many people assume that the goal of every country should be to produce more materials and goods

Many people make the assumption that the

production

of more and more goods is always a good thing for all economies. They say that

this

growth

generates wealth, not just for the wealthy

few but

Accept comma addition

few, but

for all strata of society. They argue that increasing

production

brings immediate benefit to rich industrialists but that, in turn, they provide employment for, and buy goods and services from, other less wealthy people in the community.

Also

, it is argued that the wealthy individuals will pay more in taxes and

thus

the money

from

Suggestion

for

growth

will benefit everyone, through improved health and education, and that a happier, more stable and more developed society will result.

However

, other people argue that

such

growth

in

production

can have the opposite effect. They contend that any riches tend to be claimed by the few and

trickle

Suggestion

trickles

down to very few others in the community.

Also

, wealthy people know how to use a variety of devious measures to evade paying

tax

Suggestion

taxes

. Another argument against

such

growth

is that even if

this

wealth does filter down to all

citizens it

Accept comma addition

citizens, it

does not, in itself, bring about a better society.

Instead

, it can produce a consumerist mentality which draws a simple equation between having ‘things’ and being happy.

This

is bad for the moral and spiritual life of the country and

also

can damage the environment as people want more and more objects, creating pollution through

production

Suggestion

the production

and disposal of waste. On balance, I feel that a compromise position is the healthiest one – some economic

growth

should be encouraged as long as there are safeguards intended to ensure fair distribution of wealth and reduce the negative impact on the environment.