The term has its origins in the sharing of grazing land in a given community, called "the commons", in Britain. An individual farmer could increase his or her profits by using more of the commons than others. The other farmers would then follow suite, leading to the overexploitation and destruction of that land.
In its modern usage, the phrase is used as a metaphor to the above, referring to the exploitation of a common resource. In game theory it is used as an example of how, in a given situation, every individual can choose to do what is best for their own interests and still produce the worst sum result for the whole. See also: prisoner's dilemna.
The most common and effective way to negotiate this problem is private ownership. Another way is heavy regulation and the imposition of sanctions on violators.
In its modern usage, the phrase is used as a metaphor to the above, referring to the exploitation of a common resource. In game theory it is used as an example of how, in a given situation, every individual can choose to do what is best for their own interests and still produce the worst sum result for the whole. See also: prisoner's dilemna.
The most common and effective way to negotiate this problem is private ownership. Another way is heavy regulation and the imposition of sanctions on violators.
by terribly trite March 4, 2004
Get the tragedy of the commons mug.Like being wasted drunk, Tramaged is used to describe the state experienced whilst consuming multiple Tramadol and being very high!
by Phaman December 7, 2011
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Noun, usually a person. A person who shares news articles on social media about car accidents, drownings, house fires, weather- and other natural-disasters for the purpose of looking like you care about the victims. Also seen as an opportunity to offer thoughts and prayers in place of real support or help for the victims.
My friend posts daily articles about car accidents and house fires in her town, but she hasn't donated jack to help the victims. She's a total tragedy porn aficionado.
If I have to read another Facebook post from a tragedy porn aficionado offering thoughts and prayers instead of actual help for the victims, I'm going to scream.
If I have to read another Facebook post from a tragedy porn aficionado offering thoughts and prayers instead of actual help for the victims, I'm going to scream.
by Notasue September 19, 2017
Get the tragedy porn aficionado mug.When a finite resource is exploited by one and all, with the rationale that if I don't exploit it my brother will. The end result is the exhaustion of that resource. i.e. hoarding.
The massacre of the buffalo in America by early settlers for sheer sport, was a completely unneccessary tragedy of the commons.
by Tony Pease August 28, 2003
Get the tragedy of the commons mug.A producer of content that focuses on and targets tragedies such as murders, suicides, stillborn death, robberies, riots, shootings, fires, and etc. that have befallen certain people or celebrities for the intent of gaining clout, sympathy or profit. These types of people tend to congregate on YouTube, Twitter and other social media platforms.
"That true crime woman only seems to create content to elicit sympathy donations from people. She's a tragedy pimp."
by anonymous August 15, 2021
Get the Tragedy Pimp mug.by P1L2K3 March 31, 2010
Get the Tragedy Boner mug.Me: Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis The Wise?
My friends: STOP IT!
Me: Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis The Wise? I thought not. It's not a story the Jedi would tell you. It's a Sith legend. Darth Plagueis was a Dark Lord of the Sith, so powerful and so wise he could use the Force to influence the midichlorians to create life… He had such a knowledge of the dark side that he could even keep the ones he cared about from dying. The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural. He became so powerful… the only thing he was afraid of was losing his power, which eventually, of course, he did. Unfortunately, he taught his apprentice everything he knew, then his apprentice killed him in his sleep. Ironic. He could save others from death, but not himself.
My friends: STOP IT!
Me: Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis The Wise? I thought not. It's not a story the Jedi would tell you. It's a Sith legend. Darth Plagueis was a Dark Lord of the Sith, so powerful and so wise he could use the Force to influence the midichlorians to create life… He had such a knowledge of the dark side that he could even keep the ones he cared about from dying. The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural. He became so powerful… the only thing he was afraid of was losing his power, which eventually, of course, he did. Unfortunately, he taught his apprentice everything he knew, then his apprentice killed him in his sleep. Ironic. He could save others from death, but not himself.
by Spaz” January 27, 2021
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