Final answer:
Self-sufficiency is not necessarily the best way to increase material welfare. Interdependence and trade can lead to increased access to resources, innovation, and economic growth. It can improve material welfare by providing more choices and lower prices for consumers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Self-sufficiency is not necessarily the best way to increase one's material welfare. While it is important to have some level of self-reliance, relying solely on oneself for all material needs can be limiting and inefficient. Interdependence and trade with other individuals and countries can lead to increased access to resources, innovation, and economic growth.
For example, when a country specializes in producing goods or services that it has a comparative advantage in and trades them with other countries, it can benefit from economies of scale and access a wider range of products and resources. This can improve material welfare by providing more choices and lower prices for consumers.
Additionally, trade can promote economic growth and development by creating job opportunities, attracting foreign investment, and facilitating the transfer of technology and knowledge. It can also foster international cooperation and peaceful relations among nations, which can have broader social and political benefits.