Editorial: Shared Information and the Zero-Sum Mentality

In a slightly different context, Lester Thurow (Thurow, Lester. 1980. The Zero-Sum Society. Basic Books, New York.) developed a view of America as a zero-sum society. His thesis (oversimplified) is that since political decisions produce losers along with winners, the expected losers, endowed with specific lobbying powers, can forestall decisions that might be for the general good of society. His prescription, redistribution of income, need not concern us here (and I will not discuss it further, wishing only to stimulate controversy and not open rebellion among readers).

The zero-sum concept, while perhaps new to macroeconomists, has long been gospel among business strategists. Whole batallions of those most productive members of our society, attorneys, are employed to protect our corporations from releasing any bit of knowledge that might benefit a competitor.