
The Accursed Share
The Accursed Share is a concept by economist and philosopher Georges Bataille that suggests societies produce more wealth or energy than they need for basic survival. This excess is often spent on extravagant, wasteful, or extreme activities—like art, war, or luxury—rather than being saved or invested. Bataille sees this surplus as a fundamental aspect of human cultures that reveals both creative expression and destructive tendencies. In essence, societies must "use up" their excess resources in ways that sometimes seem irrational, emphasizing the importance of excess and expenditure in understanding social and cultural dynamics.