ONE MORE TIME

In an effort to make a point, I find I often repeat myself.  I don't know if it's because of uncertainty of whether I made my point or that it is worth repeating.   I believe that capitalism is the most ingenious concept for developing a society in which everyone benefits from the efforts of others toward the goal of survival.

Not all of us would be great hunters, farmers or craftsmen.  Not all of us are strong enough to survive the onslaught of a more physically strong enemy competitor.  Capitalism replaces physical supremacy with intellectual strength as the chief factor in "winning".  At the same time, the intellectual needs the physical to succeed.  Everyone gets something, sometimes fairly and other times not.  The reality is that no one gets anything without the other.  More people share the success than under any other social concept.

Anyone who understands human behavior knows that self interest is a powerful motivator.  He should also know that mans' ego suffers when he is not able to provide for himself and his family and that accepting charity diminishes his sense of self worth.  At the same time, those who are greatly successful are willing, sometimes anxious, to help those in need.  The conflict arises when those who could provide for themselves insist that those who are able be forced to provide for them.  There is sympathy for the truly helpless but not for free-loaders.

The "outstretched hand" syndrome does not stop with individuals but extends to States as well.  Because of political considerations, Congressional representatives "beg" for money for their states for things which are not really necessary in exchange for favorable consideration for similar requests from other states.  States apparently have no pride.

It's natural for the strong to defeat the weak but under capitalism, the strong need the weak.  A vigorous capitalism is better for everyone than the strong destroying the weak.