I agree somewhat with that. I can't place my finger on it, but there's something I don't like about growth needing to be the norm... but that's a whole new topic.

Regardless, the opportunity for profit is why people purchase public shares of a company. Profit can only be made by an increase in share price (assuming no splits) or dividend payout (i think).

EDIT: realized there are many other ways to make money (sell short, derivatives based on price volatility, etc) but i think my point is still valid that the shareholders of a company want growth in share price or they'll invest their money elsewhere.