October Paper

        The ideas expressed in this file about how the economic system ought to be, are the ideal. One should believe in them, subscribe to them in principle.

But they should not be attempted at the cost or despite significant risk of serious harm to innocent people.

But if some day – due to new technology or some kind of changed socio-economic conditions – their complete realization becomes feasible, then that should be attempted.

 A2

          Also, even in the present times, those economic features/principles of this paper that are feasible to be realized, should be attempted to be realized.

          –To the extent that they are feasible.

          -If practically so necessary, then gradually, incrementally.

A3

            An ideal economic system is that in which a person does not need to worry about, in fact he does not need to think about economic or financial matters.

[ -Except a little, on certain occasions and in certain junctures of life, only. -Which would be because of the unavoidable reason of the material and physical bases of a human life ].

He does not need to spend long or frequent periods of time on financial/’materialistic’ activities. For example planning about one’s personal/family finances, insurance, loans, ‘researching’, making calculations, keeping records (of profit, loss, how much savings might be made, assets, liabilities etc.).

Except for the tiny and infrequent durations of time he has to think about them, all the rest of the time he can afford to completely forget about such things. –They are not part of his consciousness ]. 

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A3(b)

        Such a state can probably be achieved only in a habitat in which the technologies used are more advanced than those commonly used in developed countries at present, and in a habitat where people can be relied upon to be ethical. But even within the present real world conditions, one can get substantially closer to this ideal by applying some different methods, and passing some new/different laws. 

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A4

        An ideal land, an ideal system is that in which one doesn’t even have to be aware that there is an economic system; things happen by itself, it is as if the material aspect (of a person’s life or the society’s life) takes care of itself.

        And it is consciously enshrined in law and consciously protected and maintained by a group of people who are dedicated to that purpose. – And in some respects, by all persons of the society who are above Age 25 or 30.

        (-This taking up of responsibility or development of consciousness should be gradual and in a mild way; not as a rude, impactful change. -Such that the sweetness, innocence and -in a sense – ‘dreaminess’ of life for a youth, is maintained). 

         (contd.) A person can simply live in, live on in, the world of his ideal imaginations and thoughts. –‘In the world of the good things’ of his environs. (-which may be loving relationships with parents/grandparents, family get-togethers, books, friends, memories, charming haunts in the city, a college or field of learning one loves).

A habitat where the conditions are near to his dreams; where the material/economic factors do not interfere with his ‘pursual’ of dreams. [–The ones in his personal life or his social/habitat-related life] . –There are no adverse consequences for being idealistic.

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A5

      The right kind of an economic system is that which enables and facilitates – as its express, supreme and defining purpose – the maintenance of the right kind of a life (for individuals, the family and the society).

       The right kind of a government, laws/Constitution or economic system is that which protects, promotes, honours and rewards moral and cultured persons.

-i.e. serves individuals to the extent that they have morality and culture in them.

        Also, it promotes the development of morality and culture, in all citizens of the habitat especially the children and youth.

        It is committed to the creation and maintenance of the right kind of a habitat for the people, and the right kind of an overall ‘system’ within the habitat.

These are its only duty. The rest all – provision of Basic Necessities, satisfactory medical services, maintenance of defence capabilities – are all practical necessities.  –stepping stones to or enablers of the real thing.

A6

[ NOTE : Of course, even if the character or conduct of a person is not moral, the Constitution and the State should still be committed to provide the basic necessities of life, police services, medical services to him/her. –By law ].

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A7

      To have the right kind of an economy, no one ‘theory’ or ideology need be followed. One’s allegiance should be to human good.

      [ -i.e. in a given real-world situation, whatever practical policy or step serves the above cause best should be adopted.                               

      As to what defines ‘human good’, this author thinks the contents of these Papers meet the case satisfactorily.

They have been taken/adopted from different ‘sources’; some are perhaps original thoughts of the author ].

       With practical measures/modifiers also – like doing something non-ideal at present, to attain a ‘nearer to ideal’ goal for the long-term or permanently. Avoiding serious side-effects; Risk/Benefit Analysis.

        The right kind of pragmatism is a part of working for the ideal.

~

A8

       The ideal land – in terms of the economic conditions – is that in which everyone has sufficient ‘material basis’ or material means to support an ideal life. For a life of substance and virtues, ‘a pleasant life’, a content life, a good family life, innocent good times.

       -Not necessarily luxurious, with lots of plush things. A habitat where the right kind of people, they are not ‘wanting’ for anything. -In the sense, there is no abhav for them.

       There is stability of the system, an assurance that the right way of life for a person or family would not be disrupted or diminished by any external factor in the conceivable future.

Whether everyone has prosperity or not, everyone is comfortable (when necessary to be), pleasant, content. People would be hard-working- at least for certain important or valuable tasks/projects, high-aiming.

       They would have an ‘adequate’ life.

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A9

         No person with the wrong kind of a character or mentality should have power over right kind of people.

–Including power derived from institutional authority. -By right laws and rules (including those pertaining to recruitments, promotions and selections for a given post), and social and occupational groups’ collective stands, that is to be precluded/remedied. 

No person should have the power to transgress the dignity of an innocent or good person. -Or damage his/her rightful interests (hits).

[ – for example employers, institutions, teachers, banks, administrative/government officials, public transport operators, the police, security and military personnel, ministers, private security guards etc. The laws and constitutional provisions must be framed so. For example, when the State itself provides the means of public transport, then the commuters are ‘sovereign’; they ‘would not be obliged to anyone’].

A10

An ideal economic system is that which lets us forget about worldly considerations and worries.

-Where ‘the wrong kind of people’ or base-character persons have no advantage over, and indeed have a decided disadvantage in relation to good people.

-compared to good-hearted, sensitive, kind, loving, cultured persons.

-Where there is no advantage in being materialistic, clever, worldly, savvy, ‘competitive’.

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A11

       In this author’s rational and careful assessment, this is feasible to be achieved. A realistic goal. Provide that people try in the right way. -A large enough number of people, over a large enough time period.

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A4

     In an ideal system, there are no repercussions for following, -for living an ideal, a good and un-worldly life.

-There are no repercussions for being absent-minded. -As good-natured and truly cultured persons often are. -Or non-materialistic. Giving priority to higher and subjective, emotional things, family life and cultured persuasions.

      The system should be such that a person who is not savvy or interested in financial and worldly matters, is never at a disadvantage in relation to someone who is.

       Laws conceptualized in Sections B1 and B12 of the ‘Paper 9 – Economic’ will take care of that, in large measure.

~

A12

In an ideal land, there is no ‘culture of competition’.

-Having a careeristic mentality.

      Though striving for excellence, trying to always maintain high standards in one’s academics and occupation, is a good thing.

In an ideal habitat, one does not have to ‘compete’.

– having to ‘struggle’.

– Uncertainties. Tension or stress.

At the same time, this need not and should not clash with excellence – at least in the important matters, -the valuable things, striving for better, higher things.

In the economic sphere, outstanding methods of production, technology, industry etc. exist.

      The culture of excellence and perfection also should exist.

We are all working together to make the economy, the habitat, our lives better.

‘We are not fighting one another, racing against others, to win in my personal life’.

A13

      However in such a system also, I guess probably to have the best, most productive people in a given job, there would still need to be ‘competitive entrance exams’ or ‘recruitments on merit basis’ i.e. the most meritorious-indicated by a test and certain other criteria e.g. good character (i.e. at least the absence of serious misconduct) – would be recruited in order of merit or performance in the exam].

