Stubborn Attachments is a weird book. Perhaps because it was published in 2018 it has an out of time agenda that no longer seems to need arguing for. The book obsesses over a “we can all agree on cheese” argument: it’s desirable to be more prosperous in the future than today.
We can all agree that given the option of being worse off or better off tomorrow, the next week, or even in 100 years, that we would like to be better off.
This leads to a link that we need money and growth to fund prosperity in the future. Compound Interest is magic, so whatever you can spare to invest in today in worth it.
Cowen then say, “yes, but we should not do immoral things to get there.” What are the immoral things? They are almost ten commandment level obvious: killing people, slavery. Coveting your neighbor’s romantic interests is not covered.
There’s a rule of thumb: when faced with a choice always ask “does this add to prosperity in the future without harm, and with minimal detriment to today)?” If yes, do that thing.
You can see how focusing too much on a possible payoff can cause you to do immoral and harmful acts today. Cowen does fine warning about that kind of thinking.
And then that’s the book!
The book’s thinking has very utility for what happens in the world once you put the book down. How do we resolve all social issues - trans rights, persistent discrimination, gun rights, overcrowding and housing problems, immigration, nativism, etc.? The only tool you’re left with is “let’s focus on GDP.” That is not low-level enough to be useful in everyday life.
Culture eats macro-economics for breakfast.
Perhaps that is the point. People who worry about those social and culture issues - on “both sides” - are wasting their time and not focusing on the right thing: prosperity. Let people do what they want, not what you think they should.
GDP is God.