the book "The Empty Raincoat" written by Charles Handy
- What if necessary things were free? Would there still be a difference between the rich and the poor?
- If education, housing and food were provided to all, and all had their basic needs fulfilled, will that reduce crime?
- If you could give your children the best education you can not based on what you afford, but based on your childs capacity to learn?
- If you could go to the hospital and get treatment when you are ill, without having to fill in continuous forms to make sure you can pay the bills before someone will save your life?
- If you could travel where you need to be without having to pay for transportation? Would you appreciate this, or does it seem more valuable if we pay for it?
- Would we be more equal if we all have the housing, even if it is just the basic? Will we spend our earnings on bigger and better places?
A couple of months ago, a friend made a comment the other day when I asked him how many children does he want: "I don't think I want to bring another child into this world, I mean, think about it.. we are all slaves". I did not understand his comment, so I asked him what he meant.
"They say we have a free market, but really we are slaves who are handed some money by our employers just to be forced to spend it on consumerism." I still did not understand his comment, aren't we 'free' to spend our money how we want to? I mean, yes we all pay taxes, but that is to pay for all the other things we just use for free (roads, community buildings, parks etc. all these things cost money). And yes, I don't mind that some of it is going to others who are less fortunate that I am to feed their children.
After some more discussion, I am still not sure what got him to this conclusion that we are slaves in a market economy, but I do understand his frustration of constantly have to turn a blind eye to all the advertisements that invite you to live unhealthy (foods) and buy things you don't really need. But that does not make me a slave to it.
So, just in case I'm missing something, lets look at the definition of slavery as per my trusted friend, Wikipedia:
"Slavery is a system under which people are treated as property and are forced to work.[1] Slaves can be held against their will from the time of their capture, purchase or birth, and deprived of the right to leave, to refuse to work, or to demand compensation. In some historical situations it has been legal for owners to kill slaves.[2]"
Well, although it is better if you do work, I don't think we can say that people are forced to work. Life is certainly much easier if you do have a job, and you earn wages, but that does not make us the property of our governments. We are not held against our will, we are free to leave when ever we choose to work in another country, or for another 'master' if you will. We can certainly demand our compensation if we were treated unfairly by an employer, and our employers or our governments are certainly not in a position to kill us legally.
So rejoice friends, we are free! Okay, not everyone on earth is free, but certainly many people who complain about their situation, who feels trapped in their lives, believe they cannot do anything about it, feel like slaves. The question is then, who is your master? Who are you giving up your freedom for, and what do you get out of it? Because if you are a slave, it is by choice, not by design.
