> Its probably true that UBI can be used instead of targeted industrial investment by government.
In a small village, maybe on the metric of wealth per capita. But there are going to be massive externalities because there is nothing intrinsic there to perpetuate or grow that wealth through industry. That old proverb rings true, “Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish…”
The report I read, and your statement is very true, but their findings were that instead of buying a meal, when they had capital, they began businesses (or larger capital investments, like livestock) so they could take care of themselves long term.
The issue is that, sort of like you say, theres a lot of low hanging fruit in a poor village that just a bit of money can set someone up. And the comparison was other charity, apparently another charity had sent this village a shipping container full of beach balls. So comparatively money is easily the victor.
In a small village, maybe on the metric of wealth per capita. But there are going to be massive externalities because there is nothing intrinsic there to perpetuate or grow that wealth through industry. That old proverb rings true, “Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish…”