The word coined by (I think) Adam Smith to describe our politico/economic 'system' - capitalism - is, I also think, inadequate. It has been much maligned and misused by the enemies of 'capitalism' as if it were a 'system' created by man, in the manner of Socialism, and was therefore capable of being confounded by argument, as any idea might be. 'Capitalism' is not an -ism, and it is not a system, and it is definitely not anybody's idea. It is just a vast ant hill of individuals making it happen between them, in peace.
I have tried to find a word or phrase to describe this wonderful accidental arrangement more accurately than the single word 'capitalism'. Here follows my most recent iteration:
"Anglo Saxon Libertarian Democratic Judeo Christian free market capitalism all operating under English Common Law with thrift, responsibility and compassion"
That's as good as I can get at the moment, but it is a work in progress.
5 comments:
You can delete this lot "Anglo Saxon Libertarian Democratic Judeo Christian" for a start.
People started specialising thousands of years before that, and what's the point of specialising if you can't barter? And what's barter if not trade, i.e. free trade etc.
MW - Fair enough on early specialisation - but I was trying to find a description for our brand of capitalism.
It doesn't actually need a brand, it's just something that people do, like 'breathing' or 'forming relationships' or 'dying'.
Free exchange of time.
All right all right both of you -it was just an attempt....
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