Now you understand economics

Economist: You see, Timmy, the beauty of capitalism is that everyone wins. The supermarket profits, so you get food. The farmer profits, so crops are grown. Profit equals value.

Student: Oh! So when the pharmaceutical company profits from insulin, that means diabetics are winning?

Economist: Exactly! Market incentives drive innovation.

Student: And when payday loan companies profit from desperate people, that’s… valuable desperation?

Economist: Well, they’re providing liquidity to underserved markets.

Student: And when social media companies profit from rage, loneliness, and conspiracy theories… that’s just society expressing demand?

Economist: Now you’re getting it! The algorithm simply optimizes for engagement.

Student: So if I start a company that profits from selling anxiety, tribalism, and digital addiction, I’m basically a philanthropist?

Economist: A visionary! You’re solving problems people didn’t know they had.

Student: And if I profit from selling fake news that destabilizes democracies?

Economist: You’re disrupting legacy institutions. Very entrepreneurial.

Student: Wow. So profit isn’t just good; it’s sacred.

Economist: Now you understand economics.