Is Capitalism a Selfish Economic System?
Parrish Miller
parrishmiller.com
February 2, 2007

There are those who declare that capitalism is a selfish form of economics. Even among those who endorse it, capitalism is often maligned as requiring covetousness in order to operate. Nothing could be further from the truth. Here is where the confusion comes from. Capitalism can work with any mindset. Why? Because it is a perfect system. It is based on reality. No other economic system is based on reality. All other economic systems are all based on a distortion of truth. Capitalism says you keep what you earn, or, to put in biblical terms, "you reap what you sow." (That is, "you harvest what you plant," for those in Rio Lindo.) If you earn it, you can spend it, or save it, or give it away, if you are so inclined. The point is, it is your choice!

Socialism, on the other hand, has a completely opposite view. You do not earn, you work. You do not keep, you are given. Socialism obliterates any connection between production and consumption. It is astounding to me that this system is looked to as having "high ideals." "It may not work," some say, "but it would be nice if it did." "It is an idealistic system," lament some, "if only people were not so selfish, it would work." What utter crap! Sometimes I find myself laughing as capitalists talk so fondly of socialism as an unselfish alternative – if only it worked! I once had a Christian tell me that there will be Socialism in Heaven. I suppose, if you believe that heaven means floating around on a cloud while plinking away on a harp, that could make sense, but in my view of heaven, we do more for eternity than just sit around doing nothing. I believe we will build houses, grow food, and do things with our time. Who needs eternity to do nothing? I sincerely doubt, however, that we would bother to build or create anything, if we were not allowed to keep it. In other words, if eternity were to be governed by socialism, we would have no reason to do anything! Attempting to paint Socialism as the "Christian" form of economics is just a cheap ploy to attack capitalism.

I have been told that the "excessive" spending of many Americans is evidence that capitalism encourages selfishness. I see it differently. Capitalism allows selfishness, but it does not encourage it. Of course there are those who, through a lack of self control, drive themselves into bankruptcy and financial ruin, but they are the exception rather than the rule. For those who earn a decent wage, however, there is no reason why they should be frowned upon for owning and using nice things. To attempt to draw a line and say that a certain amount of goods is "right" to have, but that having more is evidence of selfishness or covetousness is to use a socialistic method of reasoning. If I buy a new SUV or a big screen TV, it does not mean that I am covetous. It means that I am living the American Dream. I do not have to live in a tiny apartment and drive an old Kia Rio in order to be an unselfish individual. Any money I earn, I have a right to spend. Conversely, if I run out of money, I have no right to expect help or assistance from anyone else. That is not to say that there are not, on occasion, people who can benefit from some temporary charity, but, overall, people have a right to earn and spend as they see fit.

Capitalism is a perfect system when it is allowed to work unhampered and unregulated. Any deficiencies in the system are the result of unnecessary meddling by the Government. Improving one's quality of life is more than enough motivation to keep the system functioning continuously. Selfishness and covetousness are not necessary to keep capitalism functioning. Despite claims to the contrary, Socialism does require selfishness and covetousness to work. The idea that everyone should be exactly equal in every way is the ultimate expression of covetousness. Those who believe that Capitalism is a selfish system need to reexamine the issue. Socialism is the selfish system, not Capitalism. Socialism is based on covetousness and greed. Capitalism is based on simple logic, common sense, and the life-sustaining desire for self-improvement.


© 2007 by parrishmiller.com