The Accursed Share, Volume I

Georges Bataille defines "general economy" as an approach to economics that focuses on the expenditure or consumption of wealth rather than production. He argues that the primary object of study should be the "expenditure" of wealth, as it is inherently linked to the circulation of energy on Earth. This perspective emphasizes the necessity of dissipating excess energy that cannot be used for growth, which leads to the idea that a significant portion of wealth must be squandered without return.

The implications of this view for understanding economic systems are profound. It challenges the traditional focus on production and profit, suggesting that economic systems are driven by a fundamental need to squander resources. This perspective also highlights the role of excess and waste in economic activity, and it suggests that economic systems are inherently unstable and prone to conflict. Bataille's "general economy" encourages a broader understanding of economic systems that takes into account the full range of human activities, including those that are seemingly non-productive or wasteful.

The three luxuries of nature are eating, death, and sexual reproduction. These are forms of energy consumption that go beyond the basic needs of life and are driven by the excess energy available in the environment. In the context of "The Accursed Share," these luxuries represent the squandering of energy that is inherent in life's exuberance. They are:

1. Eating: This involves the consumption of one species by another, leading to a squandering of energy as animals kill and consume each other. It's a form of luxury because it's not necessary for survival but is driven by the excess energy available.

2. Death: Death is the end of an organism's life, which allows for the regeneration of space and resources. It's a luxury because it's not necessary for the continuation of life but is a result of the excess energy that leads to the development of complex organisms.

3. Sexual Reproduction: This involves the creation of new individuals, which often requires more energy than simple growth. It's a luxury because it's not necessary for the survival of the species but is a result of the excess energy that allows for the development of complex organisms.

These luxuries are related to the "Accursed Share" concept because they embody the squandering of energy that is central to Bataille's argument. The "Accursed Share" refers to the portion of wealth that is spent on non-productive activities, which are essential to the human experience but do not contribute to the accumulation of wealth. The luxuries of nature reflect this idea, as they represent the squandering of energy that is inherent in life's exuberance and the pursuit of non-essential activities.

Georges Bataille views economic crises as deeply intertwined with the general problem of nature. He posits that economic activity, particularly production and consumption, is a part of the larger cosmic phenomenon of energy circulation on Earth. Economic crises, according to Bataille, are a manifestation of the inherent excess of energy in the biosphere, which cannot be fully utilized for productive purposes. This excess energy must be dissipated, often in forms like war or luxury consumption, to maintain the balance of the natural system. Bataille's perspective emphasizes the idea that economic crises are not merely isolated events but are reflective of the broader, systemic issues related to the distribution and utilization of energy in the natural world.

Georges Bataille's political proposals, as outlined in "The Accursed Share," focus on addressing the challenges posed by the "Accursed Share," which refers to the excess energy that cannot be used for a system's growth and must be dissipated. He proposes a shift from a focus on production to consumption, advocating for the expenditure of wealth on non-productive, luxurious, and wasteful activities. This approach aims to absorb the surplus energy and prevent it from leading to conflict and war.

Bataille suggests raising the global standard of living as a means to dissipate the surplus energy. This would involve redistributing wealth from richer nations to poorer ones, without expecting reciprocal benefits. He also emphasizes the importance of fostering a consciousness that accepts the inevitability of waste and the importance of luxury in human life. By doing so, Bataille believes that society can move towards a more harmonious and less conflictual existence, where the "Accursed Share" is no longer a source of tension and destruction.