Because- unfortunately- all persons do not have or are not naturally born with the same intelligence or ability to invent and discover, as it seems. But that need not be a problem. In fact, everyone benefits from intelligent or innovative persons (whether or not some of them have the right moral character and culture) having the opportunity to work effectively.

Compared to most instances of economic ‘systems’, most economies existent, this would be progress.

~

A14

Commercialism and consumerism should be absent.

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A15

The economic system in an ideal habitat, should promote – positively, committedly, in a planned and deliberate way, in a protective and assuring/ensuring role – the above things.

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A16

                In an ideal society, in the right kind of a system, persons of the right character – i.e. moral persons, and persons of the right culture – would have the maximum wealth and ‘power’

(-‘power’ – if it comes to that; because so long as the society remains of an ideal nature, ‘power’ would have no meaning or significance within it).

                 They would also be engaged in good professions. -Which complement and satisfy their intellect, and make for the role and place of significance to them in society, which is natural, which they deserve.

At least, at the very least, persons with the wrong kind of a moral status, character and culture must not have any power or sway over the former.

The former’s hits, i.e. their righteous interests, -good should not be affected ever, under any conditions, by the latter.

-At present in most Indian communities i.e. populaces in various settlements and regions, it is the opposite.

A17

    State power, -authority should always rest with the right kind of people in any land. – The same for its various institutions.

     While constantly endeavouring to bring about permanent change of the desirable kind in persons with the wrong kind of character/mentality at present.

     One is reminded of a statement heard in the British television series Yes Minister –

      “You know what happens when the right kind of people do not have power? The wrong kind of people get it.”

Right kind of people have the responsibility and duty to have ‘power’, otherwise they are letting their kith and kin, their fellow gentlemen, honest persons and cultured persons, come to harm. They should have this awareness.

And once an ideal habitat (which essentially includes an ideal society, otherwise it would simply have been called ‘an ideal system’) has been established, of course ‘power’ would have no meaning.

[ NOTE : Here, the wrong kind of an authority figure means not just a person of immoral mentality (e.g. non-honest or negligent), but also –

-A person without the right care and commitment for his/her society (because of the want of the right awareness). -Or without adequate culture. -Or a person without commitment to the principles which go into the making of the right kind of an institution (for example a school or college).

-And persons who are ‘morally mistaken’ i.e. ‘wrong-headed’ (i.e. they mean well and are truthful, honest and benign) ].

[ -Though in the conduct of a given person, non-honesty, rudeness and wrong-headedness, all may co-exist ].

One should ‘care about’ both kinds of people mentioned above, try exhortation and persuasion, reasoning with them. (-Not necessarily by every common person, in every case, on a person-to-person basis or on public platforms. The methods may have to be modified due to practical considerations).

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A18  

      The system should be such that if a person is reasonably, moderately hard-working, and honest, then his/her comfortable livelihood, and dignified livelihood and working conditions is assured.

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A5(b)

The economy and related ‘material systems’ exist only to serve best the Ideal.

The economy of an ideal country or land would be such that –

It serves the cause of the existence, thriving and perpetuation of an ideal person, -families and -society.

It serves not materialistic, but moral and cultural goals.

It facilitates a person leading an ideal life.

All the economic ideas that follow in this file, are essentially derived from the above fundamental one.

      -Same applies for the polity.

*      *      *

A19

       The mental energy saved by individuals (from materialistic thoughts, concerns and calculations) could be (much better) employed in scientific and technological research, engagement in culture (often, simply reading a good book. Perhaps creative activities on occasions), family life.

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 A20    

       The purpose or necessity of many of the principles in Section B .. is  –

The economic system of a land – by voluntary habits of the citizens and also with legal protection – should be such that –

The purchasing power, the income and assets of a person –

should be in proportion to –

The intrinsic worth, the ideal worth of the work that he does (as part of his occupation), – or his practical contribution to the society or humanity, and his/her moral character and culture.

So whether a given person has more assets or less, compared to another particular person, should depend upon the ideal worth or value of their respective professions and their performance within it.

Different professions may have the same ‘ideal worth’ for example cardio-surgery, neuro-surgery and oncology. –Or roughly: nephrology and ophthalmology.

Then comes the occupation of a researcher in technology or science and a true leader/vanguard/pioneer/visionary of the society.

Then come say Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Software Engineering. And so on.

This should probably be mentioned in some law or Constitutional article, and probably some policies should be ‘qualified with/informed by’ this value/idea (some of which is subjective).

(Needless to say- a person’s worth is not deemed to be a function of his profession’s ‘ideal worth’. But every person should have such ideal aspirations).

These alone are what should determine a person’s ability to afford comforts, pleasures and various facilities and commodities; these alone are what should determine the ownership of spacious properties/estates in the habitat – i.e. who owns how much land (as personal/family property).

(-Land owned as someone’s company property is a different matter. Company property in the form of large amounts of land that may be necessary for the production of some kind of good or service – should generally be leased from the State, and not owned by a private party).

In an ideal land, it is the right kind of people, good people who have the most ‘power’. Even if they do not have the most wealth, no one has more power – in any respect: political, economic or bahubal (‘muscle power’, ‘street power’) etc. –  than them or nearly as much power as them, in the land.

-The economic system should enable and protect that condition.

(contd.) –

They are sovereign in their own affairs and the affairs of their ‘social circle’. No one has any ‘control’ or wrong kind of influence/leverage over them. – and the system is such that no one could have that either; –that would not be possible.

The right kind of people should not be seriously wanting for anything (no serious abhav).

(The lack of ability to afford a sports car or vacation in a resort, is not ‘serious want’).

Good people have the most ‘influence’ and control over the destiny of the society and the habitat, and the affairs of the State.

They are truly free.

NOTE : In an ideal habitat/society, the word ‘power’ would have no meaning. No individual or group would ‘have power over’ another or ‘compared to’ another. Nor would any person have the desire to exercise power in that sense.

In an ideal habitat, it is the right kind of people who have the most importance, though they are not generally conscious of it.

*

It is desirable that eventually in an ideal land, through technological advancements and social-systemic progress, all persons would be able to have the occupation/vocation of their liking/ideal choice (or one of a few such choices) or otherwise – does not need to have a profession at all. His affording of basic necessities, comforts and some pleasures are satisfied in some other ways. -AI, molecular replicators?

Secondly, a family may and should choose to live in a plain and simple way. But it is they (i.e. the gentry class, professional/intellectual/artistic class, moral, cultured and good people) who should own large assets (e.g. land, means of production, capital etc.). It is they who should own large amounts of land, including in a countryside region.

– And not any other kind of persons.

Some such assets and land should also be owned by the State. -And perhaps some by citizens’ co-operatives.

Actually, as a safeguard, to maintain balance, both the State and many good persons, good families should own them.

The State should not own more than about 30% of them. Co-operatives (all together) should not own more than 20-30%.

It is good and may be even practically desirable to live in the kind of dwelling where, members of a family live a simple, relatively plain life. – with simple love for each other. -Finding ‘substance’ in the presence of and cherishing each other. -Generally ‘simple’ pastimes, pleasures; pure, unpretentious and heartfelt behaviour and thoughts.

-A middle-income-group house and environs.

NOTE : The concept of what describes a ‘right kind of a person’, is in the Paper 4 –Person – ‘Nature’.

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B

               Objectively, the features of an ideal economic system, are as follows. It should be attempted in a measured and prudent way, in stages and gradually if necessary, to realise these.

