[theseatoms]

Plenty of economists push that idea. The way to make people richer is to move them to rich places. (Even more so internationally.)

Your point about politicians stands. That's a great assessment of the tension between the two worldviews.

[pesmhey]

Not everyone wants to be ‘richer’. That economists push that idea begs the question. I’m not placing a value judgement on either worldview, just pointing out that in one worldview, there’s an assumption of constant growth. I happen to fall into this worldview, but I’ve grown an appreciation for those who don’t. Unbridled growth = cancer.

[Scoundreller]

> Not everyone wants to be ‘richer’.

They say that, but if you write them a cheque, they'll cash it.

It's the things that come along with wealth that they may disagree with, but certainly not the wealth itself.

No doubt, there are pockets (even in Canada#) that refuse government welfare programs like health insurance because they feel that they shouldn't be dependent on others like that, but it's much less than 1%.

# Some of our old-order Mennonites refuse to get a government health card.

[dzdt]

if you write them a cheque, they'll cash it.

Not 100% true. I grew up in farm country and there were lots of people (my parents included) who refused on principles to participate in federal CRP programs which would have essentially provided government checks for doing nothing.

[snaky]

> if you write them a cheque, they'll cash it

That's why all the great scientists are working in the Fintech industry. (No, they are not)