A basic income is a guaranteed monthly government stipend issued to all adults with no questions asked - it's issued to the rich and the poor with no tests, etc.
This idea, recently introduced in Switzerland, comes from one of our Founding Fathers Thomas Paine. Switzerland's proposal would issue ~$2500 to every adult per month. Canada also saw success in the 1970s with a similar program called Mincome, which was proven to lower crime rates, hospitalization rates, and school dropout rates.
A guaranteed minimum income would ensure success and survival regardless of one's employment situation, and could strengthen the job market and economy at the same time. People will no longer be dependent on themselves, and would secure funding to start businesses or pursue their creative passion.