Stubborn Attachments: A Vision for a Society of Free, Prosperous, and Responsible Individuals: Summary & Key Insights

I begin with the moral heart of the argument. Economic growth is not merely a tool for comfort; it is the primary mechanism through which we expand the range of human possibility. Too often, ethical discussions confine themselves to distributive justice or immediate welfare improvements. But I urge a broader perspective. Think about the countless lives yet to be born. Their quality of existence depends on the investments and decisions we make today. Every percentage point of sustained growth compounds into a vast reservoir of future wellbeing. This makes growth a moral obligation, not a mere preference.

Short-term sacrifices may seem costly—decisions that favor investment over consumption, discipline over indulgence. Yet from the standpoint of humanity’s long-term welfare, the calculus shifts dramatically. A richer society is not just wealthier; it is healthier, more educated, and more capable of solving unforeseen problems. To neglect growth is, in a real sense, to neglect billions of people who could have benefited from our foresight.

In defending the moral priority of growth, I do not dismiss other values. Equality and compassion remain central, but they must operate within the framework of sustainable prosperity. When growth stalls, ethical debates lose traction; redistribution becomes a zero-sum moral game. With growth, every individual’s horizon expands—the dream of self-realization becomes more attainable. This is why I describe growth as the foundation of moral order itself.

Numbers alone cannot capture what really matters. GDP measures flows of output, yet fails to incorporate aspects that make life valuable: rights, freedoms, clean air, meaningful work, and cultural creativity. I call my improvement on this measure 'Wealth Plus.' It is an encompassing metric that integrates material progress with moral and social well-being. Wealth Plus reflects the insight that prosperity detached from ethics or sustainability is self-defeating.

When we pursue Wealth Plus, we pursue a life enriched not only economically, but civically and spiritually. Imagine societies that innovate responsibly, respect the dignity of individuals, and maintain a long view of progress. By including environmental preservation and human rights within our economic framework, we fuse moral realism with practical economics. Growth becomes more than expansion—it becomes uplift.

This vision reframes success itself. A nation rich in technology but poor in purpose cannot truly call itself prosperous; a community that guards liberty and nurtures creativity, on the other hand, increases Wealth Plus even if its output grows modestly. My aim is to guide policymakers and thinkers toward this more holistic conception—a moral ledger that values both prosperity and principle.