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 Friday, December 26, 2003
Economists seem to always view people in isolation, much as a biologist often only looks at 1 protein. But biology is much more complex than that (as we are really beginning to see) and economics is also. Because economics derives from the interaction of human beings who will often take a small lose in economic power in order to strengthen the social fabric of the group. becuase humans are, and never were, solitary animals. We are social creatures and the needs for gifts most likely resides from social needs. It is much easier to control a social group by the judicious use of gifts than by constant battle. Alliances come easily when gifts are used. Gifts help remind everyone of the social bonds, explaining why we do not get gifts for everyone but only for those we care about. Many economists think too much like Scrooge, looking only at man by himself. No one is that rational. 5:31:42 PM 
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Sorry. With the holidays and my wife's return fomr the Galapagos and Peru after almost 3 weeks, I have been spending some time on other things than writing. I hope to rectify that. 2:00:53 PM
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