HBR has written previously about the current low rate of interest in the UK’s economy. In this series, HBR investigates British public’s lack of interest in the subject, and tries to work out what is best to do about it
In the previous post we confirmed that the British public has only a passing interest in business.
Having identified the symptoms, a wise and careful doctor would reflect on his medical training, perhaps consult a textbook or two, in order to come to a diagnosis. Not just what, but why the people of the UK are not engaged. Why do they not appreciate the cruel beauty of capitalism, or at least the many iPads that commerce has created?
However that seemed like far too difficult a question for a Tuesday evening, so on this occasion we will skip diagnosis, and start prescribing right away, the business equivalent of the frustrated GP’s immediate antibiotics course.
Today’s suggestion is actually a simple one, and it’s all about wording. When I wake up and consider my morning cornflakes, I am in something of a sensitive state, in both mind and body. If I am perusing a paper, the last thing I want to be digesting (even mentally) is anything that might be considered disgusting, let alone gross, lest I see my cornflakes for a second time.
It is for that reason that I propose that the Gross Domestic Product (whose naming I have never understood) is changed forthwith to the Delicious Domestic Product. Meanwhile GDP’s unsightly cousin Gross Profit is immediately to become Sumptuous Profit, an altogether more delectable prospect.
In one fell swoop the readership of the morning business section will rise, interest rates will move in step, and we are off the mark.
Hardly Business Review 