[placebo]

While it's definitely true that many a time certain crowds tend to have lost touch with reality regarding the potential of a specific activity (as illustrated in repeated economic bubbles), to say that economic growth is limited suggests that economy is in principle a zero sum game. I don't believe that to be the case. Any attempt to predict the absolute limits of economic potential is an attempt to limit the potential of creativity (and I'd say of reality itself). We are nowhere near understanding that potential and I assume we never will. Whether we will be able to continue to tap into that potential instead of self destructing is another question.

[crimsonalucard]

All observations point to limits and thus suggest that reality and therefore the economy is a zero sum game. You talk as if limiting reality doesn't make any sense when scientific observation describes a reality that is in fact limited.

Conservation of energy, conservation of mass, the speed of light, these are limits built into the fabric of existence.

[placebo]

I think it's a bit premature to conclude we have uncovered what the fabric of existence is made of. History has repeatedly shown we have no idea how much we don't know (just until recently we thought we understood more or less what the universe is made of and we now realise we understand less than 5% of it) and the reality keeps delivering surprises.

But just for the sake of the argument, let's suppose we do know how everything works. There's enough matter and energy out there to supply endless economic growth if creative minds continue to come up with ideas on how to leverage it.

Besides that, from a quick research, I see many economists with a much deeper understanding in economy then myself are convinced that economy isn't a zero sum game. This doesn't necessarily make it true, but I'd study their claims before dismissing it.

[crimsonalucard]

>I see many economists with a much deeper understanding in economy then myself are convinced that economy isn't a zero sum game.

These are idealized models. To simplify calculations. The sun will burn out in a billion years so one can assume in a model that it will never burn out.

The fact of the matter is, the economy runs on resources. Resources are limited. Thus the economy is limited.