There is only one important resource which has shown a trend of increasing scarcity rather than increasing abundance. That resource is the most important of allโhuman beings. . . . [An] increase in the price of peoplesโ services is a clear indication that people are becoming more scarce even though there are more of us.
Julian SimonThere is only one important resource which has shown a trend of increasing scarcity rather than increasing abundance. That resource is the most important of allโhuman beings. . . . [An] increase in the price of peoplesโ services is a clear indication that people are becoming more scarce even though there are more of us.
Julian SimonNot understanding the process of a spontaneously-ordered economy goes hand-in-hand with not understanding the creation of resources and wealth.
Julian SimonThe world's problem is not too many people, but lack of political and economic freedom.
Julian SimonEnergy is the master resource, because energy enables us to convert one material into another. As natural scientists continue to learn more about the transformation of materials from one form to another with the aid of energy, energy will be even more important.
Julian SimonBecause we can expect future generations to be richer than we are, no matter what we do about resources, asking us to refrain from using resources now so that future generations can have them later is like asking the poor to make gifts to the rich.
Julian SimonLetting the religious right teach ID in schools is like letting the Marines teach poetry in advanced combat training. As a scientist, I see these the relevancy between the two sets to be equal. If Kansas is going to mess up like this, the least it can do is not be hypocritical and allow equal time for other alternative "theories" like FSMism, which is by far the tastier choice.
Julian Simon