               These features basically serve the cause of bringing about and maintaining an ideal society, individuals and habitat. They do so, either in terms of introduction of the right features or removal of wrong ones.

B1

1. No private ownership of the following businesses/means of production and distribution/services :-

Retail, Distribution/‘Wholesale’, Transport, Real Estate Development, Contracts related to Public Works, -constructions etc., Mining,

Trade (including export and import) (please see below for qualifications, exceptions),

Banking and Financial services (please see below for qualifications),

Hospitality (hotels etc.),

FMCG Manufacturing and Supply (biscuit, soap, corn flakes, fruits and vegetables).

*

B2

Ideally every person should have an occupation that is knowledge-based, intellect/art based, and not an occupation that is primarily ‘business’, ‘commercial’ or mercantile.

*

Retail (shops, departmental stores etc.), and Distribution (wholesale) etc.

They should be owned and managed by the State.

There should not be any outsourcing here, either.

B3

IMPORTANT : EXCEPTION : The above is an (ideal) principle; but in the case of certain products like medicines and essential foods (rice, wheat, milk etc.), healthcare services (hospitals, diagnostic labs etc.), power, and other essential goods and services, as a safeguard, it should not be the law. Because then, the State – if constituted by immoral persons –may wield unfair power over the common people. –Or any section of them.

So there should be the freedom for full private participation in these areas. -with no excessive or stifling license/permits required from the State.

Though of course regulatory role of the State should be there.

There should be legal/Constitutional safeguards to ensure that the trade/import/manufacture of materials and equipments-, repair, maintenance etc. related to the essential services/goods, by private entities, may not be wrongly obstructed by the State.

B4

                     But the State should be there running such shops and all other establishments in the chain of distribution, on its own part. Such State establishments should try to provide the best possible service, keep the best quality and most useful items, so that they become the most preferred retail stores for the public.

                      The Constitution should make it mandatory for the State to maintain shops/delivery for all goods that are ‘essential’ or ‘important’ to a person in life, within every settlement (village or town/city); there should be at least one such shop for every 500 people. i.e. roughly one in every neighbourhood. That includes a drugstore, grocery, stationary etc. at not more than 10 minutes walking distance from any home in a neighbourhood or ‘city quarter’.

                       Goods that are classified ‘comforts’, ‘conveniences’ or ‘pleasures’ should be kept at State retail stores at no more than 30 minutes walking distance from an urban house. And desirably one in each village, and two or three in each town.

                        In Paper Habitat B (Section ‘C 14)‘) it is stated that as dictated by the Constitution, it is mandatory for the State to maintain satisfactory hospitals/clinics with emergency and dedicated, specialized critical care facilities.

* * *

B5

                       One big advantage of having the State run shops for all kinds of essential and important items is that – in India at least – one would be able to buy such items without any stress or need to put up with the offensive behaviour of a shop-owner.

The State-run shops would have certain written rules and standards (e.g. due courtesy with all, -everytime {e.g. always using aap/aapni, dekhiye/kariye, sir/ma’am; no impertinent or otherwise undesirable comments}, comfortable seating for the elderly/pregnant/sick, serving in the order of appearance at the shop/asking for an item, and not arbitrarily {except the rule of serving someone first if he has only one, quickly process-able item OR if the customer is a senior citizen/handicapped}; making a proper answer every time a pertinent question is asked etc.).

In real life, often one has to bear some wrong behaviour of a shop-owner just because he sells some item/s which are necessary to oneself or could become necessary some day in the future. And those items happen not to be available in any other nearby shop (-with an owner who is assuredly civil and fair-dealing).

[ Of course, nowadays online retail and delivery services have in some respects reduced this problem, but for many items, and if their need arises unexpectedly or they are needed quickly, the online option is not viable. Besides it has its own associated problems ]. 

But, in this case, the shop-owner is the State i.e. ultimately, in principle, the people themselves, and as per written rules, any person has the right to ask for and get any product he/she wants from such shops. The persons at the counter (if not entirely automated, which would be a goal, continuously to be moved closer to) are legally obligated to give the items asked for, in a civil, decorous, expeditious manner.        

Also, high standards would be maintained in terms of the quality of services. And the shops would be well-stocked.

[ Needless to say, the customer would be required to maintain civility, too ].

[ Again, this author likes and values the idea (which to some extent is cleansed and idealized too) of ‘cornershops’ and ‘mom-n-pop stores’. Well, in the field of essential products, they may exist too. Importantly, the State shops would be ours. According to our suggestions, or on initiative of the government department, they may be, they should be – maintained as nice-looking, well-decorated, clean, cheerful places. –Or charming, quaint or cosy.

This a matter of design. Planning. Wish. No one is stopping the State from commissioning or in-house designing of such places. It should.

Having such nice shops could be a (small) part of the culture of a land ].

* * *

B6

       The preferred form of private ownership in the large concerns should be as a ‘co-operative’ or ‘partnership’. Too many shares or too much personal wealth and capital should not accumulate in the hands of any individual. Perhaps there should be a ceiling regarding this (the no. of shares in such a company) in the Law. –&/Or such private owners may be taxed at a high rate.

If there are not enough persons with sufficient money of their own, to buy a sufficient number of shares in a given large enterprise (e.g. an airline or power company) – which would be necessary to prevent any one person from owning too large a portion of the company – then through State mediation, large numbers of shares may simply be awarded by lottery to eligible individuals. Eligibility here means- those with good records, no blemishes/allegations etc., and high level engineering/medical education or intellectual background, and who have been among the top students of his/her class at a quality college, and who also essentially are sincere practitioners of and affirmed believers in the principles in these Papers.

If any owner who had been allotted a large share in a company, is found subsequently to have violated an Essential Principle of these Papers (e.g. someone proven in a court of law to have committed a materially dishonest act), then all his/her shares in the company are to be confiscated by the State and awarded to someone else eligible and willing, by lottery &/or selection.

(In the above context:, an allegation, to be taken into consideration, must be at least 1 year old, made in writing on a public platform, or a police complaint filed). Of course, being convicted of a crime automatically and permanently disqualifies a person from being awarded any shares in an ‘Essential Enterprise’).

The system should be such that through owning these businesses, a person may become upper middle income group, or affluent, but not rich.

– If necessary, this will be achieved by higher taxation rates for such business owners.

The mentality with which a person should own and run such a business should be that of a service to the society; -remembering the purpose of existence of private ownership of such businesses and that ideally such businesses should not be owned by any private individual.

It’s just that they should be there in a functional state, so that if and when the State goes rogue or is critically incompetent/negligent, they should step in and fill that economic role.

Persons who own such businesses should desirably have a degree in a scitech (e.g. engineering, medical) or fine arts subject, -be qualified to hold-, and have a few years experience in such a regular job. Also they must first attend a doctrinal orientation course (of no more than 1 week; free of charge) by the State.

* * *

B7

      It seems to this author that if practicable, there generally should not be huge business conglomerates (i.e. WHEN a business ‘Group’ is owned by a single person/family/board AND it has very large total revenues/assets, AND it consists of companies in many dissimilar types of industries).

Also, a smaller business-owner should not sell his business only for a large amount of ready cash, to a larger player in the same industry. E.g. a small software-company or website owner producing a special, specific kind of service, should not sell his/her company to a larger one, because he is getting a lucrative deal. The mentality of a startup or small business-owner should not be like that. He should have an attachment, a pride in the company, believe in the value of the good or service which it produces, its quality. (He should not think of the company mainly as a source of income). He should be thinking like in the coming generations and centuries too, his company should continue to occupy the same role/place in his society; -may be with adaptations and advancements.

