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Book I'm reading (not related to ASD)

Desmond79

Progress by Johan Norberg. 

It outlines the fact that we're, by and large, better off than in the past. He's outlining the technological and scientific endeavours that benefited Humanity.

Of course, it was Government involvement in more recent technology and science projects that is scuppering future advancements. 

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  • Interesting -  I haven't read the book (just the summary)

    I'm interested in how we measure ourselves - in what ways are we better off?

    Physical health and suffering seem important but it is only relative to some observable other level. It is outside of our understanding to think that if we walked in to a wall there wouldn't be pain... imagine telling someone from bygone era that they could have their leg cut off and it wouldn't hurt?!

    Life expectancy is a very crude measure - would you swap 60 years of bliss for 90 years of hardship (for example... forced veganism, enforced gym membership, no drink, drugs, fatty foods or staying up late but you get an extra 30 years...)

    Johan Hari coined a really good term ... "Junk Values"  for example, measuring one's self worth based on how much money you have or how big your house is - how much technological advancement is available to you . You can have all that and still have a horrible life.

    I think one of the biggest factors today is the disparity between your expectations and what you achieve. In the past there was very much a sense of being 'happy with your lot'. You were told about your station in life and if you achieved it then you could feel satisfied. I'm not saying this was universal but it was hugely more prevalent than it is today. Today it is shouted from the rooftops that every child should have the same opportunities, regardless of their background; but that means that the 'level' at which they feel satisfied with their life is completely undefended. Without some parameters there is no guide to help us feel ok about being a worker, protectee, or prime minister.

  • in reply to JJ

    Making Landlords out of former Peasants isn't necessary a free market. 

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