Reflection
Democracy and the invisible hand
Human Flourishing Communication Politics Writing
Can we really expect democracy to work when so many people are “not even trying”? What “system” is able to protect us from the ruthless and selfish elements? What “system” can work when such a large fraction of the elements are simply in it for their own gain?
The idea that the “system” can work in spite of these obstacles strikes me as an extremely naive form of the doctrine of the invisible hand. Capitalism will take greed and convert it into prosperity? Democracy will take selfish ambition and pursuit of power at the expense of truth and without regard to the good of others and create … a just society? A great country?