Who was the first person to discuss externalities and how they affect markets? The sources I've read seem to strongly imply Pigou but I am not sure if that is just because of the tax.
Does anyone know?
Showing posts with label History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label History. Show all posts
The Length of Human History
Today someone pointed out to me that civilisation has (arguably) existed for about 7000 years - since the Sumerians. So if you live to 70, you have been alive for 1% of the length of civilisation. That seems quite substantial, and perhaps a remedy for those that feel insignificant in the scheme of things. 1% is quite a substantial chance to make a difference.
That said, the earliest historical figure I can think of is Thales (can you do better?), and he was only about 600BC - which is less than half the length of civilisation ago. So perhaps our prospects for being remembered aren't all that good after all.
Of course, scientifically-inclined readers will note that if you live to 70, you have been alive for about 0.00000005% of the history of the universe so far...
That said, the earliest historical figure I can think of is Thales (can you do better?), and he was only about 600BC - which is less than half the length of civilisation ago. So perhaps our prospects for being remembered aren't all that good after all.
Of course, scientifically-inclined readers will note that if you live to 70, you have been alive for about 0.00000005% of the history of the universe so far...
Old School
Give your mind a break from fiscal policy for a second.
Marrou, H.I. A History of Education in Antiquity, 1956, page 215. On Athenian students.
Plus ça change, etc
"(Students gave the town) a typically 'Latin Quarter' atmosphere of rowdy, lawless, carefree, frivolous youths, who got into trouble with the police, wasted their time playing ball games, were mad on horse-racing and other shows, and had a weakness for feeble practical jokes ... and of course there was sexual immorality"
Marrou, H.I. A History of Education in Antiquity, 1956, page 215. On Athenian students.
"The novitate... was set upon and badgered by the senior men about him. If he was very fresh, and inexperienced in repartee, they resorted to vulgar banter, but if he showed any quickness in retort, they tried upon him all the resources of their practised wit.... when the nerve of the freshman had been tested, they took him in and at last, the trials of novitate were over"W.W. Capes, University Life in Ancient Athens, 1877, pages 100-101
Plus ça change, etc
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