Looking Backward, 2000–1887

Answers

• Q19LABOR

  Who should receive the benefits when machinery increases the amount a worker can produce?

  All citizens equally. The nation owns the mills and machinery, and every citizen receives an equal credit on the annual product.

  "How is this distribution managed?" I asked. "On the simplest possible plan," replied Dr. Leete. "A credit corresponding to his share of the annual product of the nation is given to every citizen on the public books at the beginning of each year, and a credit card issued him with which he procures at the public storehouses, found in every community, whatever he desires whenever he desires it. This arrangement, you will see, totally obviates the necessity for business transactions of any sort between individuals and consumers.

  Chapters 6 and 9 · Downloaded Gutenberg #624; confirmed Chapter 6 (nation assumes the mills) and Chapter 9 (credit card passage).