Anyway, there should be some kind of a law which would make this kind of a phenomenon less common – by incentives and deterrents – if not generally absent.

* * *

B8

     Establishments in the chain of retail and distribution (e.g. departmental stores), should also be maximally automated or alternative, labour-free systems devised.

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B9

Of course we all know how poorly managed many public sector concerns are. But some are relatively well-managed too. Also, we must take into account all cases of a private company defrauding and ruining people (and not always because the latter were consciously taking a risk), being opaque, obstructive or misleading; providing poor services.

We must ask the employees of each type, and their families how happy and secure they are.

~

B10

The people who constitute the State must believe in these principles; they must try conscientiously and diligently to make it work.

In the assessment of this author – which is not (yet) ‘systematic’ or comprehensive; it’s a ‘working’ assessment – the above is feasible.

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B11

(contd.)-

Transport

– Of goods and passengers. E.g. truck, bus companies, shipping.

Again, as a practical safeguard, airlines (including international service), some basic passenger transport (e.g. bus, tram, rent car, intra-city taxi cab, e-rickshaw) and perhaps some kinds of shipping services may have free private enterprise, but of course the State should have its own carrier/s, and make it a point to provide satisfactory services. That would happen only if the people in authority deeply believe in the principle.

A private transport company need not be very large or luxurious/’premium’. It needs to be only so large, and so functional, that if the State becomes repressive or discriminatory, i.e. it starts to deny such services to certain select individuals or groups or the populace in general, to coerce them into conformity, neutralize dissent or opposition, then the already existent private transporters could assure passenger commute for all important purposes e.g. jobs, going to hospitals/drugstores, banks etc., for all persons of the land, and in all regions.

The above principle applies generally, to all kinds of private service providers.

Private ownership is also permitted in the transportation of goods related to medical services e.g. oxygen cylinders, medicines etc. but the system should be such that the owners of such companies must be doctors or engineers (by qualification – at least post-graduate, and with at least 5-10 years experience) or nationally/internationally renowned artists. -Only such persons should be allowed to own such transportation companies.

(They may employ workers to run the company).

Real estate development

Needless to say, individuals have the right to build their own house (with or without masons).

Banking and Financial services

Banking is considered an ‘essential service’ and therefore private ownership is permitted.

Needless to say, the usual oversight and regulation by the Central Bank should be there.

Trade

Mining

Public Works Contracts and other such contracts

Architect or Civil Engineering firms – for designing buildings, bridges and other structures, and for supervision and guidance of their construction, may be private, though government firms may also be there. The best design should be chosen.

Government constructed buildings can and should be aesthetic, or have a pleasing or charming character of their own. They need not be drab, merely utilitarian.

In fact, this author has seen some aesthetic government buildings, agreeable to the eyes; on the other hand, he has seen many private buildings which –with respect – ‘rankle’/clash with one’s aesthetic sensibilities.

‘FMCG’ (soap, shampoo, soft-drinks, biscuits etc.).

Hospitality (i.e. hotels). And restaurants, delivery services.

NOTE : Of course, common people of a locality may provide home-stay facilities to travellers.

There may be websites which feature, advertise many such establishments.

*

    Of course, like the essential goods, essential services – including medical treatment, diagnostic procedures –should be allowed to have free private enterprise. But the State, on its part, should provide all important medical/healthcare services (up to tertiary and quaternary levels care), and of the highest quality possible.

– Let it be remembered, the private ownership of concerns related to essential goods and services, is only meant to be a safeguard.

B12

2) Private ownership of only those enterprises/concerns (in addition to those involving Essential Goods and Services) that are ‘knowledge-based’ or ‘technical’, related to advanced technology.

–And that ownership is to be only by persons with the technical qualification-who is himself/herself a member of the profession.

E.g. an advanced, innovative computer hardware or other machinery manufacturing company; or an R&D-based pharmaceuticals company focused on patented drugs, or a company trying to mass produce a kind of inexpensive solid state battery. Some examples of such companies are Tesla, SpaceX, Lucid, ASML, Intel, Sakti and myriad others of different types.

B13

Free enterprise, indeed with dedicated incentives and maximum facilitation from the State, should be prevalent in the above kind of area/industries.

B14

              Let it be remembered, the agenda of all-round progress, social welfare (not in the sense of ‘socialism’ or ‘doles’), research programs for maximum and fastest technological advancements, the promotion and ‘provision’ of culture and education, the maintenance of the right kind of a habitat (as described in the Paper Habitat) – all would require a strong and developed economy. –Massive wealth generation.

Research and innovation – at both the State and the private corporation spheres (may be with some joint programs)  – will better the economy, while more disposable wealth will be used to fund more fruitful research. It is a mutually beneficial relation.

~

B15                       

     I seem to remember having read, that in Germany, there are a large number of mid-size, family-owned firms. These are collectively called the mittelstand. They were founded and have been owned through generations by the same family each. They specialize in the manufacture of a relatively small range of similar products. These products are often technologically advanced. –For example, if I remember correctly, a certain company lead by father and son made the heads for tunnel boring machines.

Or another company might be well-known for making a particularly beautiful or convenient domestic product.

They generally have a high quality of manufacturing. The owners take pride in the quality and fineness of their manufacturing and in the name/‘brand’- its tradition.

[ Parts of the above may be from a BBC feature hosted by Justin and Bee Rowlatt].

One could imagine the above kind of persons as being gentry people, who have some culture, if only in their sensitivities, family life, some ‘acknowledgment of’ and interest in things like literature or arts. –Who do not engage in profiteering, scrupulously follow standards, ethics and regulations as a point of honour/part of the mindset.

Who care about the society. (And of course about other communities and nations, humankind and the issues facing it).  

They are basically members of the society, who additionally have the role of an entrepreneur, an owner of some means of production.

Whose sons and daughters could be my true friends.

This is an aspiration. This is what the vision is like for a satisfactory kind of an economy.

                                                                 * * *

B16

Special Case :  There should be free enterprise by any private citizen in the fields of printing and publishing (and related machinery and materials), pen, pencil, drawing and painting items, paper, notebooks etc., and in the ownership and running of educational institutions (schools, colleges and Universities) and media (e.g. newspapers, television channels, news websites etc., which would feature news, analyses and opinion).

It is a natural right of all human beings.

-The same applies for privately owned institutions of scientific research, which would be free to sell their products/methods in the market/to clients.

There may be as many companies/firms as may ‘naturally’ come into existence in the above spheres; – which might make beautiful or quality products, or those of specialized use.

-Or just for variety.

But as with other kinds of products, in this sphere too, the State should manufacture its own full range of important products, in sufficient quantities and with a satisfactory distribution network.

~

Let it be made clear that the author is not a Communist or Marxist. He is strongly opposed to such ideologies.

He values good traditions and heritage. By the way, a laissez faire system, a ‘culture of business and maximizing profits’, is not very kind to a nation’s culture, society or heritage. -As common people in many Western countries may have begun to feel.

He feels there is something in what Fabian Socialists (e.g. George Orwell) said. He has sympathies with some such ideas.

B18

3. No Production (and No Retail, Import, Advertisement, Consumption) – effected by law if necessary- of Certain Unnecessary or Wrong Kind of Items.

