You Will Own Nothing And Be Happy Quote Origin
“You will own nothing, and you will be happy” is a quote that has gained significant popularity in recent years. The quote is often attributed to Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum. However, the origin of the quote is a bit more complex than that.
The World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum, or WEF, is a non-profit organization based in Switzerland. It was founded in 1971 and is dedicated to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. In recent years, the WEF has become known for its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, which brings together some of the world's most influential people to discuss global issues.
The Great Reset
The quote “You will own nothing, and you will be happy” is often associated with the Great Reset, a concept that was first introduced by the World Economic Forum in 2020. The Great Reset is a plan to rebuild the global economy in a more sustainable and equitable way following the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan includes a shift towards renewable energy, increased investment in public services, and a focus on reducing inequality.
Klaus Schwab
Klaus Schwab is the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum. He is a German economist and engineer and has been an influential figure in global economics for decades. Schwab is often credited with popularizing the term “Fourth Industrial Revolution” to describe the current era of technological advancement.
The Origin of the Quote
So, where did the quote “You will own nothing, and you will be happy” actually come from? While it's true that the quote is often associated with the Great Reset and Klaus Schwab, he did not actually say those exact words. The quote appears to have originated from a video that was posted on the World Economic Forum's YouTube channel in November 2016.
In the video, a man named Ida Auken, a member of the Danish Parliament, discusses what the world might look like in 2030. She describes a world in which people have given up ownership of many of their possessions in exchange for access to shared resources. The quote “You will own nothing, and you will be happy” appears in the video as a subtitle, but it is unclear who added it or why.
The Meaning of the Quote
The quote “You will own nothing, and you will be happy” has been the subject of much debate and interpretation. Some people see it as a dystopian vision of a world in which people have lost their individual freedoms and become dependent on the state. Others see it as a positive vision of a world in which people are free from the burden of ownership and can focus on more meaningful pursuits.
Regardless of how you interpret the quote, it is clear that it has struck a chord with many people around the world. It has become a rallying cry for those who believe that the current economic system is unsustainable and needs to be reimagined in order to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
Conclusion
The quote “You will own nothing, and you will be happy” may have originated from a video posted by the World Economic Forum in 2016, but its meaning and significance have evolved over time. Whether you see it as a positive or negative vision of the future, it is clear that the quote has captured the imagination of people around the world and sparked a much-needed conversation about the future of our economy and society.