Fact Check: "You will own nothing and you will be happy"
What We Know
The phrase "You will own nothing and you will be happy" is attributed to a 2016 essay by Danish politician Ida Auken, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF). In her essay, originally titled "Welcome to 2030. I own nothing, have no privacy, and life has never been better," Auken envisions a future where individuals rely on the sharing economy for their daily needs, rather than owning personal property. The essay describes a hypothetical scenario in which the narrator does not own a car, house, or appliances, but instead utilizes shared services for these necessities (Wikipedia).
The phrase gained traction among critics of the WEF, particularly after the organization announced its "Great Reset" initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics have interpreted Auken's vision as a call for restrictions on personal property ownership, leading to widespread dissemination of the phrase as a critique of the WEF's agenda (Reuters).
Importantly, the WEF has clarified that it does not advocate for individuals to "own nothing and be happy," and its Agenda 2030 framework includes provisions for individual ownership and control over private property (Wikipedia).
Analysis
The claim that "You will own nothing and you will be happy" is a simplification of Auken's essay and the broader discussions surrounding it. Auken herself stated that her essay was not intended to represent her ideal future but rather to provoke discussion about technological development and the sharing economy (Wikipedia). Critics have taken the phrase out of context, using it to suggest that the WEF is promoting a dystopian future devoid of personal property rights.
The WEF's clarification that it does not have a stated goal of promoting a society where individuals own nothing is crucial. A Reuters fact check confirmed that the WEF's Agenda 2030 aims to ensure property ownership is accessible to all, which contradicts the interpretation that the organization seeks to eliminate personal ownership.
However, the phrase has resonated with many who are concerned about the implications of a growing sharing economy and the potential for centralized control over resources. Some commentators have described Auken's vision as "chilling" and "dystopian," suggesting that it reflects a shift towards a more collectivist approach to ownership (Wikipedia).
Conclusion
The claim "You will own nothing and you will be happy" is Partially True. While it accurately reflects a provocative phrase derived from Auken's essay, it misrepresents the WEF's actual stance on property ownership. The WEF does not advocate for a future where individuals own nothing; rather, it promotes discussions about the sharing economy and its implications. The phrase has been co-opted by critics to suggest a more sinister agenda, which does not align with the WEF's stated goals.
