Turn Weakness into Strength

01Feb10

In these tumultuous times it is often en vogue to blame the supposedly fickle forces of free markets and capitalism. Sadly, papers are sold on cheap scapegoats and false blame.

Our own president sets the national tone as he points his fingers far more often than he offers real solutions, and as a nation, we find easy comfort in faulting Systems versus Individuals.

Many theories on economics exist, some of them tried, many failed, but few have brought forth real growth. Too often, failed theories don’t account for human fallibility, relying instead on high ideals, which are ideals that humans inevitably fail to attain. It is always a matter of time.

People are greedy, and they are selfish. The disadvantaged are often leveraged to the advantage of others. These are facets of the human condition, and as a society, it does no good to pretend that depravity simply does not exist.

Capitalism, in its pure form, does not deny the failings of humanity, but does not expect high ideals. No matter how distasteful it may seem, avarice can be harnessed for the overall good. Selfishness can build strong economies.

A simple example: the unscrupulous baker provides an inferior product, but is in competition with other bakers too. The public will inevitably eschew the inferior for the superior, or perhaps they will trade quality for cost. Whatever the choices – the selfish choices – each consumer may make, they will help balance and refine the overall economy.

Greed becomes determination, cheapness – discerning character, and hard work is rewarded.

The usual complaint about capitalism is its perceived "unfairness." Some people are richer than others. Some people don’t work as hard, others very hard for less gain. But this only mirrors life. Should we cripple the natural athlete? Scar the natural beauty? Bankrupt the "lucky" business-person? Or shall we simply accept that life is unfair, and though some are blessed with a slight head-start, all are still able to run in the race of this life?

Even the weak become strong with determination and training.

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Tags: capitalism, commerce, fair, socialism, weak