E.g.–

Tobacco products,

Beverage alcohol,

Unhealthy packaged snacks,

Make-up products (However, moisturizers, dark-circles treatment creams, pimple creams/lotions, lip-balms, talc, deodorant are not included in this group),

A surfeit of confectionary (to a small extent is alright),

‘Page 3’ media content, ‘yellow journalism’, ‘news’ regarding ‘personal lives of celebrities’, gossip etc. This should be achieved in a voluntary way. By un-interest on the producer side as well as the consumer side.

‘Improper’ (i.e. risqué) content (e.g. video, image etc.) and language (speech or text), in media (e.g. books/magazines/films, TV, websites),

[ Not only explicit language and visuals, but improper ‘sense’ or meaning/hint – even if expressed in proper language – is prohibited. The same applies for graphic/symbolic expressions or representations.

Some examples of this kind of a thing would be given as part of the relevant article the Constitution; the rest would be adjudicated on the basis of the discretion and judgment of the official of the department concerned. The official’s decision is subject to appeal to and overturn by the judiciary ].

‘Improper’ or non-proper garments (i.e. the common kinds of ‘swimsuits’, skirts/pants above knee-length, ‘backless’, ‘off-shoulder’ or ‘spaghetti-strap’, any dress that leaves a gap between the upper and the lower garments etc. –Except a sari, but this should be worn in a proper way).

There should be no ‘inappropriate’ attire. Though it is much desirable that the sense of propriety (including that in speech and attire) be present in a person as an ‘original idea’, of one’s own. –and not due to external influence. –or ‘social code or law’. 

But if it has not turned out to be so (which need not imply any ‘discredit’ or negative quality), then after a while, it is alright and also desirable to ‘present/point at’ the right ‘way’ and respectfully make a suggestion or ask the person to consider.

The purpose of the above Constitutional prohibitions (i.e. a Constitutional amendment would be necessary to change this system, and not only a change in some law), is not only savings in resources (i.e. man-hours, materials etc.), but primarily to adhere to a certain cultural belief. – To have a habitat where at least the public sphere and the ‘media sphere’ are ‘proper’.

B18b

This (i.e. Paper Economic -B18) is an Essential Article of the Constitution, hence it would require a 5/6^th majority in the Parliament to amend this feature.

B19

4) Regulation of Working Hours and -Conditions in a Company.

a) Not more than 6  ½  hours of work a day (excluding breaks).

-Except occasionally (tentatively: not more than 2 days per month on average; and not more than 3 days consecutively for a given employee), if there are any special projects or the like.

-Beyond that, only if truly voluntary on the part of the employee.

Such extra work has to be given on a ‘rotational basis’; otherwise an employee being asked selectively to do more extra work than others of his/her rank, may decline, and the employer must not inflict adverse consequences upon such an employee – officially or in indirect/deviously.

An employer must not pressurize an employee in any way to stay in the workplace or otherwise work outside of the regular ‘duty hours’. The employer must not make an employee who declines to work outside of the ‘duty hours’, suffer. –Or favour an employee who consents to working outside.

If practicable in the specific case, flexible working hours for every employee. 

*

The conditions regarding working hours would be stated in the ‘job contract’, which would be legally binding).

b) Sunday (or any 1 day in the week) mandatory holiday. Saturday much preferably half-day.

c) It is mandatory for an employer to allow breaks (of 5 to 10 minutes) after every 2 hours of work, for a given employee. –these breaks would be of an ‘informal’ nature i.e. to get a tea or loosen one’s limbs with a walk in the corridor.

Additionally, a lunch-break of at least 20 minutes.

d) No ‘odd’ or inappropriate hours of working e.g. working after 6 PM (at home or office) routinely. This kind of a thing diminishes interactions in marital life, spending time with children, engaging in culture, -cultured pastimes, physical fitness, and social life.

It is not alright to have even young employees do this kind of a thing in the first 3-5 years of their work-life.

What is our overall goal?

Employers should of their own will foster practices that protect the family and social life.

In any case, the law should be there.

Any job contract violating any of these rules is by default invalid, and the very drawing or proposition of such a contract, is liable for prosecution.

Stringent laws and their strict implementation would be there regarding the above.

NOTE: Sensible exceptions should be there – for example in a state of war or declared State of Emergency, which however would be subject to judicial and parliamentary scrutiny and nullification, or oversight.

e) Even in private companies, no simple hire-and-fire.

All employees should be recruited for a certain minimum term (e.g. 1 or 2 years), and the term may be renewed periodically; if desirable and feasible, then the term should be lengthened. The job contract should clearly mention these things.

If terminated within a short period (to be objectively defined), the severance package should be – tentatively – not less than 3 months salary. Prior notice desirably at least 2 months should be given to the employee.

The full objective and specific formulation regarding this point (4e) has not yet been formed by this author; that would require more study and systematic thinking.

Ideally, or in principle, an employee once recruited should not be terminated from the company, provided that he is reasonably competent at his work and ethical. -He is willing to work hard (within the normal working hours stated above) and sincere (these are of course subjective things; we are talking about the ideal here). Only under exceptional circumstances, – would an employee who is in the middle income group or less, be terminated. – i.e. when the economic or some other ‘environmental’ condition makes it unavoidable.

If practicable and if the employee upon completion of the probation period shows no unethical behaviour and is reasonably competent, an employee should be recruited on a permanent basis i.e. with provident fund and perhaps with pension/gratuity, and not on a temporary basis.

All employers should sincerely try to do the above.

Basically, the employee in all conditions should get justice and humane consideration from the employer and the State.

Where one would be able to go through all economic and related (e.g. working in an office in another company; placement cell in a college; undergoing a professional course, training; internship etc.) with dignity. Without misbehaviour or taking unfair advantage of people in power (e.g. holding back employees in office even after regular duty hours frequently ). In fact there would be relevant state or ‘social’ /organizational rules and regulations, laws, oversight and legal recourse, remedial mechanism which would prevent such undesirable occurrences/__.   No one would have such ‘power’ within the right kind of a system.

The laws would be of a nature that makes it impossible for employers to continue with the wrong kind of practices stated above. But also individual common workers, clients/consumers, and the Citizen’s Body should probably boycott such companies, if that becomes necessary.

f) Adequate holidays, leaves and vacations for workers.

Tentatively : 20 – 30% more than the present average levels in the West or urban India in the private sector.

At least 15 days of ‘No Questions Asked / No Explanations Required’ leaves in a year.

At least 10 days of holidays in a year.

B20

5) Code of Conduct for Employers and Employees.

An employer or professional superior/’authority-figure’ should always be civil with an employee/subordinate.

For example, it should be unthinkable for an employer or professional senior/’boss’ to address or refer to an employee as anything but ‘aap’, ‘aapni’, and corresponding words. -Irrespective of age difference or anything.

It should be unthinkable for the former to make any impertinent comments (e.g. “Woke up late in the morning today”?; “Did you watch films too long yesterday night”?, upon arriving late) etc.to/about the latter. Or slipping into colloquial language on whim. -Or any statements violating civility and mutual human respect, in general. This kind of a thing is very common in India.

In an ideal system, there would be legal redress/remedy against this kind of a thing. -Based on well-defined, specific laws, and rapid prosecution and sentencing. There should probably be monetary penalty from the convicted to the aggrieved/offended party, to the tune of 10-50% of the monthly salary of the perpetrator, and a written apology of course. For subsequent offences by the same person, the penalty should be increased by 50-100%.

