Bernard London
Ending the depression through planned obsolescence
"Ending the Depression Through Planned Obsolescence" by Bernard London is a socio-economic treatise written during the early 20th century, specifically in the context of the Great Depression. The book presents a radical economic proposal aimed at revitalizing the economy by intentionally designing products to become obsolete after a certain period, thus ensuring a constant cycle of consumption and production. It addresses the paradox of plenty, where surplus exists alongside widespread unemployment and poverty, arguing for a reorganization of consumer behavior and production methods. The central premise of London's plan is to assign a predetermined lifespan to goods and commodities, after which they would be retired and replaced by new products, keeping industries active and maintaining high employment levels. By regulating the lifespan of products, he suggests that it would not only stimulate consumption but also create a stable source of government income through taxes on goods post-obsolescence. His proposal aims to end economic stagnation by dismantling outdated goods and thereby facilitating the flow of new products into the market, ultimately fostering a balanced economic environment that benefits workers and consumers alike while addressing the inequities of the current system.