An Economy of Flows
An interactive exploration of where the money goes, the cycles it creates, and the future we might build.
LIVE DATA INTEGRATION
This module integrates live economic data tracking the world's most affluent individuals. We are continuously building out integrations with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) APIs and orchestrating data pipelines to provide a comprehensive look into the economy of flows.
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 of $60,000. 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
Financial stress impacts productivity and well-being, which in turn strengthens the forces that cause the stress.
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.
Wealth Concentration
Profits flow upwards to executives and shareholders, widening the wealth gap.
Increased Corporate Profit
Lower labor costs and efficiencies can lead to larger profit margins for corporations.
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.
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.
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?