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The evidence produced is definitely addressing a different argument than the one he actually starts with. Comparing ancient empires to modern living standards
by Remnant44 3y ago
The evidence produced is definitely addressing a different argument than the one he actually starts with.
Comparing ancient empires to modern living standards is nonsensical for the purposes of determining if plunder was the basis for empire. And indeed, we know plenty of cases where plunder made wealthy and then ravished entire nations such as the Spanish conquest of Middle America.
His fundamental point is accurate though - there is not a fixed pot of wealth in the world, and the increased wealth of our modern age is due to technology and efficiency, not simply taking things from others.
- s1artibartfast 3y agoThe data is relevant to the other central point. If you compared the standard of living between 1AD Rome and 2024 US, the difference isn't because the US is better at plundering. It is hands down technological innovation.
- Wolfbeta 3y agoThen why is it constantly starting wars over oil?
- s1artibartfast 3y agoBig shocker, but oil was useless before technology for use and extraction was developed.
- Wolfbeta 3y agoAll technology did in this case was unlock it as a resource worth plundering.
- s1artibartfast 3y agoWhat a sad and cynical worldview. The idea that all technology, medicine, an innovation adds nothing to the betterment of The Human Condition. The idea that the only way Society can or has ever been improved is by stealing from others is laughable. I've never met anyone else that thought feeling and exploitation was a net positive for Global Society, so at least it's an interesting idea, even if I venementally disagree If that's the case then plundering is a net positive, and the cause of every Improvement in the world. It should be in celebrated and encouraged