Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 09:26:34 -0800 (PST)
From: "Nicholas C. Arguimbau" <nicka@well.com>
To: "Van Zant, Peter J" <Peter.VanZant@PSS.Boeing.com>
cc: PROGRESSIVE POPULATION NETWORK <ppn@csf.colorado.edu>
Subject: RE: Overconsumption vs Overpopulation?
In-Reply-To: <51792E5D4B6ED011B7DB00805FBE3836040EC0BD@xch-evt-06.ca.boeing.com>
Message-ID: <Pine.GSO.3.96.981119092219.4150B-100000@well.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
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How about the profit motive with 100% taxes on estates?  That would give
everyone a "level playing field" at birth.  The problem with the profit
motive is that it requires less motive for more profit if you are
initially wealthy, and ultimately converts a democracy into a "one dollar,
one vote" society.

On Thu, 19 Nov 1998, Van Zant, Peter J wrote:

> 
> 
> > ----------
> > From: 	rc&am[SMTP:rcollins@netlink.com.au]
> > Sent: 	Thursday, November 19, 1998 5:31 AM
> > To: 	PROGRESSIVE POPULATION NETWORK
> > Subject: 	Re: Overconsumption vs Overpopulation?
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Ted Toal wrote:
> > 
> > > From my studies of economics, I believe that
> > > profit maximization usually provides the most efficient way to get to a
> > goal.
> > 
> > it seems to me that the only goal of profit maximisation is profit
> > maximisation,
> > and even then, given the effects and preconditions of such a goal, it
> > regularly
> > fails to attain even that goal.  as for capital accumulation being an
> > efficient and
> > effective system for the fulfillment of needs and enjoyment (and i don't
> > moralise
> > about the goodness of certain 'lifestyles' over others), well... you must
> > be
> > kidding.
> > 
> > angela
> > 
> I think we have to give the profit motive its due as a way of motivating
> people. It creates a lot of problems, too, like making greed the emotion of
> choice for society--actually, I don't think greed is an emotion, but that's
> another conversation. However, for motivating someone to work hard over a
> period of time, financial gain works pretty well. It's better than forcing
> him/her to work. Idealistic notions, like doing the work for the betterment
> of humanity, unfortunately lose their potency pretty fast.
> 
>