For proof collection, I guess recording of the ‘boss’s talk by employee should be legally permitted.

[ Of course, the person in authority may take action against the subordinate employee upon the breaking of a written rule (what all commissions and omissions on the part of the employee constitutes such ‘actionable conduct’, ‘lapse’ etc. must be mentioned in the job contract in objective and specific terms ].

Correspondingly, there should be no ‘militant trade unionism’, insolent behaviour by employees, physical disruption and obstruction by employees (this kind of a thing too has been seen in India), cavalier disregard for or slackness in the face of orders.

The same as above is applicable for teachers/HoDs/Principals and students in schools and colleges. –‘coaching institutes’ etc.

B21

6) Assured Provision of the Basic Necessities of Life to Every Person.

The State must ensure that the Food, Clothing and Shelter needs of every person living within its territory, is met.

(Persons present in the territory illegally may be deported, but till then.. ).

People should be informed of this system, by the State.

Any adult of able body and mind, claiming this benefit must register with his/her nearest Employment Exchange. The Exchange would assign him/her a job, if available.

If no job is available, then the entire amount of money necessary to support the basic necessities (i.e. food, clothing and shelter) of the person, would be transferred (on a monthly basis) by the State to the person. [Or if the job remuneration is insufficient, then the difference will be paid for by the State]. Or instead of money, the food and clothing items themselves would be provided by the State to the individual concerned, through a system similar to ‘ration cards’ of India (Direct Provision).

Dignified and comfortable homeless shelters should be there.

(Of course, if the State and individuals are doing the basic and reasonably easily achievable things rightly, then there would be no homelessness).

Satisfactory government hospitals providing free or highly subsidized medical services, must be there.

Persons who are not adults or not of able body or mind or above Age 65 are not required to work or register for work, in order to be eligible for the Benefit.

B22

                    Related to Starting a Family –

7a)  Adequate maternity and paternity leaves.

                    -Both before and after birth.

Certainly greater than that permitted at present in the private sector in USA or India; or I guess in most East Asian countries. Western European countries are one believes better in this respect.

The employee would have the option to avail of the leaves as a single continuous period or in parts from time to time. 

Furthermore, for a couple who have two or more children, the lady (if working) will get 5 extra days of leave every year; and the husband 3 extra days, till every one of their children reaches Age 18. This applies to employers/companies in both the government and the private sector.

Also a woman with a minor child will not – except for 3-5 days a year if very necessary – be given unnatural working hours (e.g. after 6 PM), even if she is doing ‘work from home’.  

These will be part of the law. -And as per a Constitutional provision, it will take at least a 4/5^ths majority to overturn this law or probably it will be an Essential part of the Constitution and therefore there will be no scope in the Constitution or the ‘system’ to change these laws at all.

7b)   50% Tax rebate to a working lady who has one (biological) child. No taxes for working ladies who have two or more (biological) children.

Certain other facilities and support to couples who have two or more children e.g. concessional fares for air and rail travel. (Only for the mother or both parents, at least for a few years). -Probably some form of subsidized housing/very low interest housing loans etc.

20% – 40% less school and college fees for the second, third and fourth child.

However, if the father is long-term unemployed or does not have a graduation degree in Medicine or Engineering or a post-graduation degree in some other subject, or if the family as a whole pays very low taxes, then only the housing facility and none of the other above facilities would be provided to them.

7c)    It will be mandatory for a government or private employer to give favourable (i.e. in the same city) postings to a lady employee or both the members of a couple (as necessary), so that husband and wife may always stay together.

As per law, a working woman will not suffer any adverse consequences to her career as a result her obligatory absences from work as part of maternity leaves etc. -She will not be considered unfavourably for promotions etc.

* * *

Every responsible citizen should understand that the Replacement Rate is said to be about 2.1, i.e. 2.1 children (on average) for each couple in a population, is necessary to maintain the same population size from one generation to the next.

* * *

It is essential to understand that having children is what a gentleman and a lady should do, as a purely good thing, and also as a moral duty to their family and society.

But since in the present economic conditions in developing countries, it is – for whatever causes – materially more difficult to have children, and also because women who are working (and women should make good use of their intelligence and intellect) do – out of natural reasons – have to put in more in this process, therefore it is only fair that the mothers should have some extra facilities.

But it should be understood that these facilities ‘should not be necessary’; they are not meant to ‘coax’ young persons into having children. That should not be necessary.

Even if these facilities were/are absent, people should still have children happily and with determination.

* * *

The underlying principle behind the above laws is that it should be easy – not difficult or moderately demanding – in a society/system to start a family i.e. to have children and bring them up well. The overall ‘system’ should serve that purpose, as one of its highest priorities.

NOTE : In the present times, the laws in Section B7 are pertinent to the European societies, North-East Asian societies and the ‘white-collar’, educated class of India. But generally speaking, such laws would be necessary for any society which is not overpopulated and in which the natality is tending to fall below that corresponding to the Replacement Rate.

B23

8) Minimization of wastage of national resources by avoiding ‘overproduction’, ‘redundancy’ etc.

This should be voluntary, perhaps with some incentives and disincentives by the State.

B24

9) No unnecessary military production or deployment. No unjust or unnecessary wars.

If there is a realistic, appreciable probability that some military hardware or construction might be necessary for some serious purpose in the future – even if indirectly – then the same might be produced.

But then that State should also try to solve the fundamental problem because of which that threat to the country’s security might arise. Address root causes; -should not just let such things linger.

B25

10)      No income through advertising/endorsing a product, for a person featuring in or ‘cited’ in the advertisement.

-except transportation, meals etc. cost remitted by the company to the person featuring; these would add up to a small total, much less than a middle-income-group person’s monthly income.

Of course, ‘Principle 10’ also applies to a person who is famous, for example an actor/sportsperson.

(E.g. appearing in an ad film, being a brand ambassador for a certain company).

Respectfully speaking, -and not in a wrong sense –

Firstly if a product is of a good quality, then its producers need not and should not think in terms of having it ‘endorsed’ by a ‘celebrity’. One can just list and explain the features and advantages of the product. –And secondly, if a product is really good, then why should a ‘celebrity’ want money to say “this thing is very nice-buy it”. –The person may just take a true recompense for the time and energy spent in making the ad- which would be in a few thousands of rupees (1 Rupee now-about 80 dollars). –or out of courtesy, expect or accept not even that.

(b)

(But what if a batsman is advertising a particular company’s bat – its technical qualities, or an athlete a brand of sports shoe? That should be legally permitted of course, but it should not be done in exchange for money – except for some nominal remittance as transport, hotel accommodation costs etc. Even this kind of a thing would not actually be necessary, in general. Significantly, this kind of an advertisement may also be done by an experienced coach rather).

And needless to say, ideally : someone successful in his profession would never make statements about a related product (as part of an advertisement) which he knew to be an exaggeration or inaccurate.

      (c)

       Ads should be ethical and preferably plain.

There should not be grand-ness, large expenditures. I am divided on whether there should be shooting in locations or with elaborate sets – if they make the ad expensive ; if it considerably raises the price of the product itself then certainly that should not be done. Otherwise, perhaps they could be done, because such advertisements are often enjoyable.. some of them may be ‘a flash of violet’. Although nowadays there are so many other ways in which such short videos can be made and put on platforms (e.g. the web, phone apps) for public viewing. It is often financially rewarding too.

This principle should be voluntary i.e. it should not be mandatory by law.

Self-regulation is the best.

