As I mentioned in Chapter 4, economist Fred Hirsch argued in his book Social Limits to Growth that while technological development may continue to increase the number of people who can be fed from an acre of farmland or the number of children who can be inoculated against polio for $1,000, there are certain kinds of goods that no amount of technological development will make universally available. For example, not everyone will be able to own a secluded acre of land at the seashore. Not everyone will have the most interesting job.
In "The Paradox of Choice," Barry Schwartz discusses the ideas of economist Fred Hirsch, who emphasized that while technology can enhance efficiency in various sectors, it cannot ensure equal access to all resources. Hirsch argues that despite advancements, certain goods remain limited and cannot be universally distributed. This includes desirable items such as private land by the sea or fulfilling employment opportunities, highlighting the inherent inequalities in society.
This perspective raises important questions about the implications of growth and technology. While improvements can lead to better living standards for many, they cannot solve the fundamental issue of scarcity regarding certain desirable goods. Ultimately, this underscores the importance of recognizing limits in a world increasingly reliant on technological advancements.
