The simplicity of GDP is also its Achilles heel, as a measure of general progress at any rate. It counts goods and income, but it has no opinion of them. It counts quantity of stuff, even when all that stuff does is pollute the air and blot the landscape, or helps us keep up with the Joneses but does nothing for our wellbeing. But GDP does not measure quality of life. It has nothing to say about better health, living longer, or sledging on a school day.
