

I’m choosing a light fixture right now and I’m trying to decide which one looks best with all the natural fibers I plan to place in the same room, and the fact that I’m choosing to spend real hours on this self-created homework when I could instead be playing video games should tell you all you need to know.
Many governments cut social programs that would result in net benefits economically for society (e.g. disability services that mean more people can maintain jobs, education, family planning, public transit, all mean more money is being made overall including more taxes going to the government). But it isn’t a direct enough benefit and it’s hard to quantify, whereas slashing funding feels like immediate savings.
Imagine no longer paying for your phone service in order to save money, then being confused about why none of the jobs you applied to are calling you back. Same logic.