Yesterday I found myself involved in a dialogue about the state of New Zealand. My interlocutor made the claim that the country's previous government had left the country in a "healthy state". I asked what he meant, and he responded by referring to an international report in which New Zealand's economy was highly rated.
I have heard this talk before, but I find it confusing. If a sick man is in hospital and I ask the doctor about his health, does the doctor check the man's bank account and pronounce him as healthy based on his wealth? Of course not. Yet when I ask people about this country they say it is in good health because the economy is strong. They don't mention the homeless. They don't mention hardship, poverty, or unemployment. They don't mention pollution, water shortages, or violence. For them the country is healthy. Are they not as foolish as the doctor who determines his patient's health by checking his financial situation?
Well, I questioned my friend about this and asked if there are any other measures of a country's health. I am sad to report that my friend stood steadfast in his view that New Zealand is a healthy country because it is in a good economic state.
-- Socrates
