By: Gary D. Barnett
[Note: This is a short venture into philosophy, and a needed break from the psychotic and maniacal madness that consumes this country and the news cycles daily. A little truth and clarification about important matters, whether economic, logic, moral, or just a refutation of lies, is necessary in times such as these, and hopefully useful to those who are willing to learn and unafraid of the truth.]
“Economic power is exercised by means of a positive, by offering men a reward, an incentive, a payment, a value; political power is exercised by means of a negative, by the threat of punishment, injury, imprisonment, destruction. The businessman’s tool is values; the bureaucrat’s tool is fear.”
~ Ayn Rand
Let us begin with a proper meaning of the word “Capitalism,” which is a bastardization of the word Capital, by examining the root meaning of Capital using logical etymology from Latin and Greek. The term “Capitalism” came into favor hundreds of years later. For this, I will refer to Richard M. Salsman, PhD, who properly describes the original meaning and time line. Dr. Salsman is assistant professor in the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Program at Duke University and president of InterMarket Forecasting, Inc.
“The terms “capital,” “capitalist,” and “capitalistic” were used for centuries before the term “capitalism” was coined. The term “capital” derives from “caput,” which is Latin for “head.” The most-recognized form of wealth in early recorded history was cattle, and the extent of a man’s wealth was commonly measured by the total head of cattle that he owned. Closely related is the adjective “pecuniary,” which indicates a relationship to wealth; it derives from pecu, Latin for “cattle.” In time, the concept of capital was used to signify wealth more generally. The related concept of “chattel,” meaning personal property other than land, also developed from this broader use of “capital.”
As also noted by Salsman, the term “Capitalism” was first used in 1850 by Louis Blanc, who was associated with a few French intellectuals known as the “utopian socialists.” This makes a lot of sense, considering the veil of negativism concerning the term today. This misunderstanding is certainly not uncommon in this day and age, as the English language has been grossly corrupted over time, and many word meanings have been altered to suit multiple agendas, without consideration of accuracy.
When speaking of “Capitalism” in this context, I am referring to the proper and original definition, not the incorrect modern assumptions. “Capitalism” therefore, is simply the pursuit of wealth and property in a completely free market, in order to survive and prosper. And yes, greed plays a part in this, as that is the natural inclination of man, and assists in the drive to succeed. I do not consider this to be a negative, unless intentional harm is sought. As Murray Rothbard put it, “Capitalism is the fullest expression of anarchism and anarchism is the fullest expression of capitalism.” Anarchism is simply the idea of life without rule or rulers, as no man has any right to rule over any other.
As I see it, “Capitalism” is constantly blamed for all the ills of society, but this non-thinking exposes the ignorance of the proletariat class, and the corrupt and criminal nature of the ruling political/corporate class. One can never legitimately claim that the pursuit of capital by honest means, “Capitalism,” to be the cause of economic disparity and the downfall of the masses. It is not.
First and foremost, “Capitalism” is simply the idea of seeking wealth in order to prosper, it is not a system of corruption, theft, and abuse of the working class. The reason this is so, is that “Capitalism” requires free markets and the right to hold and own property; these goals the pure essence of freedom. Real “Capitalism” can only exist in a free society, and that has never fully occurred in the history of this country; certainly not since the ratification of the centralized power monopoly that began in earnest with the fraudulent ratification of the liberty-destructing U.S. Constitution.
A little clarification may be in order here, so that those socialist-indoctrinated among us can step back, calm down, and view things through the lens of truth, instead of promoting what they have been conditioned to believe. There is no real “Capitalism” in the U.S today. This country could be described as socialist and communist, but in fact, the best description would be that the U.S. is consumed by fascism. Billionaires, and soon to be trillionaires, are not a natural occurrence in any free and competitive society, they are a product of fascism, and in complete collusion and partnership with the government, banking, military, and what are referred to as ‘intelligence’ services. This is not organic, it is conspiracy, and the techniques and tools used to bring about gross disparity between the classes.
Real “Capitalism” can only exist in a competitive, free market, private property environment, and can never exist in any state-controlled, fascist, democratic oligarchy. In realty, when rule by government, any government, are the political structure in place, real “Capitalism” is not possible; for private property, fair competition at every level, and freedom without restriction, are necessary in order for unfettered liberty to flourish.
It should be noted that I fully understand that this country, meaning all political parties, and most all the citizenry, are one and the same concerning their ‘thought’ about governance. The apparent division (usually red vs blue) was intentionally constructed through dumbing down, long-term indoctrination, and universal propaganda. That is why labeling and blaming one or the other is a fools game, and a way of separating the crowd into enemy camps. This tactic simply keeps most all at each other’s throats, while the State continues its drive toward universal power and control; all helped along by the doltish arguing herd. This is why the very rich get richer, while the rest wallow in poverty.
The downfall of man is not the fault of real “Capitalism,” and it has never been. Paraphrasing Ayn Rand; A creative man is motivated toward success and a desire to achieve, and not motivated by any desire to beat down others. This means that any motivation to rule over and harm others is a product of governance by force, not “Capitalism.” When government through rule is involved, when collusion to advance power is sought, no freedom can exist, and therefore, real “Capitalism” is not possible. If none sought to gain capital, to gain property for subsistence, and pursue progress and survival, which is real “Capitalism,” all would fail. That is why communism, socialism, and fascism only exist in a ruled (governed) state.
The term “Capitalism” came about mainly by socialists and anti-capitalists in the 19th century, who chose to vilify saving, working for profit, and seeking to gain private property. This mindset is based on bringing all to the lowest possible position; this a manner of promoting sameness, but sameness in poverty. Obviously, this thinking is based on destroying individuality, self-reliance, intellect, and any drive toward exceptional performance. Once this environment is achieved, control by the few becomes easy and apparent. It then becomes obvious why the real and honest pursuit of capital is wrongfully slandered and disparaged.
“Capitalism is the only social system that protects individual rights, frees man’s mind, and enables him to produce, trade, and prosper.”
Dr. Richard M. Salsman
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