On desires - I would disagree on two fronts. In the first place our capacity to fulfill desires is limited by time and money. In the second, core desires are ul

On desires - I would disagree on two fronts. In the first place our capacity to fulfill desires is limited by time and money. In the second, core desires are ultimately few in number, whereas creative abstractions to satisfy them are effectively limitless, but there are diminishing returns. Think overconsumption or addiction. I think where this leaves us is having a large variety of means to satisfy desire, but consumption per individual (not in terms of dollars but stimulation) falls within a range. As for growth, I think the pandora's box that has been opened is that population (either domestic or abroad) is a necessary component, and natural resources make that possible. On the other hand, a stagnant GDP seems more a crisis for the wealthy than everyone else. The global population is projected to level off in the next 100 years; there will come a point we will have to plan for that. The valid fear is that unlike many historical periods of stagnation and high inequality, this may not be broken up (as it was by war), and ruling classes will have better tools to hold on to wealth and power.