As intelligent beings, we humans have a curious habit of labelling various things, whether tangible or intangible. This serves as our way of simplifying complexity and aiding memory. Nestled in this extensive catalog of labels is the economic concept of supply and demand. This article delves into how our preferences evolve, guided by the intricacies of the supply and demand dynamic.
Economics: Supply and demand
Economics is like a knowledge toolbox which is filled with theories and concepts that explain how people, businesses, governments, and societies endeavour to meet their endless wants and needs. Within this toolbox, there are many theories and concepts that shed light on how and why things happen, as well as how people behave in certain ways. One significant economic concept that particularly speaks to our daily lives, especially our preferences, is the interplay of Supply and Demand.
Supply and demand help us grasp how prices and quantities of goods are established in a market. The supply curve, with its positive slope indicating an upward trend, and the demand curve, featuring a negative slope representing a downward trend, illustrate the connection between price and quantity. The point where these slopes intersect signifies the equilibrium, a perfect spot where people want to purchase a specific quantity at a particular price.
This concept encapsulates insights into the market, suppliers, purchasers, goods, and services. But this concept can be used to reveal various aspects, including our preferences for different things and people.
Understanding Our Preferences with the Help of Supply and Demand.
In our world, everything possesses a unique quality, and humans naturally lean towards things that are rare and offer distinct qualities or utilities. The scarcity and special attributes of something often make it appealing, drawing human attraction. This holds true in many aspects of our lives.
When a person has more skills, they become rarer and more in demand.
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Not everything rare is inherently attractive; for example, mutations that result in rare diseases are universally undesirable. On the flip side, everyone covets favourable genetic mutations, like having blue eyes or a dimple.
The appeal of a rare item primarily depends on two factors: its utility and the availability of substitutes. If the rare item lacks practical value or if readily available substitutes can offer similar utility, the inclination to acquire this rarity diminishes. After all, people generally don’t desire a rare item with no practical use or a more affordable alternative that serves a similar purpose.
The better a fruit or vegetable tastes, and the healthier and more useful it is, the more people want it, and its value goes up.
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We can think of rarity as the supply of a particular thing, while the yearning to acquire that thing represents its demand. Our preferences are shaped by this dynamic. For instance, if there’s a food that a person considers healthy, tasty, and a superfood, they will develop a preference for it, and they may be willing to pay a premium to acquire it if they can.
Consider another example: a food that is not rare, or readily available in the market, but is categorized as a ‘superfood’ with numerous nutritional and health benefits. Despite its exceptional health advantages, if this superfood lacks palatability and is not particularly tasty, individuals may not develop a preference for it. In this case, neither rarity nor taste, which are key factors in making food attractive, are fully satisfied, impacting the overall appeal of the food.
This dynamic extends to other aspects of our lives, shaping our preferences for both animated and non-animated things. Humans always want something rare, and when the rarity ends, preferences change. Many examples illustrate this, from salt to pineapple, showcasing the ever-evolving nature of our tastes and desires.
The Significance of Rare Qualities in Human Partner Preferences and the Potential Pitfalls
We understand how preferences are formed, a phenomenon applicable to humans as well. However, deciphering human preferences poses a challenge due to our complexity, making it tricky to rely on observed rules to explain the reasons behind our choices. Throughout history, females in the animal kingdom have sought alpha males for good genes, ensuring healthy offspring and protection—enhancing the prospects of survival and well-being. The dynamics of partner selection have evolved for humans, now a highly intelligent and sophisticated species.
Attractive girls with lovely faces.
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Now, we consider various factors when forming preferences, including height, body, skin, age, maturity, skills, success, humor, bank balance, sexual attractiveness, cuteness, voice, communication, dress sense, family, health, weight, likes, dislikes, hobbies, education, athleticism, race, language, culture, religion, sexual performance, past relationships, nature, attitude, and more. While almost everyone possesses these qualities to some extent, two qualities tend to overshadow others in shaping our preferences. Firstly, physical appearance, encompassing multiple qualities, and secondly, success, measured by the amount of money in their bank account.
Successful and handsome men.
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This is because possessing an attractive physique is relatively rare in our world, and having a substantial amount of money signifies that a person has achieved something noteworthy in their life, making them strong and uncommon. Human desire often generates preferences for rare things, leading us to develop feelings of liking or romance for those who are both rich and beautiful. However, it’s essential to note that this might not always be the right decision, as our preferences or desires are based on only two aspects, which may not be sufficient for a meaningful and lasting relationship with someone.
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This is why we shouldn’t unquestioningly rely on the rarity of a thing or person or the superficial benefits they may offer. When we do, we tend to overlook other essential qualities or aspects, potentially leading us to develop preferences for individuals that may not be genuinely beneficial or suitable for us in the long run. It’s crucial to consider a holistic view and not let the allure of rarity or superficial advantages blind us to the broader and more meaningful aspects of a situation, thing or person.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a romantic or life partner is a crucial decision. While the principles of supply and demand are relevant, relying solely on them can lead to misjudgments. Although physical beauty and financial stability are essential, it’s equally vital to consider a person’s other qualities when making this important decision in your life.
