&gt; &quot;The problem with basic income is that people need purpose, not charity.&quot;<p>When most of your energy is spent on survival, the energy left to follow a greater purpose is drastically reduced. Providing the basics as a human right frees people to pursue goals beyond the basics. The cultural element is important too (the goals you set will be influenced by the society you live in), but let&#x27;s tackle the survival issue first.