StraferJack Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Isn't this part of the idea behind the protest > > If, say, 20 years ago you were in the top 5-10% of > world earnings then your standard of livin, even > in London would be sweet > > But as more money becomes concentrated at the very > very top, then the drop off from the top 1% to > those in the next 9% becomes much bigger Some economists may describe this as the outcome of a positional arms race ? a concept which goes someway to explaining why increases in wealth do not always increase well-being by as much as you may think. Professor Robert Frank recently presented a really good lecturer to an audience at the LSE which touches on this. He claims that Darwin could be considered a greater economist than Adam Smith At this particular moment in history we probably have the best opportunity we ever will to push for changes to the system and have something happen. Anger at what has happened as a result of unregulated market corporatism, means that strong politicians may be capable of implementing real change, across borders, whilst bringing people along with them. After all, what is the point in growing GDP in isolation, if it leads to greater inequality, a more divisive society and greater insecurity / poorer mental health? We need to focus on the a strong, sustainable economy, the rewards of which lead to better outcomes for everyone.