An Economy of Flows - Template

An interactive exploration of where the money goes, the cycles it creates, and the future we might build.

The Squeeze: An Average Salary's Journey

A typical yearly salary seems like a lot, but it gets consumed quickly. Click on a category to see where the money often flows and how much is left.

Your Starting Point

This represents a hypothetical pre-tax annual income. The categories show common expenses that reduce take-home pay. Select one to learn more about the economic forces at play.

The Accumulators: A Look at the Top

While many feel the squeeze, wealth accumulates at the top, creating "mega funnels." This chart shows the estimated net worth of some of the world's wealthiest individuals.

The Vicious Cycle

The user's text described a feedback loop: financial stress impacts productivity and well-being, which in turn strengthens the forces that cause the stress. Hover over each stage to understand the connections.

Worker Financial Stress

Rising costs and stagnant wages mean a harder time making ends meet.

Reduced Productivity & Well-being

Constant stress leads to burnout, health issues, and less focus at work.

Increased Corporate Profit

Lower labor costs and efficiencies can lead to larger profit margins for corporations.

Wealth Concentration

Profits flow upwards to executives and shareholders, widening the wealth gap.

This cycle shows how economic pressures can be self-reinforcing, creating what the text calls "clogging of the arteries on top."

A Fork in the Road: AI & The Future

AI could double proficiency. How are the gains handled? The text poses a choice. Use the toggle to explore two potential paths.

Winner Take All Shared Prosperity

Scenario A: Winner Take All

  • Excess profits are injected into the top, creating more billionaires.
  • Half the workers may be cut to maximize efficiency.
  • Wealth concentration accelerates dramatically.
  • Social safety nets become strained.

Scenario B: Shared Prosperity

  • Profits are split: some for the top, some for workers.
  • Workers are retained, perhaps with reduced hours.
  • People are liberated from "empty employment" to pursue their own paths.
  • A happier, more productive, and more stable society emerges.

The People's Voice: A Poll

Where do you stand? Let's see where people are at on these ideas.

(Note: Poll results are for illustrative purposes only and are not saved.)

1. When a company's profits surge due to new technology (like AI), how should the gains be primarily distributed?

2. What is the most effective way to reduce the influence of "big money" in politics?