Seneca

Never ending growth based on finite physical resources is not possible

in spite of what some economist may think. Many models result in a

characteristic pattern of growth and decline, the latter sometimes

being steeper than the former. This asymmetry was named Seneca

Effect by prof. Ugo Bardi after the following sentence of the Roman

philosopher:

It would be some consolation for the feebleness of our selves and our

works, if all things should perish as slowly as they come into being;

but as it is, increases are of sluggish growth, but the way to ruin is

rapid. Seneca: Epistulae Morales, Liber XIV, XCI

This app allows the user to change the parameters of a simple Mind

Sized model devised by prof. Ugo Bardi to describe how an economic

system exploits a non renewable resource by producing at the same time

economic growth and pollution.

By changing the values of system couplings or of the initial

conditions, the user can visually appreciate the changes in system

evolution, particularly with respect to resources exploitation,

pollution levels and economic growth. Detailed information can be found at the app website.