This is not an abstract concept. It is a foundation understanding to any society.
Government is suppose to serve and protect, while the private sector is ALLOWED to provide quality of life.
That was QUALITY OF LIFE. It is why aspects of criminal law prosecute fraud, embezelment, corruption, etc.
Many, many moons ago, I sat in a friend's house sipping on a cup of tea after he just returned from work. They had three children and were working very hard to improve the house so they could sell it. The year was about 1995 or so. Two of the children were perfectly normal, but, the third had problems. Needed care beyond simple babysitting, so I was there to help that evening.
The house was full of all kinds of educational signs for the two Pre-K children. There were signs like "DOOR," "CHAIR," "TABLE," and "TOY BOX." You get the picture. The couple loved their children beyond any imagination. They were moving because they were convinced the nearby 'High Tension Electric" wires caused the congenital problems with their youngest child. This. After the husband's parents, whom lived two miles away, both died within years of each other from cancer.
But, I sat there giving a report on the children before going home. His wife would be at work until morning and then he would be leaving for his 'day job.' We began to talk about the economy and he stated, "You know, one day this country will be sorry it ever stopped valuing its' personage."
"Personage, I replied."
"Yes. You see, the automation of the American lifestyle is completely depersonalizing the 'life experience' of many people and while advancement is always an aspect of growth of any country, the depersonalization of society to allow 'persons' to become unimportant to its government, its businesses will result in economic losses and potentially collapse."
We talked for a while and I excused myself to leave for home. I stated if they found themselves in a bind again they should feel free to call.
Today. Some 15 years later, I now reflect on that conversation and realize what a brilliant man told me at a time in his life when 'loss' surrounded him.
