I was discussing the state of the world with a friend and remembered that the World Economic Forum predicted that by 2030, we will own nothing and be happy about it. How realistic is this prediction, and what would that scenario look like? Also, why do they believe we will be happy owning nothing?

I think this idea can only work in a society that has less wealth gap and people have somewhat similar purchasing power. Also when it's about communal services like communal libraries by a government.

However in case of certain goods it won't work like someone's house or anything essential.

Unfortunately this idea is used to promote unnecessary subscription.

Seriously. I think it angers me because it can be used to critique both anticonsumer practices in form of endless subscriptions and socially shared things (which are good for anticonsumption movement). I hear this from reactionists and conservatives a lot and I think they are ruining its meaning.

To adress what I mean by stupidness of this argument:

• I go to public swimming pool instead of building one myself. You will own nothing and be happy.

• Then I jump to public jaccuzi instead of buying my own. You will own nothing and be happy.

• I use taxis since 70s. You will own nothing and be happy.

• I go to laundromat because I don't need a whole machine for one person. You will own nothing and be happy.

• I read books at library because I prefer to lend them and save money. You will own nothing and be happy.

etc.