June 11,
2025
Liberalism and Collectivism
All forms of
economic collectivism have historically failed — from Plato’s Republic to the
medieval pauperistic heresies to last century’s communism — because they are
based, as Marx put it, on the idea that once freed from the chains of
selfishness, man gives according to his ability and receives according to his
needs.
This is NOT the case. By nature, man looks after his own interests.
But even the capitalism of Marx’s time has
disappeared, replaced by the welfare state, which manages more than 40% of GDP
and imposes a multitude of regulations (perhaps too many).
We may have a greater inclination toward collective intervention or toward
entrepreneurial freedom, but denying either of the two is out of touch with
reality.