I really detest this type of statistic. 1. Why solely value the output of the 'national factory' in fiscal terms? Why don't we just jack in our leisure time, t

I really detest this type of statistic. 1. Why solely value the output of the 'national factory' in fiscal terms? Why don't we just jack in our leisure time, take no breaks, eat at our desks, reduce sleep and work 22 hours a day? 2. What about the economic benefits of (in this case) social networks? The serendipity of meeting new contacts and finding out new information, or the increased well-being from wider social interaction. In the UK, the same statistic is traipsed out whenever it snows - 'Snowfall costs UK economy £X billion' - but come on, you can't measure opportunity cost like that and you can't value the positives of getting a day at home with family or friends. The purpose of life isn't purely to work or increase GDP. Whatever it is, it isn't that. Take a long lunch, enjoy yourself, keep an eye on the metrics but don’t go crazy like this.