Should Everyone Get a Monthly Check from the Government?

课文

1. Some countries are testing regular cash payments to all citizens, no strings attached.

   一些国家正在试点向全体公民定期发放无条件现金。

2. Supporters say it reduces stress, encourages education, and gives people real freedom to choose work.

   支持者认为，此举能减轻压力、鼓励教育，并赋予人们真正自主择业的自由。

3. Critics worry it might lower motivation to find jobs or make taxes too high for middle earners.

   批评者则担心它可能削弱求职动力，或导致中等收入群体税负过重。

4. Pilot programs in Finland and Kenya showed improved well-being—but not always more employment.

   芬兰和肯尼亚的试点项目显示民众福祉有所提升，但就业率未必上升。

5. The biggest question isn’t just ‘Can we afford it?’ but ‘What kind of society do we want?’

   最根本的问题不仅是‘我们负担得起吗？’，更是‘我们想要怎样的社会？’

6. Funding would likely come from higher taxes on wealth, automation profits, or carbon fees.

   资金来源可能包括对财富、自动化利润或碳排放征收更高税费。

7. Even small trials help us learn how money shapes dignity, not just survival.

   即便是小规模试验，也能帮助我们理解金钱如何塑造人的尊严，而不仅是维系生存。

8. It’s less about handouts and more about redesigning economic security for changing times.

   这并非施舍，而是为适应时代变化，重新设计经济保障体系。