I've more of a fondness for macroeconomics, but micro is far more quantitative, so I can make a living using it.
I considered accounting, but always remember a (just for fun) phrase from Monty Python: "I'm an accoutant, and therefore too boring to be of interest" (really, it's from Monty Python, so I'm joking....LOL)
I wouldn't want a PhD in Economics...too gaudy and lacks usefulness. Except if you want to be taken seriously and published.
I don't think we can ever feed the world unless the people who need feeding recognize that they have to focus on the immediacy of their situation and the sacrifices they'll have to make to achieve what they need. That's not to say a starving person has to make sacrifices. It's that the countries that systematically enjoy putting their people at risk for "high rent" projects like the military, tourism, and other business deals that benefit the elite. In addition, the working poor have to recognize that there are no "get rich quick" schemes or "feed me fast and now" schemes. This requires education, however.
Richard Feynman once told a story of a visit he had to the Dominican Republic (I think) and of a cabdriver who told him the story of how he was going to get rich by accumulating some money driving the cab, then putting money on a "sure thing" at the track. Sadly, this behavior is all too common. Feynman tried to point out the flaws in the plan...to deaf ears.
Historically, hunger is usually occurring right in the face of plenty. In 99% of the cases, it is a politically motivated event. Witness the systematic starvation of the Irish during the blight, as Ireland was a net exporter of food.
World hunger isn't a problem. Political manipulation of the foodstocks and prices IS. And your final line, about the farmer in the US, stands as a beacon of despair from that standpoint. When you consider how much the subsidy programs were rolled back in the 80's, it's amazing how much is still spent to keep fields unplowed. Even more amazing is how much companies like AMD pocket as a result. |
