Down from the Throne: GDP from Economic Growth to Sustainable Development

Author: Liu Wei Cai Zhizhou
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Although GDP and national accounting may seem mysterious, they are indeed one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century. Like a satellite probing the Earth's climate, GDP paints a comprehensive picture of the state of economic operation. GDP! A rational concept capable of meticulously measuring the output of the national economy. An indispensable system that delves into social activities, GDP occupies the central position within this framework. This innovation made significant contributions to improving the economic performance of the second half of the 20th century. GDP is a crucial statistical indicator for understanding the overall economic operation. One of the important but unnoticed contributions of national accounting is bringing order to what was once a chaotic world. GNP does not reflect our physical health, nor does it indicate the quality of social education; it does not represent the elegance of literary talent, nor does it the harmony of family life; it does not prove the wisdom of debate, nor does it show the integrity of government. It does not measure our courage, nor does it reflect our contributions to the nation.