"The Accursed Share: An Essay on General Economy" is a philosophical work by Georges Bataille that explores the concept of excess in economic systems. Bataille argues that societies must deal with surplus energy and resources, which he refers to as the "accursed share." This surplus can lead to wasteful consumption or be redirected towards creative and transformative activities. Bataille's essay examines how different cultures manage this excess, contrasting the utilitarian approach of traditional economics with a more expansive view that embraces the irrational and the extravagant. He suggests that acknowledging and embracing this surplus can lead to a deeper understanding of human existence and societal dynamics.