Stories tagged with "ratchet effect"
The Psychological and Evolutionary Roots of Resource Overconsumption Revisited
Posted by Nate Hagens on June 25, 2009 - 10:15am
Topic: Demand/Consumption
Tags: addiction, aspiration gap, conspicuous consumption, discount rates, endowment effect, evolution, impulsivity, neuroscience, novelty, oil addiction, original, ratchet effect, reward, salience, status [list all tags]
This post examines our own history on the planet, outlines how the ancient-derived reward pathways of our brain are easily hijacked by modern stimuli, and concludes that in very real ways, we have become addicted to the 'consumptive behaviors' linked to oil.

Gold Plated Porsche
Editor's note: I have learned a great deal more on the twin drivers of consumption - relative status and habituation/addiction since what follows was first written. However, despite best intentions, I am personally even more habituated to stimulation offered in modern American culture and my life still has about the same physical dependence on oil's emergent properties as it did back then. On the bright side however, I have continued my decade long shift of 'competition for status' away from pecuniary metrics...
How $30,000 Can be More Than $300,000
Posted by Nate Hagens on March 7, 2009 - 5:25pm in The Oil Drum: Campfire
Topic: Miscellaneous
Tags: campfire, conspicuous consumption, habituation, original, ratchet effect, veblen goods [list all tags]
In interviews, speeches and in writing on this blog, I often point out that financial capital is just a marker for real capital, which is comprised of natural, built, social and human components. In the context of upcoming social upheaval given numerous converging crises, this post is a brief discussion piece on how those making little or no money may actually have a leg up on those who are employed/making alot of money.

The Monkey Trap - All the monkey has to do is let go, to get free
Status and Curiosity - On the Origins of Oil Addiction
Posted by Nate Hagens on July 7, 2008 - 10:05am
Topic: Demand/Consumption
Tags: addiction, aspiration gap, conspicuous consumption, discount rates, endowment effect, evolution, impulsivity, neuroscience, novelty, oil addiction, original, ratchet effect, reward, salience, status [list all tags]



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