Those arguing for and against universal basic income tend to base their respective positions on sweeping assumptions about human nature. Those against it, for example, often argue that the scheme will sap people of their will to work and desire to better themselves, which rests on the supposition that money alone drives an individual to be productive. Those for it tend to exaggerate the extent to which providing basic material comforts alone result in happy citizens and a healthy society, an assumption that is belied by the poor socio-economic outcomes among current income assistance recipients in Canada.

Instead of debating human nature, a generally fruitless endeavour, we should simply test the idea in the real world to see if it works.  The Ontario government is right to pilot UBI, but the whole enterprise is dependent on the results being measured with brutal honesty and objectivity. If it doesn't work, we have to acknowledge it.