A very simple solution
Finding the measure for
our basic needs is very easy.
We have used it already when we thought about
how to distribute water to the castaways.
The measure arises from the data about
the environment and our numbers.
That's all.
As simple as that.
If we have enough water
for everyone
to use 200 litres a day,
then this is the measure.
Beyond that is wasteful
and
shameful extravagance.
If the 200 liters are too much for someone,
he doesn't need to use it all.
That will be to the advantage of the rest.
If the water supply
allows only for 10 litres
a day, then the measure is
10 litres, because
if one person uses 11, then
he steals a litre
from someone else who will
only get 9.
The same applies to air conditioners, to cars or anything else.
If we have enough air conditioners for everyone
who feels hot to have one, and we have enough
energy to operate them day and night without
further burdening the environment, then why not,
so shall it be.
But, if we have only a few air conditioners, then
it is obvious
that we must give priority to those who belong to the
so-called
"sensitive groups in society", the elderly
and those suffering
from heart problems.
And if we don't have enough energy, or damage to
the
environment doesn't allow it, then we have to operate
the air conditioners for only a few, highly critical
hours.
But here arises a question that is so central that
the success
of our whole effort depends on the answer we will give.
Our whole dream of a new
society that is
not based on robbery stands
or falls on
the answer, we will give to
this question.
If there are not enough air-conditioners, nor
enough energy
to spare, and the environment can't tolerate a further
burden
(and
unfortunately, this is the situation today),
who makes sure that the air conditioners only go to
those
who actually need them, and that they use them only
when it is absolutely necessary?
Will we perhaps need a very strong police force?
We will not need the police at all,
is the answer I would suggest.
― But
if there is no police force, then every cheat will
bribe a doctor to give
him the "certificate of sensitivity"
and will from then on
have the air conditioner running
day and night, even in winter,
to counteract the heat,
because he will also
have the heater on high.
Very true.
According to the prevailing mentality this is exactly what will happen.
We have the mentality cultivated by the system
in which we live, and if we don't change this
mentality,
it is futile to dream of any change in society.