puls comments on Fight Zero-Sum Bias - Less Wrong

25 Post author: multifoliaterose 18 July 2010 05:57AM

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Comment author: SilasBarta 25 July 2010 02:55:52AM *  3 points [-]

I still think that counts as lose-lose, though not for the reason daedulus2u gives in the sibling comment. WWII destroyed the productive capacity of several nations and diverted huge amounts of resources to swords instead of plowshares.

Had there been no war, these resources could have been committed to making more plowshares, including for the people of the US. Don't mistake a recovery in plowshare production capability, for a higher absolute capability.

Comment author: puls 25 July 2010 03:19:26AM 0 points [-]

Ah, okay. I must admit that the depth of my knowledge on the economic history of my country is rather skin-deep. I do know, however, that we squander unbelievable amounts of money on war, so I think you may easily have a point.

Comment author: NancyLebovitz 25 July 2010 06:57:28AM 1 point [-]

I think people have an amazing ability to leave the costs of war out of their bookkeeping.

Comment author: TobyBartels 22 August 2010 02:28:12AM 1 point [-]