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0 pointsTeMPOraL10y ago0 comments

> At least a pen can theoretically be an expensive construction that you're proud to own. A pencil is inherently disposable; they are destroyed as you use them. A pen just needs to be refilled.

I was inclined to agree with you but then I reminded myself that pretty much everything around me, cheap or expensive, is designed on purpose to be disposable - to wear down quickly and be replaced with a new purchase. XXI century is an era of throwaway wealth. I can totally imagine someone selling very expensive pencils.

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webXL10y ago· 2 in thread

> XXI century is an era of throwaway wealth

Some might say this started with the Dixie cup or disposable diapers, but the personal benefits vastly outweigh the "throwaway wealth" that was exchanged for them. As long as externalities can be dealt with, let people throw away their wealth so that someone can have a job and eventually throw away his or her wealth!

TeMPOraLOP10y ago

> As long as externalities can be dealt with

Yes, that's sort of the 100 meters tall elephant in the room. You know what's the one thing market economy absolutely sucks at dealing with? Externalities.

webXL10y ago

It's the worst, except for all the others. Capitalists aren't anarchists and they don't revolt when taxed. We all want the best government money can buy, and we want the benefits of the market economy. It's a trade off, so we get externalities.

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