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Author
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Topic: All hail Economus!
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Black Dog
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2776
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posted 14 November 2002 04:43 PM
I've been doing soem reading recently on the topic of economics, specifically the free-market/capitalist system that makes our world go 'round. Now, with the outcry over Kyoto here in Alberta as backdrop, I've been struck by the parrallels between the modern economic system and primitive religions. Instead of Zeus, or Baal or any of the other, angry, vengeful dieties of the past, today we are called to worship the god of economy (I call him Economus).
Under Economus, we listen to the words of the high priests and sages (economists) who speak in strange, arcane languages, impossible for the commonfolk to grasp. Thus we are called upon to place our faith in those who know the will of our god better than we could. These priests have the ears of our kings (prime ministers, presidents, etc.) and fill their heads with dire prophecies and stern advice (government has no business in business! they cry. let the market decide!)that must be obeyed, lest we do something to anger Economus (ie. Kyoto) causing him to rain his blessings on other tribes and smite us with terrible catastrophes (job losses! Capital flight! Aaah!). Our leaders, fearful of these words, are quick to direct their kingdoms according to the will of Economus, regardless of the costs to the people...I could go on, but I think the point is: in an age when science and reason have done much to cast out the fear and ignorance of old, why do we as a society persit on clinging to an antiquated set of principles for "success", the belief in which is very much a matter of blind faith?
From: Vancouver | Registered: Jun 2002
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TommyPaineatWork
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2956
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posted 15 November 2002 04:45 AM
quote:
I've been doing soem reading recently on the topic of economics, specifically the free-market/capitalist system that makes our world go 'round.
You're a better man than I, Gunga Black Dog.
I think I learned all I need to know about the capitalist system from reading "Justine" by Donatien Alfonse de Sade.
His brand (sometimes literally) of libertinism is as apt description of our economic system as any I've seen.
From: London | Registered: Aug 2002
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Jingles
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3322
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posted 20 November 2002 01:27 AM
Yes, and those hourly "business updates" on the radio possessing the eerie air of prayer.MMMMMMMM DOWWWWWWWWW MMMMMMMMMM Does anyone who has a real financial interest in the stock market, like traders or brokers, give two strokes for a 30 second radio update? Get real. To me, it seems like not-so-subtle reminder to all of us about who really matters in our society. Greenspan 3:16
From: At the Delta of the Alpha and the Omega | Registered: Nov 2002
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