At a time where robots are being prepared to take over many of our jobs, the idea of universal basic income is becoming more attractive. Universal basic income would replace existing welfare systems by giving everyone unconditional cash payments—regardless of income, work status, or anything else. Unlike most policy ideas, universal basic income is appealing to both conservatives who want to shrink government bureaucracy and liberals who want to support low-wage workers. It could be the most pragmatic solution to a wide range of problems, and is being lauded as the new operating system of the post-industrial state. With its promise of providing everyone with enough money to live a decent life, it may just be.