This response is also more easily put in place and accepted since it aligns with Modernity’s narrative of “progress” that asserts human ingenuity will help to make tomorrow better than today through its overcoming of problems in perpetuity. But this is more than simply an elite narrative; it is a deeply held cultural belief and one that is leveraged by the high priests of our modern world.

It is additionally attractive to the ruling elite since it helps deflect attention away from the structural causes of diminishing returns and the systemic reforms–simplification–that might help mitigate them. If the problem is not enough innovation, then more education, infrastructure, and research and development is needed. The elite can avoid discussions of unsustainability of status quo arrangements and structures while portraying themselves as captains of industry and champions of progress.

Finally, the ruling elite find this perhaps the most appealing response to pursue as it can be used to create new profitable ventures. They benefit greatly from this response–whoever controls the patents, capital, and infrastructure required to produce new technologies can gain much in the way of wealth and thus power and prestige. The benefits that flow from this response, however, are marketed as universal. Massive investments in technologies that promise convenience and salvation from problems–even just everyday menial chores–are easily justified and quickly supported by the masses.