The Staples Thesis is a Canadian contribution to economic history, largely developed by Harold Innis. It discusses the way in which the economic development of nations, in particular Canada itself, both has been and continues to be based on one or a few (regional) raw material resources. These are the nation's staples, or commodities, which are exported in raw form (or as the economy progresses, in semi-processed form) to other countries. Historically in Canada, these have been cod fishing, the fur trade, wheat and lumber. While the staples do allow for initial economic growth, over-dependence on one or a few sectors ultimately leads to vulnerability. To ensure sustained progress, a nation must be able to diversify economically. Over-reliance is not sustainable, and will eventually lead to decline.

I believe that a Staples Thesis can be applied to our Lives in general. Often, we limit our concentration to one or a few sectors of our lives: relationships, education, careers. Initially, these things will likely bring us growth, joy, success. Yet by focusing almost exclusively on any one of these areas, other aspects of our lives will be comparatively ignored. We as humans must learn to diversify within and among the various areas of our lives. For just as one resource may become exhausted or decrease in demand, so may our relationships, our education, or our careers eventually come to an end. In this event, it is a balanced and varied lifestyle which will lead to our sustained growth and prevent future vulnerability.

Sincerely, Abigail Quinnley