Not to be a cynic, but:
Zero-sum is not an illusion.
Every single thing has opportunity cost.
It may not be another person that pays if I pick up my toys, and go found my own community elsewhere.
It may be fewer trees and less open land.
We’re all in this together, on the same planet, sharing the same air and water. Nothing is positive-sum if it involves using physical resources.
I have water, but no air. You have air, but no water. I give you water in exchange for air. Presto! Everybody wins.
Not to be a cynic, but:
Zero-sum is not an illusion.
Every single thing has opportunity cost.
It may not be another person that pays if I pick up my toys, and go found my own community elsewhere.
It may be fewer trees and less open land.
We’re all in this together, on the same planet, sharing the same air and water. Nothing is positive-sum if it involves using physical resources.
I have water, but no air. You have air, but no water. I give you water in exchange for air. Presto! Everybody wins.