Hacker News Reader

From a cost perspective, it is solved. The communists solved it a long time ago. Build more, denser housing that is therefore much cheaper per-unit.

We don't do that because of people's preferences, and more importantly their will to force their preferences on others. But, it is solved.

View on HN

Unfortunately, housing is not merely treated as a cost issue for most people. Where we live is a social and even spiritual experience. We're not bugs that mindlessly perform our economic duty and then return to our hole. We're human beings who like space, freedom, and the ability to control our surroundings.

Some people like those things but it's a matter of perspective. The American point of view of sprawling suburbs and automobiles is just one perspective on freedom. To many, it is not freedom. Having to drive a car is not freedom. Having to commute huge distances is not freedom. Having to live in isolated homes is not freedom. Etc.

There's no right or wrong answer, and I take issue with the notion that however our culture is setup now is the correct way. Clearly, it's not, because many (most?) people are unhappy.

When someone wants a huge backyard to do nothing with it: valid desire

When I want a commute to work/family/friends that isn't 2 hours: invalid desire

Hmmm

Reply on news.ycombinator.com