Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

fish-rides-bike t1_its7t8g wrote

Reply to comment by jawfish2 in Eli5: I don't understand why there seems to be a general consensus that gdp will continue a trend of growth, and why this would be beneficial, considering the cyclical nature of economies and empires rising and falling. Isn't economic downturn on some level unavoidable or even beneficial? by candymannequin

And ironically the wrongest one. Maybe you didn’t want it explained, you wanted your preconceived answer affirmed. No scientists have said anything about unlimited economic growth in their capacity as scientists. Thermodynamics is not a relevant consideration when looking at resource abundance. And population is not “bumping up against” resource limits or global warming — its plateauing, mostly due to contraception, education, prosperity, and female independence.

Economic growth does not require more physical resources. For example, the computer gaming industry contributes significantly to American GDP, but uses negligible physical resources. The digital music industry — same.

Due to technology and language we can go on accumulation knowledge and thus growth forever. Ancient empires collapsed due to lack of knowledge

0

candymannequin OP t1_itsmjy9 wrote

I like a lot of the answers. enjoying the variety. thanks for adding to the conversation.

1