FINANCEMonths to result

The Inflationism Framework

The use of inflation as a solution to economic problems

Problem it solves

poor financial decisions

Best for

Understanding the consequences of using inflation as a solution to economic problems

Not ideal for

Those seeking a straightforward, easy-to-understand framework

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Inflationism Framework refers to the use of inflation as a solution to economic problems. This framework is characterized by the use of monetary policy to stimulate economic growth, rather than allowing market forces to dictate the economy. The framework is rooted in the idea that inflation can be used to increase aggregate spending, and thereby stimulate economic growth.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Inflation can be used to stimulate economic growth
  2. Monetary policy should be used to increase aggregate spending
  3. The value of a national currency should be determined by the government, rather than market forces

Steps

3 steps
  1. Increase the money supply
    The government can increase the money supply, through the use of monetary policy, in order to stimulate economic growth
    Pro tipThis can be achieved through the use of quantitative easing, or other forms of monetary stimulus
    WarningIncreasing the money supply can lead to inflation, and a decrease in the value of the national currency
  2. Reduce interest rates
    The government can reduce interest rates, in order to stimulate economic growth, and increase aggregate spending
    Pro tipThis can be achieved through the use of monetary policy, such as reducing the discount rate, or using forward guidance
    WarningReducing interest rates can lead to inflation, and a decrease in the value of the national currency
  3. Increase government spending
    The government can increase government spending, in order to stimulate economic growth, and increase aggregate spending
    Pro tipThis can be achieved through the use of fiscal policy, such as increasing government expenditures, or reducing taxes
    WarningIncreasing government spending can lead to inflation, and a decrease in the value of the national currency

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
The US economy

The US economy experienced a period of economic growth, following the use of monetary policy to stimulate the economy. However, the resulting inflation led to a decrease in the value of the dollar

OutcomeThe dollar lost its value, and the US economy experienced a period of economic instability
The British economy

The British economy experienced a period of economic growth, following the use of monetary policy to stimulate the economy. However, the resulting inflation led to a decrease in the value of the pound

OutcomeThe pound lost its value, and the British economy experienced a period of economic instability

Common mistakes

3 traps
Inflation
Excessive money printing, and the resulting inflation, can lead to economic instability, and a loss of trust in the national currency
Currency devaluation
The devaluation of a national currency can lead to a loss of trust in the currency, and a decrease in its value
Economic instability
The use of inflation as a solution to economic problems can lead to economic instability, and a loss of trust in the national currency

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The Inflationism Framework emerged in the aftermath of World War I, as countries sought to stimulate their economies through the use of monetary policy. The framework was further solidified by the work of John Maynard Keynes, who advocated for the use of inflation as a solution to economic problems.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
The Bitcoin Standard
Saifedean Ammous · 2018
Open source →

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