Khazzoom-Brookes Postulate
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
A modern version of the Jevons paradox. It argues that improving energy efficiency (e.g., more fuel-efficient engines) does not reduce total energy consumption at the macro level; instead, because costs are lowered, it encourages more economic activity, ultimately leading to an increase in total energy consumption.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Efficiency trap. The same applies to time management: by using tools to improve work efficiency, the result is not that you have more leisure, but that you take on more work, ending up busier than before. The solution is not to improve efficiency but to set total limits.
Anchor fast decisions
Efficiency improvements lower the unit cost of use, which in turn stimulates more demand (rebound effect), so that macro-level total consumption does not decrease but increases; this is a manifestation of the Jevons paradox in modern energy/time management.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/4Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khazzoom%E2%80%93Brookes_postulateverified
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