Thought for the Day (Sept 8)

Subject: Thought for the Day (Sept 8)
From: Peter T.
Date: 08 Sep 99 - 09:56 AM

"In the current vocabulary of condemnation there are few words as final and conclusive as 'uneconomic". If an activity has been branded as uneconomic, its right to existence is not merely questioned, but energetically denied. Anything that is found to be an impediment to economic growth is a shameful thing; and if people cling to it, they are thought of as saboteurs or fools. Call a thing immoral or ugly, soul-destroying or a degradation of humanity, a peril to the peace of the world or to the well-being of future generations; as long as you have not shown it to be 'uneconomic' you have not really questioned its right to exist, grow, and prosper." --E.F. Schumacher (Small is Beautiful, 1973)

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Sept 8)
From: MMario
Date: 08 Sep 99 - 10:10 AM

OUCH! Color me embarrassed! I found myself condemning something last night basically because it was "uneconomic".

Shame on me!

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Sept 8)
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Sep 99 - 11:10 AM

A friend and I had a conversation, yesterday, about how health care has gone the way of being judged on economics, alone, bedamned the need for treatment or meds, if it's not economical for the HMO or whatever, a bunch of suits can nix it!

kat

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Sept 8)
From: Allan C.
Date: 08 Sep 99 - 11:12 AM

I am currently posting to a prime example of the premise of the quote.

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Sept 8)
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Sep 99 - 12:13 PM

I certainly get the point Peter, but I must say that I can't play. The reality of everyday life forces me to make decisions based on finances.....certainly not world economics, but nonetheless a factor. Karen and I are both guilty of doing things we shouldn't do with what little we have..."Shouldn't" in this case meaning that we don't always do the sensible thing, but will do things that make us feel good, and that's very important...like running up to Niagra and meeting Rick and Heather. So we do things that ARE economically non-viable, but most times we are forced to look at basic needs of our family and plan well ahead for even the most trivial of fun things, like going to the Sweet Corn festival or the county fair. The trip to DC for the FSGW is no small challenge. We have NEED to do these things, but sometimes the basic needs of life have to take precedence.

We've been fostering for a long time and I'm always still amazed,that when I take one of our kids home for a visit I see stacks of pizza boxes in their parent's house...not to mention "dead soldiers." We can't afford to eat pizza too often here.

When I was single I don't think I ever made a decision based on economics. I did what I pleased and I was lucky enough to make enough money to support whatever it was. Mostly I dreamed and often made my dreams a reality. Life has forced a few unwelcome changes upon me, among them the necessity of deeming things uneconomic at times.

"In my dreams I'm a rich man,
But in real life I've hid
From the fact that I've got me a wife and a kid.
If I lose what I've got
Then they lose it too.
Tell me what in the world's this poor dreamer to do?"
Jim Croce

Most times, this dreamer does what he has to do.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Sept 8)
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Sep 99 - 02:01 PM

Well put, Pat. We've been doing that for a long time. Now, it seems we can be a little less stringent, but still have to be careful and we know that could change at any time. In fact we are working on how to reduce our needs, in order to nurture the dreams. Those of you with children still at home have a tough road, I know. And, you are right, sometimes we HAVE to do the things that make us feel good.

kat

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Sept 8)
From: Peter T.
Date: 08 Sep 99 - 05:16 PM

CP, I am sure that Schumacher (and I ) would agree with you. He has a whole chapter on "Buddhist Economics" which basically promotes frugality and lack of economic waste. He would support human flourishing. He also talked (but didn't write much) about the need for human beings to have a fling occasionally, otherwise they lose sight of abundance and play in the desperate struggle with poverty.
yours, Peter T.