Support growing for return of Universal Basic Income

I WAS glad to see Colin James (ODT 30.5.17, ‘‘Unfinished business from the Richardson Era’’) mention the UBI (Universal Basic Income). He joins a growing voice for the introduction of this very old idea that is at last coming of age. It is a recognition of what is now owed to all citizens as a due from the work of our forebears.

I disagree that we run the risk of decreasing the desire of people to work if it is introduced. Recent research on motivation in many centres shows overwhelmingly that, all over the world, past the tasks requiring even rudimentary cognitive skills, which are likely to be given to robots anyway, people are more motivated to do work because they are moved by a desire for purpose, mastery and selfdirection in their lives, and not by increasing their monetary reward.

They ‘‘want to make a difference’’, and work long hours of skilled, unpaid work and and then they give it away for nothing (q.v. Linux, Wikipedia). The above, a rather surprising scientific fact, should be directing businesses, governments, schools, etc. This is a marvellous antidote to the nauseating fight by all political parties to bribe with money. They should return to our values and make it possible for us all to move forward by taking away fiscal anxiety with a significant UBI.

Gill CaradocDavies

Broad Bay [This letter was written by Gill two days before she died and is published with the approval of her family. — Ed]

Haka insensitive

BEFORE the Lions v Blues match on Wednesday, players and spectators observed a moment of silence to remember those killed or injured in the horrific knife attacks by terrorists in London. Seconds later, the Blues players performed a haka which included graphic throatslitting gestures. This was grossly offensive, insensitive and untimely.

John Stone

Harewood