What's THAT got to do with economics?

Polyamory can have significant economic benefits, as shown by the lives of a polyamorous family in Virginia. Through shared finances like housing, credit cards, and utility bills, they save money and create a strong support system. This reflects a broader trend where economic conditions influence relationship dynamics, encouraging cohabitation and polyamory as a response to rising living costs and busy work schedules. As people seek better financial stability, they may turn toward unconventional relationship structures to mitigate expenses and enhance their quality of life. Economic pressures can lead people to explore new options in how they connect with others romantically and financially, leading to the rise of polyamory in the U.S.

Different types of jobs require varying amounts of time and effort. Some jobs, like corporate law, value long hours highly, which can lead to family structures where one partner works while the other tends to the home. Adding a third person in a relationship, such as through polyamory, can help distribute some of the household responsibilities. This approach allows parents to balance work commitments and childcare more effectively. Similarly, dark matter, although invisible, plays a crucial role in holding galaxies together, illustrating how unseen forces greatly influence stability. Understanding both of these concepts shows the importance of unseen dynamics, whether in relationships or the universe, and how they can make various systems function better.

Dark matter, a concept in astrophysics describing unseen forces, can be likened to mysterious elements in economics, such as invisible fears and beliefs influencing markets. Economists, like physicists, aim to understand both what is known and unknown in their fields. They need to be cautious and scientific, ensuring they look for evidence of these invisible forces in various economic factors. The comparison highlights the challenge economists face: their theories are not as precise as those in hard sciences. Both fields require humility in acknowledging the limits of their understanding, making it vital for economists to explore beyond surface phenomena and seek deeper connections, similar to how scientists study dark matter. This metaphor serves to remind us that there are essential yet unseen influences at play in the economy, just as dark matter is crucial for the structure of the universe.

Hieronymus Bosch's paintings, especially 'The Garden of Earthly Delights,' contain rich symbolism blending themes of nature, religion, and human desires. The triptych features a contrast between paradise, earthly pleasures, and hellish consequences. Interestingly, economic themes emerge, notably with imagery of money, suggesting a critique of greed and materialism present in society during Bosch's time.

Alden Hackman, an expert in herty girdies, shared insights on the symbolism in Hieronymus Bosch's paintings, particularly how they reflect medieval economics. In Bosch’s art, a beggar with a herdy-gurdy symbolizes a regulated form of welfare, where individuals were licensed to beg due to poverty or war injuries. This idea links to the evolving art market after Bosch's time, where patronage shifted to an open market, allowing artists to create works inspired by him. This legacy continues today, as seen in modern artists like Roberto Benavides, who combines Bosch's imagery with contemporary craft, proving that Bosch’s influence on art and economics persists even in contemporary piñatas that sell for thousands. Ultimately, the interplay of art and economy from Bosch's era can be seen in how art continues to inspire and be commercially valued across centuries.