送交者: mangolasi 于 2006-1-10, 06:26:27:
Benjamin Friedman's new book "The Moral Consequences of Economic Growth" sounds an interesting book (I hestitated because the first review I read is by...er...Jeff Madrick).
Idea is simple, and so familiar to us--economic determinism. Higher (Friedman is more cautious to say higher and evenly distributed) economic growth will in turn making a more progressive, tolerant society. Period. Deteriorating economic situation in the south states is mainly what Thomas Frank complains as reason of raising conservativism there in his "What's the matter with Kansas?". George Orwell has similar worries (either socialism or Facism) in his "Road to the Wigan Pier". Excuse to self: as this book seems so revelant to the other, I can delay my review of these 2 excellent books until I finish the 3rd one.
However, as I shared pretty much of Friedman's views as presented by DeLong, I have reservations. As a half-brewed neoliberal and a person caring about reality, I believe in physical limit. Yes, the boundary of the physical limit can be extended by advance of technology (as what had wonderfully took place in the history: luxury becomes convenience then becomes neccesities etc), I am worrying about the speed of pushing the boundary by the technology is not fast enough to accomodate the desire of growth. That's being say, the desire of growth might lead us to touch the boundary defined by the current and near future technology level, and has to have the environment compomised. And it will include some damage can not be reversed without a huge cost. Besides, I don't believe in pure fatalism. We can do something. I believe education (board sense, education of progressive ideas) is a co-force of economic conditions, and substantial growth will never take place if it doesn't take place in enough number of people's minds first. Moreover, I am not comfortable with the ethical implication of pure fatalism. Suffering from proverty is a surething doesn't mean we can not do anything to reduce this suffering.
OK, I can see fully-brewed neoliberal Latino2 is laughing at me.