Greetings all, I’m excited about the relationship Borges article “The Lottery of Babylon” to Obay, as well as that of Roger Callois’ “The Importance of Games of Chance”
Some selections from Callois…
“…under these conditions, games of chance (read auction) suddenly attain unexpected significance. They tend to replace work, provided the climate is suitable and the need for food, clothing and shelter does not force them, like other more vulnerable, into regular activities…”
“(auctions)…determine the beliefs, knowledge, habits, and ambitions of these nonchalant addicts, who no longer govern themselves and yet find it extremely difficult to adapt themselves to another culture…”
“Above all, the ravages provoked by the passion for gambling (online auctioning), sometimes reaching disastrous proportions, must be stressed.” Sounds to me like a severe case of Commodiphilia, which can cause ” an incurable cancer of the economy…”
In regards to the revolution of money gained from selling at auction put back into the game of buying at auction, “However important the moral, cultural, and even political consequences of the game may be, it is primarily its economic significance that should be analyzed. The game practically immobilizes and appreciable part of disposable income, by causing it to circulate too quickly.
It is thus unavailable for the nation�s economic development or for improving the standard of living of its inhabitants. Money spent on gambling is not used for buying furniture household utensils, tools clothing or dietary supplements, any one of which would result in a hastening the growth of agriculture, commerce, or industry. It is expended wastefully, retired from general circulation, and merely circulates rapidly and constantly in a closed circuit for winnings are rarely withdrawn from the vicious circle.”
I’m excited about continuing this investigation.