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The hidden assumption of many economists is that unfettered economic growth is always a good thing. I'm not arguing against growth. I just think it's important
by chmaynard 7y ago
The hidden assumption of many economists is that unfettered economic growth is always a good thing. I'm not arguing against growth. I just think it's important to state our biases and assumptions when we make an argument.
- Glosster 7y agoWell said! Personally, I'd rather see growth in non-polluting technologies, mental health, education, and other aspects of our society. I don't care about overall economic growth and GDP.
- mojuba 7y agoGrowth is always good for the poor, as it is good for entire poor nations. The problem with modern capitalism though is that the rich benefit from growth to a greater extent compared to the rest. The gap is only widening. Then there's stagnation/recession/depression when it's the opposite: the poor lose more than the rich compared to what they have. So no, growth is a good thing, but it needs some serious fixing too.
- TheOtherHobbes 7y agoGrowth is only good for the poor when it's evenly distributed, which it mostly isn't, and when it doesn't have negative impacts on personal health and the environment, which it mostly does. Most "growth" is really just stripping the house and burning it down to make a fire - while a small number of people get most of the benefit.
- mojuba 7y agoNot true, no. We all become more productive over time, then we develop even more productivity tools etc. That's real growth. There's of course the inflated component in it which gets corrected regularly.
- gonzo41 7y agoBe careful with your heretical thinking around here.