Yes it does have the greatest impact on people's lives. That is why it works so well. Who is to say what is fair? Who is to say what is surplus? Sure it would would be nice if everyone had equal goods and services. But what about equal effort?
I here this term thrown around about income inequity, spread the wealth. But I never here about spreading the labor, the effort, sharing the responsibility. That will never happen. Everyone wants to protest or vote themselves more money, but I never see people protesting for more work.
I think what would make the world a better place would be for individuals to learn to be self sufficient. When disaster strikes, of course we will help each other as many always do.
Sounds like you may be familiar with
http://www.thevenusproject.com/
Have you seen this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwJaLFMf7IA
An average of how much and what people consume could be taken to work out how much is needed. It won't be right for each individual case but there's so many things done this way at the moment and because it fits most peoples needs it wouldn't be complained about too much. This wouldn't be too difficult to come up with once getting past the initial disagreements. For lack of a better system.
As for the labour part, it would be like doing community service and I think most would be happy to do this once they know the benefits they'd get for participating. You'll also get the hyper pro active people and the inherently lazy take it all for granted.
Of course the biggest problem with all this is people having enough trust in such a massive change; people hate change. Until there's someone to actually take charge and try to implement this then you're right, it'll never happen.
I don't understand your point about self sufficiency, how will people learn that? Will people be taught it? It all hinges on this paradoxical situation though; everyone relies on money, so no one is self sufficient. Unless you mean self sufficient at obtaining money. So what of all the poor people who haven't any finances, or just make enough for ends meat? A lot of them likely don't have the opportunity, wealth or support to make anything better for themselves and are stuck in their rut.
What if the situation turned though and there was no money and financial security. Say like a survival of the fittest going on, who would be self sufficient then? I'd say to compare extremes that the poor would have a massive head start over the rich as they'v had all sorts of hardships and challenges to deal with as opposed to a carefree and easy life.
People should help each other regardless if there isn't a disaster; help teach and become wise.
I'v heard vaguely of the venus project but don't know any of the details about it. I'll give the link a watch when I get time.
