----- Original Message -----
From: Douglas P. Wilson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>I'd like to write a program to run a simulation of the world economy,
>first to see if Jay's conclusions follow from his own data, and then
>to do a sensitivity analysis to see what are the most important
>variables.
No need to write a program Douglas. Here's an experiment you
can try at home.
#1. The candidate economist must go to a library. There they will notice
spheres sitting on wooden stands. These represent the planet we live on:
Earth. Spheres like Earth are by definition finite -- they only hold just
so much stuff. Economists are required to memorize this key point and say
it over and over, "The Earth only holds just so much stuff cause it's a
sphere. The Earth only holds just so much stuff cause it's a sphere. The
Earth only holds just so much stuff cause it's a sphere. ..." Economists
are required to say it over and over until he or she can remember it without
peeking at notes.
Next, the economist is ready for his or her very first BIG scientific
experiment! The economist is advised to stay calm, and be sure to get a
good night's sleep before attempting the experiment.
#2. Put a piece of cake on a plate.
#3. Eat the cake.
#4. See if you still have the cake.
Economists aren't used to empirical science and will have to do the
experiment (#2 through #4) a few times before the implications finally sink
in.
Now, write a report on the "lesson of the cake". Isn't science fun!!!
Jay
