> The problem with GDP isn't that it's a score, it's that it's a BAD score
And so it is every other score. Economist have known since a good while that looking at a single number to inform policy decisions is bad, but if we try to take our entire paraphernalia of instruments and indicators (Gini index, inflation, velocity of money, consumer sentiment, development index, etc) people would be just as confused. GDP is a bad metric, but it's not worthless. It's a bad metric if you only use it in a vacuum, if you are knowledgeable and combine it with several others you would be more effective into improving the society at large.
And so it is every other score. Economist have known since a good while that looking at a single number to inform policy decisions is bad, but if we try to take our entire paraphernalia of instruments and indicators (Gini index, inflation, velocity of money, consumer sentiment, development index, etc) people would be just as confused. GDP is a bad metric, but it's not worthless. It's a bad metric if you only use it in a vacuum, if you are knowledgeable and combine it with several others you would be more effective into improving the society at large.