In Brazil in the 1970s, there was an economic philosophy that argued that 'the cake should grow before it can be divided'. Actually, what happened was that, as

In Brazil in the 1970s, there was an economic philosophy that argued that 'the cake should grow before it can be divided'. Actually, what happened was that, as inequality grew, the rich changed their spending habits and industry chased after their needs, instead of expanding to fill everyone's necessities. The result was that growth eventually stopped. In 1980s Brazil you saw as many products on the shelves as you would in the eastern bloc. So yes, even if society gives everyone a fighting chance to get rich, it should take care not to let the gap widen too much so as not to shrink its own market.