> I borrow a book, read it and enjoy it. What benefit does this create for anyone besides me?
That actually made me feel sorry for you.
Are you really this much of an island, or do you just enjoy trolling? Is there no possible benefit for me that you might have learned something, or that perhaps you might now be able to tell me something I didn't know before? Is there no benefit to me that perhaps because someone in a library showed you how to apply for your housing benefit online you didn't feel the need to break into my car?
And yes, much crime like theft can be related to drugs. But a significant proportion can also be tied back to poverty.
You're like a parody of all that's bad about the libertarian ethos. Or whatever you think you are.
Is there no possible benefit for me that you might have learned something, or that perhaps you might now be able to tell me something I didn't know before?
You are moving the goalposts. I asserted there is no "massive positive externality", not that there is no possible external externality.
I do concede that maybe people who spend time in the library are more interesting conversationalists. I just don't consider this benefit to be "massive". Do you?
There's no "massive positive externality" to humanity. If you are to take your position to its logical conclusion, all human life should be exterminated.
I don't think I've seen anyone argue for a truly nihilist position as earnestly as you have here.
You stated that "The sole benefit you describe, namely the ability to borrow books, is a private benefit. I borrow a book, read it and enjoy it. What benefit does this create for anyone besides me?"
Do we have different definitions of "sole" and "private" - those words feel fairly absolute to me.
Sure it may not be a massive positive and direct benefit to you, but I find it hard to understand how you think there's no possible benefit at all. Do you feel the same way about teaching people to read, write and count?
That actually made me feel sorry for you.
Are you really this much of an island, or do you just enjoy trolling? Is there no possible benefit for me that you might have learned something, or that perhaps you might now be able to tell me something I didn't know before? Is there no benefit to me that perhaps because someone in a library showed you how to apply for your housing benefit online you didn't feel the need to break into my car?
And yes, much crime like theft can be related to drugs. But a significant proportion can also be tied back to poverty.
You're like a parody of all that's bad about the libertarian ethos. Or whatever you think you are.