Unity 332 March 21, 2018 Share March 21, 2018 So let me just say, I could have put alot more time and energy into this topic, but frankly I'm not the best at that while on mobile. So, before I begin, please no "it's just a show and it doesent matter". So I have noticed sooo many inconsistencies with Equestrias economy. First of all as in one of the episodes where spike is left to baby sit all the Mane 6's pets while they were gone to the crystal empire I noticed something weird. It seems like inhabitants of Equestria have 2 types of currency, Bits(less inconsistent) and they have Gems/crystals(super inconsistent). So where do I begin, well first of all in that episode the CMC bought this huge machine for just the smallest gem when spike bought seemingly next to worthless items for gems triple the size. Maybe their economy is more of a what pony's see fits but I'm not sure. Could somepony please help me figure out how the economy works (if it even does work) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buck Testa 5,505 March 21, 2018 Share March 21, 2018 Gems are a lot more plentiful in the show than they are in real life. Well, that's not exactly true, Gems and diamonds are pretty common in our world as well but we have a long standing corrupt diamond industry that's created artificial scarcity in order to jack up the prices. Equestria doesn't have those money grubbing blood money enthusiasts, so their gems are not subject to their obnoxious markups and are more readily available. Since this is the case, it actually would make a lot of sense that their value is rather inconsistent in their society. Gems would just be a novelty that ponies like, not something insanely valuable. So a pony that values gems and diamonds more personally would be willing to trade more expensive goods for them, while someone who only sees them as pretty stones may need something more substantial before making a trade. Even Maud, who's obsession with rocks is the centerpiece of her character, does not value most gems and diamonds that highly. So in short, I think where you're finding the inconsistency is in the fact that the gems just do not hold the same monetary value as they do irl. http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Billy%20G%20Gruff http://billyggruff.deviantart.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVpSXbUpDYTcaFHTPiPjYA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King of Canterlot 9,608 March 21, 2018 Share March 21, 2018 Here's an article explaining the different areas and functions of Equestria's economy- https://colewebbharter.com/2014/07/16/the-radical-economics-of-my-little-pony/ Here's another one that kinda talks about the possible materials the coins are made out of, and also Equestria's social structure- https://www.fimfiction.net/story/811/1/economics-in-equestria/economics-in-equestria I hope those articles help you somewhat answer your question, though I feel that they still leave out a lot of other stuff that could have been covered better 2 RA RA RASPUTIN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unity 332 March 21, 2018 Author Share March 21, 2018 14 minutes ago, Buck Testa said: Gems are a lot more plentiful in the show than they are in real life. Well, that's not exactly true, Gems and diamonds are pretty common in our world as well but we have a long standing corrupt diamond industry that's created artificial scarcity in order to jack up the prices. Equestria doesn't have those money grubbing blood money enthusiasts, so their gems are not subject to their obnoxious markups and are more readily available. Since this is the case, it actually would make a lot of sense that their value is rather inconsistent in their society. Gems would just be a novelty that ponies like, not something insanely valuable. So a pony that values gems and diamonds more personally would be willing to trade more expensive goods for them, while someone who only sees them as pretty stones may need something more substantial before making a trade. Even Maud, who's obsession with rocks is the centerpiece of her character, does not value most gems and diamonds that highly. So in short, I think where you're finding the inconsistency is in the fact that the gems just do not hold the same monetary value as they do irl. I think your 100% correct. This world also probably does not have magic that can also probably MAKE gems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cuteycindyhoney 13,339 March 21, 2018 Share March 21, 2018 I always thought of it as an agrarian economy. Gens vs Bits just confuses things. Thank you Sparklefan1234!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jedishy 3,549 August 7, 2018 Share August 7, 2018 The problem I have with the two articles is the concept that gems are mostly ornamental. We see things like train tickets, food, and gratuities paid for by gems. So they clearly have some value. Now their value compared to bits is a bit of a mystery. I think that there is a heavy barter and IOU system that is just understood but not formalized. Further, I think one of the main governmental duties is settling such disputes when they arise but that such things rare occurrences. May the Friendship be with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
碇 シンジン 27,440 August 13, 2018 Share August 13, 2018 From what I've gathered I don't really think Equestria have solidified the use of bits as a currency as much as one would expect. What I think is that the buying is mostly done with bits but can also be done as basic trading so basically what the seller feels like is worth it they'll accept it Rarity Fan Club Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BornAgainBrony 2,398 August 13, 2018 Share August 13, 2018 (edited) Currency seems like it is probably a non-state issue. Some ponies use it in certain venues. Other times everything seems completely voluntary, like Fluttershy's wildlife habitat that would've cost a fortune to build (and then rebuild). There's also no mention of taxes, which means there's no reason to push a currency on the populous. I sometimes wonder if Equestria is actually on its way towards becoming pure communism or something similar, and the use of money is just sort of hanging around out of habit or tradition. With ponies so willing to help each other out, wealth doesn't seem so necessary a motivator like it is with humans. And some of the most important work that is done, doesn't seem to be funded. For example, are the Pegusi being paid for weather services? Edited August 13, 2018 by bornAgainEquestrian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucid_Nightlight 929 August 18, 2018 Share August 18, 2018 By the looks of it, Canterlot is a rather fancy place. Ponies live pretty decent lives, so I think that Equestria is a pretty wealthy nation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EpicEnergy 23,247 September 24, 2020 Share September 24, 2020 I have no idea, Equestria has a pretty inconsistent economy. *totally not up to any shenanigans* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Splashee 28,599 September 24, 2020 Share September 24, 2020 They gave something that they call currency, and there are a lot of shops and businesses. They have something, at least Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Pencil 3,029 September 24, 2020 Share September 24, 2020 Equastria is a wealthy nation I don't think the economy is as a huge priority like on Earth where we monitor the global economy closely. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Splashee 28,599 September 24, 2020 Share September 24, 2020 Tartarus is not an economic system Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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