A body at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by an outside force; that’s Newton’s first law of motion—law of inertia.

The first thing that comes to mind for most when applying that law to humans is sloth and laziness.

Instead of viewing this law merely as it applies to inactivity, consider how it relates to your own habits.

What is it that you do when you’re at rest?

What is your default status?

What do you do when you’re not required to do anything?

Aside from basic needs, my default is to think, read, write, and report; repeat. This is what I do, regardless of income. My default could be a business model for some—Glassdoor says my role is worth over $86,000 in Atlanta.

But if that weren’t the case, what might your own default look like?

In January, CNBC reported that Finland began experimenting with this hypothetical – and for the next two years, approximately 2,000 unemployed citizens will receive a universal basic income.

They will receive about 560 euros ($581.48) per month – even if they earn income in other (legal) ways. As you may have already heard, basic income isn’t a new concept. According to Basicincome.org, the practice dates back to the 16th century as a means of preventing theft.

Even in a city home to more than 70 billionaires, San Francisco’s Office of Financial Empowerment is seeking ways to close the income inequality gap.

Meanwhile, in Stockton, CA, the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED) program got underway in February 2019.  According to the LA Times, Stockton’s version of the Universal Basic Income project will distribute $500 a month to 130 residents for 18 months. During the Newark, New Jersey, State of the City Address, Mayor Ras Baraka mentioned that an exploratory committee will research the feasibility of a pilot program in the economically challenged city.

Think about it, what do you do when no one expects you to do anything?

A basic income might be the key to unlocking your full potential. Imagine what you could pursue if you had the freedom to follow your curiosity—without fear, without pressure. The real question isn’t what you do at rest, but what you could achieve if given the chance.

First Posting Jan 27, 2017