I think of inflation like a game of musical chairs or hot potato. The economy goes round and round, everyone adding their piece to inflation process - wages, scarcity, profit-taking - and trying not to be the last one in line when it stops.
I think that is exactly why capitalism is dependent upon endless growth and inflation, just like my grade school teacher taught. The problem is that the Achilles heel is normalized up front so that no one questions it.
Growth is good! Greed is good! Everyone deserves to make a 'profit'...
But why is the price of gas and food so goddam high! Damn Biden.