> And, unless you're willing to forgo iPhones and petrol, you're dependent on imports anyway. I think many people who argue for "protectionism" and the like wo

> And, unless you're willing to forgo iPhones and petrol, you're dependent on imports anyway. I think many people who argue for "protectionism" and the like would find that an acceptable price to pay. See the other comment about "relative status". I think many would like to have less in an absolute sense if that meant they were relatively less poor than "the rich". Now I, personally, think that's just rose-tinted glasses. For example, nowadays, farmers in France have it rough. But I doubt that some peasant from 2-300 years ago actually had a better life and had less wealth difference compared to the upper-class of their time.