3 ms·
Yes of course, specialization increases abundance. But if you read the given examples it wasn't suggested that farmers make their own diesel. But rather that th
by msandford 10y ago
Yes of course, specialization increases abundance. But if you read the given examples it wasn't suggested that farmers make their own diesel. But rather that they own their land and equipment. Same for plumbers, it's advocated that they own their own tools.
Basically it's lamenting the lack of small businesses. That's not really wrong either. Diversity in business ownership might not be maximally "efficient" in certain regards but I think most folks would prefer that there isn't just one farming conglomerate, one nationwide plumbing service, etc.
- srtjstjsj 10y agoWhat's special about energy that makes it OK to rent, but not a tractor? (I can't buy a lifetime supply of diesel any more or less than I can pre-pay for a lifetime tractor rental)
- msandford 10y agoYou don't rent energy, you buy it. You go to the pump and buy a gallon of fuel. When you buy electricity you pay for a kWh, you don't rent the kWh and give it back when you're done. I don't see the problem with a person buying a house to live in or a car to drive. I don't see a problem with a programmer buying a computer to start a software business instead of renting it. So why should plumbers be employed by others who own the tools and the brand? Why should farmers not attempt to own their land and tools? Why are people here so down on "normal" people owning small businesses but startups are totally great?