If warfare boosts GDP, doesn't this mean that GDP has no real value?

Question

Building a bomb and then using it to kill a hundred people boosts GDP as does buying a sandwich and then throwing it in the bin.

But, reading a book or telling a joke to friends doesn't boost GDP.

So whats the point in this statistic?

Answer 1

GDP is measured to inform government and central banks about the level on economic activity so they can make correct decision about economic and monetary policy. As you point out  it is not the best measure of the well being  of people if used without taking other things into consideration.

Answer 2

GDP is important, because you need to know how much your country generates overall, and the difference in what you make and what you have to buy in is crucial.

Yes warfare boost GDP, and by a large amount due to the cost of weapons, fuel, supplies etc. but that is just a side effect, it's not what your fighting the war for.

Buying your sandwich and throwing it away will not stop a threat to your country.

Reading a book does increase GDP, but again this a side effect. You don't buy a book thinking, "I'll boost the economy",but never the less, if you buy the book it does.(somebody had to buy the book)

Telling a joke or hearing a joke is seldom free.

In some cases you buy a joke book,

In some cases it was printed in a news paper,

Some went watching the comedian,

Some read the joke on the Internet,

etc. All these things cost money and boost GDP

This is not written with any emotion or anger but is only the facts as I see them.