I agree: rent-seeking isn’t Moloch, for the reasons you give.
But it’s enabled in part by Molochian competition to rent that particular space.
And rising prices of degrees is similar. It’s rent seeking, which is pure greed, but it also is enabled by Molochian competition. Zoning is more pure Moloch. I expect there are other similar factors contributing to the proliferation of poverty despite wealth increase.
NIMBYism is competition for a better living environment and property value at the expense of the commons. And colleges and landlords can only keep raising tuition because people are competing for prestigious degrees and good locations, at the expense of the commons.
Edit: It doesn’t seem like an absence of rent-seeking would do much to prevent Molochian effects in economic trade.
I agree: rent-seeking isn’t Moloch, for the reasons you give.
But it’s enabled in part by Molochian competition to rent that particular space.
And rising prices of degrees is similar. It’s rent seeking, which is pure greed, but it also is enabled by Molochian competition. Zoning is more pure Moloch. I expect there are other similar factors contributing to the proliferation of poverty despite wealth increase.
NIMBYism is competition for a better living environment and property value at the expense of the commons. And colleges and landlords can only keep raising tuition because people are competing for prestigious degrees and good locations, at the expense of the commons.
Edit: It doesn’t seem like an absence of rent-seeking would do much to prevent Molochian effects in economic trade.