h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Can you be independent if you are subjected to/supported by Taxation ?
It has been said that the beginning of the end of any nation is when half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work, because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for.

Said by who?

Could well have been my eldest son. 😊

Are these half of people who aren't working the under 16s and over 65s?

<BB<

Thinking about it BB you have a point.
What happens to most communities or societies when half the members are either too young, too old and incapable of playing a full part ?

They turn into Bexhill-on-Sea?

<BB<

Is it a nice place ? Feel a bit sorry for the other half who live there.
Just think how they feel. Too old to have the benefits of youth and too young to draw on the benefits of old age. What needs to be done to give them their independence ?

It looks as though BB may have gone to Bexhill-on-Sea too see how the other half live, so let's reintroduce the subject with the simple question
What does it mean to be independent in a modern society ?

Define 'independent'

Anyone who's needs are few and who's wants are even less may well fit the bill.