Why on earth wouldn't I believe you? I was probably writing about these things half a century ago. It's common knowledge. And that is exactly my point with the paitings. They don't really have any value.

If they were starving, and they had to choose between food and paitings, they would choose the food.

My point is an ethical one. Ethics are rules based on the greater good for the greater number over the longest period of time.

By people expending those huge sums on paitings which are, ultimately, of little value (you can't eat them, you can't drink them, they don't bestow life or safety, etc.

Well, I'm sorry you find painting very difficult. My daughter wes paiting like a fine artist in grade 5 already. My sister was asked to audition for the Royal ballet at 14. I was published by 10. It just comes naturally.