Epilogue

Wheelan quotes New York Times  columnist Anthony Lewis, "Italy is evidence that there is more to life- a civilized life- than the unregulated competition of the market. There are values of humanity, culture, beauty, community that may require deviations from the cold logic of market theory." He goes on to talk about how life is about maximizing utility, not income. I liked this quote because this is a frustration of mine about the US. I think most people would agree that while our nation provides many freedoms that other people don't receive, our values are a tad out of whack. I envy how countries like Italy, for instance, show an obvious appreciation for other aspects of life besides the economy. While their economies may be less productive, it balances out with their citizens willingness to slow down. I think it's interesting that Lewis expands of life by saying "civilized life." Has modern day American living turned into something less than civil? If you think about some of the absurdities that the US indulges in, it's not so far fetched to call our society uncivilized.