The "Goon" argument isn't so much that they are necessary in real life, but that their existence as a whole does not provide a net positive for society. Goons e

The "Goon" argument isn't so much that they are necessary in real life, but that their existence as a whole does not provide a net positive for society. Goons exist because other people have Goons; they don't create wealth for the species as a whole. The arguments in general are written from the perspective that the "perfect" society is one where everyone cooperates to build new technologies, create art, go to space, et cetera, and every job that does not contribute to that utopian ideal is considered a "bullshit job". Not necessarily agreeing or disagreeing, but that's the argument's perspective as I see it. IMO its not surprising he is an academic, this view has a very ivory tower feel to it.