Julian Simon, "Natural Resources are Infinite"

Julian Simon sees himself as an optimist and critic of environmental pessimism

"The doomsayers of the population-control movement offer a vision of limits, decreasing resources, a zero-sum game, conservation, deterioration, fear and conflict--concluding with calls for more government intervention in markets and family affairs. [Shouldn't] our vision be to look optimistically upon people as a resource rather than a burden--a vision of receding limits, increasing resources and possibilities, a game in which everyone can win, building, the excitement of progress, and the belief that persons and firms, acting spontaneously in search of their individual welfare, and regulated only by rules of a fair game, will produce enough to maintain and increase economic progress and promote liberty? The energetic efforts of humankind will prevail to increase worldwide our numbers, our health, our wealth, and our opportunities." 1990