Article Title: Opinion | Social harmony is good for economic growth

Article Summary

This article argues that unlike most economists who believe that the ultimate goal of public policy and the purpose of all human endeavor is an economic growth, social harmony and secularism is what should be the aim of humans which might ultimately lead to economic growth. Some economists and political scientists suggest that corruption is a lubricant for faster growth. But there are many faults with this notion. Further, it shouldn’t be necessary to show that for something to be valuable, it must contribute to economic growth.

There are several examples showing the failure of the “economic growth first, everything else later” argument. Growth is good. But other things are necessary too to create a better world for everyone, such as equity, respect for others, equal opportunity, social harmony, and environmental sustenance. It is not the quantum of growth that matters as much as the pattern of growth, so that these other qualities are built along with growth. The author believes that instead of blaming each other, understanding each other and developing social harmony would surely increase economic growth.