Monthly Archives: August 2011

The cheapening of any article in common use almost immediately results in a largely increased demand for that article. Take the case of shoes, for instance. The introduction of machinery for doing every element of the work which was formerly done by hand has resulted in making shoes at a fraction of their former labor cost.

Imagine overhearing a conversation at the workplace coffee machine between two middle-aged Baby Boomers that sounds something like this: ''I don't know what to do about my son any more,'' confides the first Baby Boomer to his colleague. ''He is so confident, sociable and optimistic. Every time he hears an inspiring speaker, he wants to go out and work on a civic project. Then, when he's home, he's always looking for praise and encouragement for his accomplishments.'' His voice trails off with a tone of frustration.