Free Markets

The Brazilian government is not the legitimate owner of the forest area that it declares to be under its domain.

Mere work — that is, effort not guided by a rational plan and not aided by the employment of tools and intermediary products — brings about very little for the improvement of the worker's condition. Such work is not a specifically human device. It is what man has in common with all other animals.

Financial success in some broad or narrow market niche has no deeper philosophical significance; in itself, it is no further sign of excellence or virtue. Market success does not prove that the tastes catered to, the goods and services provided, or the providers themselves are admirable. 

In this wonderful debate, we find the whole of the theoretical apparatus of the anti-IP case presented with precision and eloquence.

Why all this fierce competition, all this innovation, all this frantic code work to create the perfect digital world?

It is simply impossible for one immersed in the political game to think normally. If we accept as normal the thought processes of those who make a living in the marketplace, then the tergiversations of the political mind must be considered abnormal or "crooked."

The analysis of the role an individual plays when he enlists in the state apparatus is not tantamount to a condemnation of his motives or character.

What is the opportunity cost of the government's spending? All those resources used for the shuttle program had to come from somewhere. It is impossible for a government to make the vital calculations of costs and benefits.

The NYT is angry because the courts did not stick it to another American business, writes William L. Anderson.