GDP can estimate or approximate the money value of the products and services sold in this country during the year, but gives no clue as to the amenity of life or the welfare of the nation. A view of mountains that has given pleasure to generations enters the calculation of GDP only when it is concreted over at such and such a price. The value of silence is recognised only at the point when it is abolished by a new airport runway ... Let us deafen ourselves with new airports, blind ourselves with street light, choke ourselves with traffic, lest the economy suffer!
