Feed on
Posts
Comments

I am quite sure you have encountered the claim that Americans consume too much and that our drive to consume has sacrificed the planet. Let’s not disagree with that.

But doesn’t that idea sit uncomfortably next to the commonly committed pie-fallacy? After all, we see our current two political candidates arguing about who “wins” in trade, as if there is a winner and a loser. Lots of our popular thinking on exchanges is that wealth is zero sum.

But if wealth is zero sum, if there are winners and losers from trade, if my productive abilities reduce your productive abilities, then how can it be the case that our drive to consume more and more and more has ANY impact on the planet or overall well-being?

9 Responses to “Consumerism Conundrum”

  1. Alex says:

    Good point

    • Alex says:

      But of course it’s only the wealthy that are consuming too much. So they win at the direct and indirect expense of everyone else.

  2. 511807 876893We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your web web site given us with valuable details to function on. Youve done an impressive job and our entire community will likely be grateful to you. 372992

  3. 514977 977617Ill right away grasp your rss feed as I cant in obtaining your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do youve any? Please let me realize so that I could subscribe. Thanks. 768671

  4. 322996 165079you use a wonderful weblog here! do you wish to have the invite posts in my small weblog? 698287

  5. pg slot says:

    631154 174623Hi there! I could have sworn Ive been to this internet site before but after reading by means of some of the post I realized its new to me. Anyhow, Im certainly glad I located it and Ill be book-marking and checking back often! 80770

  6. 629408 449335I love your wordpress design, exactly where do you obtain it from? 865441

  7. 810786 677545You designed some decent points there. I looked on the net for any difficulty and located most individuals goes along with together along with your site. 875362

  8. 155698 508546Hi my friend! I want to say that this post is awesome, good written and consist of almost all significant infos. Id like to see a lot more posts like this . 619478

Leave a Reply