4min snip

People I (Mostly) Admire cover image

108. Ninety-Eight Years of Economic Wisdom

People I (Mostly) Admire

NOTE

Is Economic Growth the Enemy?

There is a rising chorus of voices arguing that economic growth shouldn't be an objective, even that economic growth is the enemy. However, the speaker, who has studied economic growth, does not believe that growth itself is or should be a particular objective for a modern economy. They acknowledge that many believe a modern industrial capitalist economy cannot exist without growing. However, the speaker suggests that a stationary economy, where there is no growth or shrinkage, could still be healthy and sustainable. They explain that there is no law or principle in economics that states a capitalist economy must grow or die. The only potential issue in a stationary economy is if the population wants to increase wealth through saving, which could lead to investment and growth. But the speaker offers a solution - channel the saving into non-growth activities like fireworks displays or festivals. With this approach, a stationary economy could continue indefinitely.

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