The Lottery Does More Harm than Good

Lottery， reflecting people's dream of being rich overnight，is always a controversial subject. Admittedly， it has made so great profits which our society may benefit from， but such profits could never compensate for the loss it costs.

　　People may be surprised at the amazing development of lottery when they thoroughly look into it. Is it a kind of capital in vestment or is there any deeper reason hidden behind？ Those who buy lottery tickets may have different backgrounds while they share the same goal， hoping that the free pie will fall some day as long as they keep throwing the money in. Such attitude may gradually influence their personality and eventually form an opportunistic mentality. Besides， even if you are the lucky guy，you won't be so happy as you've once expected. People around you may be green with envy； some may even hate you for your gaining the treasure effortlessly.

　　It is commonly accepted that whether to buy lottery ticketsor not is just a personal affair. Actually， it isn't. We know that the real value of the tickets， we buy is no more than several pieces of paper. According to the economics pattern， too fast circulation of currency may bring down the value of the money，especially when it is spent without any material production. The result is that our domestic financial condition will be out of control.

　　Lottery may help us gather the wealth of the whole society，but not in the proper way；it may donate a lot to the charities，but just a small part of what has gained. Hence， it is the thing we can make use of， but not be crazy of.

　　简 评

　　本文讨论彩票的利弊。作者承认其筹集资金的作用，但认为此不足以弥补其弊端。他认为买彩票者都希望天上掉馅饼（free pie will fall someday），并不停地投入资金，最终形成机会主义心理。虽描写比较形象，却显得有点以偏概全。作者还指出另外的后果——一旦中奖，会招致他人的嫉妒。最后更从经济学角度分析，认为其会使经济形势失控，但未详细分析，没有太大说服力，似乎有点耸人听闻。总体印象是：作者观点虽然清晰，但分析不够深入，且过于强调彩票的负面影响，不涉及其正面作用。故说服力不强。