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Mr. Encyclopedia

I have devised a clever new test in the model of Voight-Kampff. It is one question long: "Is perpetual growth viable?"

So far I am having a 100% success rate at weeding out tech bros and financiers.

@mrencyclopedia it’s been 10+ years since I read dothemath.ucsd.edu/ but the author has some amazing analysis into the brutal math of perpetual growth (energy, finance, etc.) Not great reading if you’re a VC.

dothemath.ucsd.edu Do the Math | Using physics and estimation to assess energy, growth, options—by Tom Murphy

@mrencyclopedia

I love this kind of question. I've literally never heard any economist, anywhere, claim that perpetual growth is possible. Ever. It's this claim that people love to assign to others and then mock; it's the ultimate strawman.

@AlexanderKingsbury As you can see, this simple question induces a weird and defensive response in the target group. It's astonishingly effective.

@mrencyclopedia

Hey, if you ever come up with any proof for your claims, anyone credible who actually claims that such a thing is possible, I'd love to see it. But I think we both know you don't have anything even remotely resembling proof. So have the last word, if you like.

@AlexanderKingsbury I appreciate your enthusiasm but you've already provided a terrific demonstration.

@CoolBlenderKitten @mrencyclopedia

I mean, same offer. You can point fingers and laugh all you want, if you think that makes the world a better place. I'm interested to see any actual proof you or anyone else has for this strawman. You'd be the first, and I've been asking people for YEARS. It's almost as if....there is no proof for this, and everyone who presents it as an argument knows it.

@mrencyclopedia In a finite system, infinite growth is not possible. Infinity is so large, a quantifiable number will always be dwarfed by infinity.

Also, going back for an MBA at 43yo from the sciences. :bd03:

(Love it! I will have fun with this one!)

@mrencyclopedia
Short answer: No.
Long answer: No, and here's why.

@mrencyclopedia how can you be certain it wasn’t just your use of the word “perpetual” spiked their unconscious fear of their own mortality to the point they have to flee the situation?

@mrencyclopedia@retro.pizza "But it's not really a finite system! Because [mumble, handwave, spout complete bullshit]"

@mrencyclopedia
It depends on if you believe in negative growth.