Thanks for the kind words Gerrard!

I’m not sure if it would be that desirable if we extend out all the consequences.

The common definition of middle class seems to be where half the population earns a comfortable living.

My argument is that is impossible in talent-driven fields, regardless of our intentions for income redistribution.

For example, imagine a world where half of everyone who starts playing guitar could earn a comfortable living with their music. We’d have a lot more average or even weak guitar music, but the very best guitarists wouldn’t get any better. I’d love to be turn my mediocre guitar skills into a viable career!

The nature of a talent-driven field is that they generally require hundreds, probably thousands of hours of deliberate practice, effort, or creation without remuneration. Even after years of effort, there is no guarantee of a good income.

Only a tiny percentage ever put in that level of effort. The best 5%, 10% or maybe even 15% might be able to earn a comfortable living. Most will give up before they get started. Like my dreams of being a rock star. :-)

Also, if it were easy for anyone to earn a middle-class income following their passions, we’d have a much bigger shortage of workers in real middle-class careers like teachers, nurses, plumbers, garbage collectors, etc. Who would want to be a plumber if there was a high probability of becoming a well paid creator?