Miracle of Exchange

Trade among people is often underestimated as a source of wealth.  A lot can be gained without even producing anything!  For example, if I give $2.50 to Smith's for a bag of potatoes, obviously I gain because I chose to buy them and Smith's gains because they chose to sell them.

To clarify, say that one dollar represents one unit of utility, or a unit of well-being(happiness).  I must receive more than 2.5 units of happiness from the bag of potatoes and Smith's must receive less than 2.5 units of happiness from the bag of potatoes, and so by simply changing the owner of the potatoes we both gained units of happiness!

In this way, billions of slightly beneficial exchanges happen each day, with buyers and sellers becoming a little better off; and in this way we have progressed from a state of cavemen to our modern society.



This concept of progressing through many small beneficial actions is seen in the scriptures.  "Thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more." 2 Nephi 28:30

If we can manage to keep our decisions consistently in line with God's commandments then I am sure we will look back and see consistent progress.Related ideas: Learning Line Upon Line