Many moons ago when I was in further education and studying for an OND in Business Studies, I remember Economics being one of my least favourite subjects.  I don't know if that was wholly attributable to the rather dull lecturer who delivered everything in a monotone and un-enthused dimension, or if I just could not see enough practical examples of what I was being lectured on.  Nevertheless, I passed my exams and attained the necessary grades.

Of course there is no substitute for practical life experience and the laws of supply and demand soon become familiar.  When I started my working life as a travel agent, I learnt about the law of supply and demand in the holiday business and the airline world, especially when Laker Airways went bust and I had angry and anxious customers banging on the agency window before the shop was open - demanding that they get their money back. 

 The coming years are likely to provide some more interesting insights into the laws of supply and demand here in the UK.  Daily examples of shifting economics are evident.  I read yesterday that Christmas Trees are likely to be 50% more expensive this year as the UK Pound is now so weak against the Euro and the Danish Krone.  I couldn't help thinking that ethically this is most likely a good thing, given that millions of trees are felled each year, only to end up on garbage heaps somewhere.  That can't be right can it?  Then we have a surplus of flats to rent in London as 'would be' sellers have given up on trying to move their properties in favour of brining in a rental revenue.  Rents have allegedly fallen by 20% in some areas.  Again, an enquiring mind starts to think about all of the homeless people who have to sleep rough every night as they have no roof over their heads.   I wonder what could be done?  What could be done with a collective consciousness that says, let's embrace the changes and make the very best of it.

Of course I suspect that the laws of supply and demand are likely to be stretched a good deal further.  The labour government's nebulous policy on immigration means that there are now more people than ever competing for limited resources in public health care, welfare and housing.  When unemployment levels rise, this is likely to be exacerbated by those who are competing now for far fewer resources. 

If you are wondering what the point of this blog is, I guess it is really to gain insight into the value of looking at the bigger picture and learning from past events.  Would it have been useful for a government to think about the longer term effects of stretching the social system beyond capacity for the sake of votes to keep them in power?  Probably not.  Closer to home, what can you do to ensure that the decisions you make today are going to stand the test of time?  What can you learn about your own needs and your personal experience of supply and demand.  How much do you need?  What changes could you make that will help you and those around you?