(d)

There should be regulations against ads which assert/’promise’ or imply results upon using the product, which are unrealistic or excessive. –Or misleading. 

Violation of these regulations should entail prosecution, and if convicted, there should be heavy fines and in serious cases incarceration.   

‘Unrealistic’ here only means those cases where a false impression may be created in the mind of a normal adult. It does not include cases like say a fantasy scenario where both the producer/ad-maker and the viewer know, and the producer knows that the viewer would know, that this is not realistic.  Basically the law would be sensible.

There should be creative freedom. –complete.

However, content that is outside the purview of propriety and decency, or goes against them, is not considered part of ‘creative freedom’. It is not necessary to do.

[ This author is aware that many beautiful and artistic short ‘films’ that we have seen, and many nice, short musical pieces we’ve heard, are of advertisements. But I believe with or without some support and encouragement from State bodies or private ones, individuals and ‘studios’, private ‘arthouses’ would be able to continue to make such creations. Technologies emerged in recent times like video sharing websites and less video cameras, editing softwares (including graphic/special/artistic ‘effects’) etc. have made it possible for persons without large spending capacity to share often with a healthy profit his/her musical creations/performances, travel videos etc. with many others.

Many of them look professional, with high production values.

Even the learning of such skills is to a large extent possible online, through multimedia, nowadays ].

(One thought : a graphic/ design/colour scheme, or artistic effect should be imagined in the mind first. And then ‘put to paper’.

-rather than just picking from a set of design schemes/themes provided as part of the software package. If time is limited, then that may be done later).

*

(e)

Desirably, there should be only a little amount of advertisements. And those sedate. Of course decent and plain.

Advertisements – in any form – should be unobtrusive in the habitat. -Whether they be hoardings (which should be minimal or absent) or on TV, the internet, print media.

Of course to the extent and in the ways it is necessary to have ads to make people aware of the existence of a product/brand and inform them about its features and advantages, advertisements may be there. But even going by this principle, they would be much less common than their present levels.

B26

11)    No professional sports or acting/modeling .

This is an ideal that should be voluntarily practiced.

There probably should not be a law prohibiting these. That is, individuals and organisations probably should be free to engage in professional sports/acting.

*

This is a principle related to idealism and notion of culture. It is not just for ‘savings’, economy of resources.

*

But of course the televisation of sports is a good form of entertainment and should continue. It’s just that ideally the players would not be doing it for an income, and they would have no income from it. It would be like one club playing against another or one neighbourhood, amateur cricket association of a city or company versus another .. like that.  –though some ‘recompense’ for giving that amount of time and energy could be given, possibly by the State.

Very accomplished or promising players and artists would be permitted special leaves from their job if needed for playing/per-match training.

(This recompense might place them in the ‘upper middle income group’, but should not make them ‘rich’; there should be a ceiling to the earnings made by a person through sports or acting. The earning should certainly not depend on the size of the market).

The system should be such that a person would be able to become upper middle income group or affluent through sports/acting, but not rich.

– The taxes should be raised drastically with such incomes. Also, in an economy where a person is prohibited from earning money from advertisements or endorsements, being brand ambassador etc., the disproportionate earnings from professional acting, modelling and sports are anyway going to decrease by a large margin.

(E.g. the size of the market for the kind of performances that Bruno Ganz, Emma Thompson, Asghar Farhadi, Tom Wilkinson have rendered is smaller than that for some Hindi film top heroes or some internationally known actors with strong risqué content in their roles. The latter have made incomes many times more than the former.

It is not necessary that the former become much more affluent.

But that the latter –with all respect- should not have more purchasing power than the former).

Even adjusting for the change in ‘the value of money’, it is true that players like Sunil Gavaskar, David Gower, Viv Richards (and of course Bradman) earned much less than cricketers of the 90s onwards. Same for classic Western filmmakers from before the 1970s or quality independent film-makers of the present. This shows that it is not necessary for a sportsman or artist to be very rich, in order to play beautifully or create valuable fine art.

*

All professional sportspersons and actors should have an educational degree and have the qualification to hold a proper, full-time, productive job. They should preferably have 2-3 years of such job experience too.

*

In an ideal habitat, ‘modelling’ itself should be ‘minimal’ in occurrence, if at all. It should be in accordance with good tastes and propriety.

Probably, there should be no laws regarding this. This should occur by people’s own volition.

                                                                                 *

                              However in view of the fact that good quality skills/acumen and performance in sports and acting/film direction/editing/camera-work etc. – like other human vocations and crafts – often require a lifetime of practice, specialized learning etc. they require focus and indeed dedication,

                               -And it is true that ‘serious’ films (including comedies), theatre etc. are a form of art and a part of culture, and provide – among other things – genuine, healthy recreation to people,

                              -The State should financially and otherwise support such persons.

                              And ‘professional’ sports and acting should be permitted.  

                              But it should not be done for the earnings.

E.g. the Bengali film ‘Sonar Kella’ was financed by the West Bengal Govt.

But every sportsperson or actor/director should have an alternative profession (or the ability for it) and educational qualification.

It should be mandatory for all professional sportsmen, actors, artists etc. to acquire a graduation degree in a science, engineering or ‘Arts’ subject. -By Age 25. If necessary, he/she  may take a 3 year hiatus from his/her profession.

An actor/sportsperson should be truly educated. Fully educated. His professional training could be less, but his/her education should be no lesser than that of a common person.

B27

12)       No speculation-, no short-term trading in stocks, currency, bullion (gold, silver), commodities, real estate etc.

-Suitable laws and regulations for that.

Things like ‘short-selling’, hedge funds, should probably be prohibited.

True investments in a company by common persons should be allowed.

But it should be mandatory for a person to hold the shares for a certain minimum amount of time. -Can’t just exit as and when he wants e.g. intra-day trading, or even for a few months..i.e. only for ‘profiting’. If a person wanted to sell shares purchased a few months ago, it would be mandatory for him to show valid reason to the relevant authority e.g. unforeseeable financial crisis (in personal life).

For example, if a company is trying to do gene editing or explore space for human good, extend lifespan and healthspan by research and innovation, improve the environment, I will happily buy shares of it and incur the risk of loss.

~

This author has not yet tried to work out the full practical implications and ramifications of this kind of a thing. But he guesses it is feasible without any serious downsides.

The purpose behind this law is that a cultured/right-minded person who spends his free time in cultural and family persuasions, and does not give his time to thinking and calculating about which stocks to buy for how much extra income (i.e. outside of his profession), should not have less total earnings, less purchasing power than someone who does. -Or someone who would otherwise have made it his profession (managing own or other people’s money).

No person should have the profession of a ‘fund manager’ or stock trader.

This author does not yet know enough about this matter, but if possible, no one should have the profession of a stock broker. Perhaps automated systems, AI may obviate such jobs.

*

As stated in Paper Habitat, for idealism-related reasons itself, an ideal society must have a strong economy (till the day when technology and the overall human condition and mindset become so progressed that the state of the economy is no longer a significant factor).

If banks making investments/extending loans to entrepreneurs, the floating of joint stock companies to raise funds/to be economically viable, etc. are practically necessary to serve a greater good, then the Constitution of a habitat should permit them. The people of the society should let it be.

B28

13)        No professional unskilled labour. -E.g. no system of domestic workers (domestic ‘helps’), peons, waiters, laundrymen, janitors, drivers, security guards etc.

Maximum automation, self-help and sharing of such tasks on a part-time basis by the white-collar workers of the community themselves, are modalities by which these tasks/services are to be maintained.

