Space, economists point out Noah SmithThere are always things trying to kill us, like asteroids hurtling through space or hunger pangs every few hours. So why should we expect anything other than a gravitational pull toward poverty?
In this episode, Russ Roberts and Noah Smith look back at movies and TV shows that depict “good old days” nostalgia for a specific era: the 1950s. They end with an exchange of thoughts about various survival shows, including a Canadian show that was canceled because survival in agricultural living conditions in the late 1800s was too difficult for the contestants. Why do people tend to idealize certain periods in history? And how does this affect current views on progress, technology, and economics? This idea of development, explanation , we hope you enjoy exchanging anecdotes. As always, your responses are welcomed and encouraged.
1- Smith calls poverty the “fundamental enemy.” What does this metaphor suggest about the nature of poverty and survival compared to other enemies such as nuclear war or climate change?
2- “Industrial modernity” is described as a “system of technological construction” that maintains modern living standards. how adam smith Foreshadow this in his opening national wealth About division of roles?
3- The paradox that labor-saving technology increases employment while decreasing employment. productivity It’s an ancient phenomenon. As discussions about the future of AI continue to evolve, what potential impacts of technological unemployment appear to be under- or overestimated? why?
4- Both Mr. Roberts and Mr. Smith express curiosity about why the Industrial Revolution did not occur sooner, given that important technologies were available to earlier civilizations such as Rome, China, and Latin America. I’m doing it. What are the possible explanations for why it took so long to industrialize, and how did the size of the market, the institutions at the time, or other economic factors contribute to this delay?
5- Some argue that technological advances can reduce resource consumption without the need for degrowth, while others believe that degrowth is necessary to reduce environmental damage. How much hope is there in Noah Smith’s concept of a “single team” effort fighting for our future, a way in which these two approaches can effectively coexist?
