During the 1950s the world became familiar with the phrase “planned obsolescence.” The basic idea was that manufacturers change the appearance of products in order to sell more products. Customers are encouraged to want a new look, and to disdain the old look. A similar concept is called “intentional product failure.” If you design products to wear out quickly, customers will need more replacements. There have always been rumors that lightbulbs could last almost forever. Apparently it’s true. No question, both techniques increase sales and raise a country’s GDP. You probably need cynicism and maybe some criminality to practice these...