— Bob-a-job-alog-a-roonie

In my next book

(which makes it sound like I pump these out…)

I will argue for a new ism that is not capitalism, or socialism, but somewhere in-between.

This might not make the cut, as it is too radical and odd:

Every time you buy something, four other people get the same thing.

It is an extension of the new businesses who have a model of “buy one, we give one to charity” model.

Let’s start with a basic example. The richest person in the planet wants to buy a kilo of rice, to make a curry. The poorest person on the plant wants some rice, just to survive, to feed their hunger.

Rice is sold at auction. A global, digital auction. Unlike normal auctions, when you win you need to buy four of the item, and you only get to own one of those for yourself. The other three get distributed according to rules (yet to be determined – it is 4am and I am well drunk…)

The new model doesn’t change capitalism much – those who can most afford something bid the most, and win the auction. The order of things doesn’t change, with the rich feeling empowered and superior. But it does bring them down a notch.

But it is surely good for society, when someone buys a $50 jacket, three other people get one. And when someone buys a $500K sports car, three other “undeserving” people get one.

OK, the reality is that the homeless person doesn’t keep and drive the $500K sports car. They sell it to a rich person. So the exclusivity remains, but the wealth gets spread. And every purchase causes thought, maybe even deep thought.

(Obviously this only works for bulk, manufactured products…)

OK… a few hours later and a fraction more sober… there needs to be an algorithm. People who enjoy the benefits of “free stuff” will lose those benefits, gradually, as they participate in society economically. People can’t just free-ride on free stuff.

The idea could be described as truly trickle down. The affluence of the rich truly benefits the poor.