Please see Section C16 of Paper Habitat for elaboration.

Let it be remembered, in the life envisioned in these Papers, the middle-aged generation and their senior citizen parents will be living together in the same house (with due consideration to the privacy – as and when applicable – of each couple). With the middle-aged couple, will be teenage children. So the scenario of senior citizens requiring help from private agencies/service providers will be uncommon. If emergency/critical medical services are required, then the State will step in, as per principles laid out in the Paper Habitat.

B29

14)        Ideally, every family should own enough land such that even if no member of the family has a job or any other source of income, that amount and quality of land would still be able to provide for all their food needs (except that related to cereals perhaps) i.e. the family would be able to subsist from that amount of land.

Some new lands can perhaps be created in the oceans or highrises or platforms on oceans/seas, for some humans.

~

B30

Occupational –

The mentality should be one of ‘working well’. The no. of hours should be in proportion to one’s capacity or potential; -and in some cases, the important practical requirements. Ideally the quantitative attribute of one’s work should be seen as ‘incidental’, if at all one needs to be aware of it.

Ideally, the aim or purpose in working should be to accomplish a worthy task; or a valuable one. -Or to do a ‘practical’ task/product/service in a perfect, beautiful, especially efficient or ‘special’ way.

B31

(This is the ideal, and within the framework of existing conditions it should be tried to be achieved as closely as practicable; and also continual efforts should be there to create new, enabling conditions, to change the ‘system’ in ways which would make possible complete conformation to the ideal).

~

B32

         A vision –

Ideally, i.e. in an ideal ‘system’, no one would be obliged to work to sustain their livelihood.

-And to be able to avail of comforts, travel, nice lodgings while on a trip, acquire new books etc.

This author is not sure he would be able to (even) theoretically formulate a complete plan of how to achieve this.

But perhaps it is possible, somehow. It is certainly worth trying. – At least worth achieving to a significant extent. Technology has already increased our leisures and affordability (disposable incomes) massively.

Though in this case, a person would have to have / find some activity which is of substance or value, which would fill that part of his life with meaning. I think this is easily possible.

Though (before that is achieved) for the coming many centuries and probably millennia, human beings would have to engage in scientific and technological research as much and as diligently as possible, to achieve the maximum upliftment in human condition within the known laws of nature. -And to transcend them, go beyond them, if possible. This involves the employment of as large a work-force as possible in this sphere.

*

B33

                                I guess automation and artificial intelligence in the future can achieve that state in which one does not need to work for a living or one very near to it.

                                I read about the concept of ‘replicators’ which by molecular engineering or nanotechnology, would simply produce all the food and other necessary materials and substances of life.

Of course such technologies would have to be of a nature that in addition to it being possible, it would also have to be economically feasible, and much desirably – it would have to be so cheap that most people if not all can afford the goods produced by that technology.   

Perhaps this is a pertinent example :  There are many consumer and industrial use items which earlier were of made of metals and now are of polymers- so made up of much more common elements. So unlike the metals, I guess these raw materials would practically never be in shortage.

Somewhat similarly, aluminium was a very costly material before about 1886, but from then on it began to be produced by a different, much cheaper method, making articles made from aluminium too, much cheaper.

Technology has actually brought us to a condition where it is possible for us to work less hours, have more leisure or free time. –while maintaining the same standard of living.

This is not a tacit advocacy or desire for whiling away time, indolence.

Rather people should not have to engage for life in professions that they do not like, but have to have, because present economic systems necessitate that. -for their livelihood.

[ There is an expression – There are two kinds of people in this world, those who have an occupation they had always wanted, and those who do not. It does make some sense. ] 

The following is kind of an idealistic vision –

-Then all persons engaged in ‘jobs’ like accountancy and audit, secretarial jobs, dentistry, gastroenterology perhaps, would be free. They may then apply their time to creating good art, literature and music, cultivating, and enjoying them (which is an end in itself; this author is sceptical of the ‘rule’ or dogma of ‘productivity’. The whole question is : To what end? What moral or cultural purpose does it serve? (-As distinct from the practical purpose). Sure, studying physiology or anatomy or cardiac or neural medicine may be a rewarding, engrossing, sometimes a delightful experience, but does a certain section of humankind need to be life-long pathologists too? –from the ideal point of view?

Any of the above is not meant in a wrong way. Of course, in some respects, some of the times, the above professions may be interesting, rewarding. But are they on the whole fulfilling?

Also, in such a world, people would be free to do, devote their lives to more important works e.g. research into how to travel in time or become immortal and indestructible.

Fundamentally eradicate diseases. Perhaps by a genetic approach- by modifying, removing/deactivating or adding new genes. (Though of course we would miss the times, the life of a group of young people getting together and studying in a medical college to become doctors, reading medical subject books. Though such a practice may still be engaged in, for the experience).

Some of these have alright been achieved and have saved lives in real people.

Perhaps develop extrasensory perceptions.

About how to create the appropriate type of stars, and quickly enough. How to modify, change the behaviour of a star according to our needs.

How to perpetuate humanity, its civilization beyond the 800 million years or 1 billion years (when if the natural course is allowed to proceed, the Sun would destroy human and most other life on Earth), and then beyond 5 billion years (when the Sun would enlarge and become too close to the Earth.

He/she to become god. To transcend, not be limited in any way by natural laws.

Footnotes :

(re B6)

• The State cannot delay providing the doctrinal orientation course (DOC) .. after intimation by an individual to the State that he/she would start owning a business, it is the State’s obligation to hold the course as soon as possible. If the State fails to hold the course, the person’s ownership/acquiring and running the company may not be delayed because of that.

B34

*

Justification for the principle of ‘No private ownership of certain businesses’ –

(The following is said with all respect and goodwill. A sense of being ‘-one’s own’ / ‘apan bhav’).

‘Business’ itself is not a right kind of occupation for any person, from the ideal point of view.

It does not fulfill the ideal needs of a person.

It reduces/ brings under pressure, good qualities (in a person). And would be associated not with good experiences, but with negative ones, even if the person is being successful in his business occupation.

Business necessitates a person to think in materialistic, worldly ways; -spend too much time in such thoughts or considerations. It too often requires a person to be ‘clever’ or at least ‘think in clever ways’ (if only to anticipate or counter someone else’s cleverness).

A business-person may have all good intents to begin with but the occupation tends to and all too often appreciably grows in him hardness, dryness, cynicism, a terse or worldly quality. (Even if not generally apparent).

Also, the mind being pre-occupied with ‘business-like’ or ‘commercial’ thoughts, definitely disrupts or -in spirit – goes against ideal activities like ‘cultivating and practising culture’.

-Plus, very importantly, the mind misses out on all the positive influences and experiences associated with practising a knowledge-based profession. For example, technical problem-solving or scientific thinking, peering into a medical textbook now and then. These have a good effect on the mind; they make for a better life and personality.

Humbly and respectfully speaking, this author has seen business-persons – for example shop owners – who are gentlemanly and genuinely decent people (i.e. not only when expedient), who are honest and help others out of the goodness of their heart, who deal fairly. On the other hand, he has seen many white collar or services-class workers who have the habit of rudeness, non-honest practices, even consciously harm or offend innocent persons for their own enrichment/ego. But the above points are still valid. On the whole, they are true.

Therefore ideally every person should have an occupation that is knowledge-based, intellect/art based, and not an occupation that is primarily ‘business’, ‘commercial’ or mercantile.