One day, two economists walked down a path together. Suddenly one of them saw a piece of dog poo lying on the ground.
"Eat that piece of shit and I'd give you one billion dollars", said Economist A.
Economist B, seeing the potential tax-free net gain of one billion crispy, delicious dollars, bent down and ate that piece of poo without hesitation. It wasn't very tasty naturally, but she's one billion dollars richer in her pocket, and she is happy about it. "OK, let's walk to the nearest bank now", said she, obviously elated.
As they continued, Economist B saw another piece of dog poo lying on the ground.
"Well, since you had given me such a fantastic money-making opportunity, I'd give you another chance to earn some dosh too. If you eat that piece of shit, I'd give you another one billion dollars", said Economist B.
Economist A, having just been one billion dollars short, was perplexing on how to earn that money back but now, seeing this golden (the money, not the poo) opportunity arising, bent down and ate that piece of poo. It was watery and wasn't very delicious naturally, but he's happy that he's now one billion dollars richer.
As they arrived at the bank, something suddenly came to their mind...
What have they gained at the end?
Economist C, seeing the episode unfold trailing at the back, said, "Well, I can see very well that you two have obviously increased the nation's GDP by two billion dollars!"
Satisfied with this brilliant answer, they all live happily thereafter.
