"Imagine a world in which no one was living below the average income level."
This is a world where everyone has exactly the same income. I don't see any special reason why it would be desirable, though.
That was sort of my point. Most people are going to imagine it as a more perfect world. But if they were to think through all of the implications, they would see that it probably involves massive taxation and a very very strong central government, with less motivation for people to do dirty and difficult jobs.
They want something they can't, or don't, accurately imagine.
Another month, another rationality quotes thread. The rules are: