The inherent dynamism of competitive markets is bringing costs so far down that many goods and services are becoming nearly free, abundant, and no longer subject to market forces. While economists have always welcomed a reduction in marginal cost, they never anticipated the possibility of a technological revolution that might bring those costs to near zero.In a previous thread, Sherman Logan pointed this out. I didn't respond when he asked me, because I wanted to think about it. He's got a point; what happens when you eliminate scarcity? Technology has already made music go post-scarcity. Modern economics of any flavor haven't dealt with post-scarcity yet.
Older people work hard for big houses, big cars, jet skis, etc. The younger generations are happy with a small apartment, a smartphone, gaming console, and laptop. That’s why the free market message not only doesn’t appeal to them; it actually turns them off.My parents have this huge house. 30 rooms. 2 acres, 1 in front and 1 in back. It costs them tons on upkeep. They have to hire people left and right to take care of it; none of us children can help them because we don't have the time.
>>He’s got a point; what happens when you eliminate scarcity? Technology has already made music go post-scarcity. Modern economics of any flavor haven’t dealt with post-scarcity yet.
>> I have a living room, a kitchen/dining area, a bathroom, a bedroom, and no yard. I find it really hard to justify more. A library might be nice, but not necessary with ebooks. I drive a Hyundai; I have no need for a truck or a luxury car. My wife feels the same.
>> A lot of people my age and younger are the same. It gives the Boomer economic viewpoint problems.
You aren’t alone. This is becoming the typical lifestyle for most young adults, and quite a few middle age people are realizing the beauty of life of minimal “stuff”.
The Boomer economic view will die with the Boomers. They will never understand a life free of a giant house full of consumer goods any more than they accept the Sunday sermon being delivered by a guy (or woman) in jeans and untucked t-shirt.
Excellent commentary from you both. Thanks. Here’s something that can be done. It’s one way for people who have the desire to learn and work to be re-enfranchised. Everyone, work more for yourselves.
Low-tech rednecks and others around the world have been joining neo-hippie “permaculture” folks on projects for a long time. I’ve worked with a few. There are some very promising energy designs that can be modified to pass regulations or go unnoticed where needed. Such systems can radically lower costs and radically cut down cash flows to the political/regulator class (major investors, often by way of employees’ associations in government-connected, conventional, expensive energy interests along with bonds, etc.).
Rocket Stove Mass Heater
http://www.richsoil.com/rocket-stove-mass-heater.jsp
$2K Solar Space + Water Heating — One Simple DIY System
http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/DHWplusSpace/Main.htm
Ingenuity and “innovation” do not always come from those approved, degreed, licensed or certified by facist/communist leadership. It has often come from the bottom without proper credit to those doing the work and discovering (includes many in small business). 40 years of further stepping on the ingenuity base has been a foolish direction to take. Some of the “permaculture” folks even call themelves “dirtbags” and the like in mockeries of our sedentary, regulating masters.
We are the “sustainable” “permaculture”—not those who despise our existence and appear to be trying to gradually outlaw all real work and exterminate us. Have fun. Build, and enjoy the slide.