nope, big things are built with “industrial replicators”. the only thing they can’t make is a material called latinum, which is sought after by the ferengi precisely because it’s the only scarce thing left.
also, there’s a distinction to be made between “private” and “personal” property. people still own things, but it’s for sentimental reasons. like, you wouldn’t have a toolbox or a statue or a mansion unless it was your “lucky” toolbox or “antique” statue or a “family” mansion. things only have sentimental value, not monetary value.
but you’re right in that an economy exists, because the federation still needs to do outside trade and freight. it’s just more of a bartering system.
also, people on DS9 tend to carry latinum around due to the ferengi presence. the bar in ds9 just has the same replicators that all the rooms do, but it’s like a custom to buy a drink at the bar and gamble.
There’s also just things, like, Picard “owns” a vineyard, because he inherited it. For those who don’t have generational wealth, how would one just get a vineyard if they want one? If they’re willing to put in the work themselves, is anyone just entitled to a large tract of fertile land in a temperate zone if they ask for it? Or can anyone just get a penthouse apartment in the heart of a major city if they want one?
Even if these things no longer have monetary value, they still have some sort of intrinsic value, and that means things to people. If the federation government can’t provide a vineyard or a penthouse to any aspiring vintner who asks for one just due to population and land/infrastructure limitations, that’s still scarcity of a sort.
nope, big things are built with “industrial replicators”. the only thing they can’t make is a material called latinum, which is sought after by the ferengi precisely because it’s the only scarce thing left.
also, there’s a distinction to be made between “private” and “personal” property. people still own things, but it’s for sentimental reasons. like, you wouldn’t have a toolbox or a statue or a mansion unless it was your “lucky” toolbox or “antique” statue or a “family” mansion. things only have sentimental value, not monetary value.
but you’re right in that an economy exists, because the federation still needs to do outside trade and freight. it’s just more of a bartering system.
also, people on DS9 tend to carry latinum around due to the ferengi presence. the bar in ds9 just has the same replicators that all the rooms do, but it’s like a custom to buy a drink at the bar and gamble.
Curious how they decide who lives in desirable spots. Like Cali coast of something similar?
i was thinking of that as well, like surely land would still have value. don’t know if it’s ever addressed though.
There’s also just things, like, Picard “owns” a vineyard, because he inherited it. For those who don’t have generational wealth, how would one just get a vineyard if they want one? If they’re willing to put in the work themselves, is anyone just entitled to a large tract of fertile land in a temperate zone if they ask for it? Or can anyone just get a penthouse apartment in the heart of a major city if they want one?
Even if these things no longer have monetary value, they still have some sort of intrinsic value, and that means things to people. If the federation government can’t provide a vineyard or a penthouse to any aspiring vintner who asks for one just due to population and land/infrastructure limitations, that’s still scarcity of a sort.