There
is a factory producing "Potato-peelers", a device for
peeling potatoes. The production of this factory outstripped the
demand for the device. The management of the firm faced the problem
of finding some way by which people may be induced to buy more
potato peelers. They called a meeting of all the salesmen of the
firm. Among the suggestions put forward, one was to make the color
of the handle similar to that of potato peel. so that along with the
peel. the peeler may also be dumped in the garbage, often by
mistake. Thus there may be greater demand. Also, the product was
offered in a more attractive packing. Now this economic structure is
not merely consumption oriented but is clearly leading to
destruction. Throw away the old one and buy a new one! Rather than
satisfying the need and demand from people. to create fresh demand
has become the aim of modern economics. Supposing that we need not
worry about the limited supply of natural resources, there is yet
the question of balance in Nature. There is a relationship in
different parts of Nature. If from the three sticks standing with
mutual support, one is removed, the other two will automatically
fall. The present economic system and system of production are fast
disturbing this equilibrium of nature. As a result on the one hand
new products are manufactured for satisfying ever increasing
desires, on the other hand new problem arise every day, threatening
the very existence of the entire humanity and civilization.
It is essential, therefore, to use up
that portion of the available natural resources which the nature
will be able to recoup easily. When the fruits are taken, the fruit
tree is not injured: it may even be helpful to the tree. However, in
the effort to take a greater harvest from the land chemical
fertilizers are used which in a few years time render the land
altogether infertile. Lakhs of acres of land lie barren in America
due to this factor. How long this dance of destruction can go on ?
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