The "parable of the broken window" is a phrase often used in economics to demonstrate the fallacy of the broken window theory. The theory suggests that destruction can be beneficial to the economy as it generates work to repair the damage caused. However, the parable of the broken window shows that while the glassmaker benefits from repairing the broken window, resources used in the repair could have been used for other purposes. Synonyms for the term include the "broken window fallacy," "glazier's fallacy," and "paradox of thrift," which all describe the same economic error of assuming that destruction can be beneficial. Understanding these terms would help in making informed decisions about government spending on reconstruction projects following disasters.