Our problem as a species is that we remain tribal in our accepting associations. There has been progress toward embracing universal principles of what constitutes just relations between individuals and within societal (i.e., tribal) groups. Dominant tribal groups have, as they have grown in population, settled and claimed sovereignty over some portion of the planet, accepted "others" into the tribe, conditioned upon the adoption by new arrivals of the political, economic and social norms of the dominant tribal group.
Early tribal societies exhibited a high level of equality of opportunity based on strong kinship relations and other social norms that stressed cooperation over competition. This circumstance was gradually eroded and hierarchical leadership became the norm. Warrior-protectors evolved into oppressive aristocracies. Knowledge bearers evolved into a privileged priestcraft. The outcome was an increasing redistribution of wealth (i.e., what was produced) from its producers to a nonproducing elite. As time went on control over land and natural resources fell out of the commons and into the hands of those who acquired the ability to exert power over the majority. They formed the earlier rentier elite that has continued to dominate every "developed" society around the world.
Ken, I listened and posted the following:
Two of the great minds of the 18th century -- A.R. Turgot and Adam Smith -- were among the few willing to challenge the status quo. The full breadth of their insights have been ignored, as defenders of existing privilege and those who desire to replace all relationships with either anarchy or totalitarianism, pick and choose from these and other philosophers of the just society whatever they find supports their views. Thomas Paine saw through much of this distortive noise when he penned his great works. Henry George came along at the end of the 19th century to provide a synthesis of the great ideas. Millions in many countries were drawn to Henry George's message. Yet, the movement he started was thwarted and quickly lost momentum. Truth was revealed but could never find sufficient acceptance to change the course of history.
Wonderful comment for which I thank you again, Ed; crystal-clear and informative. It's clear that Adam Smith's work has been abused by the so-called laissez-faire economic libertarians. They seem oblivious that Smith provided for a system of social relief for the inevitable victims of competition and capitalism. I need a new book like a hole in the head -- there's a stack of at least 20 by my bed-stand -- but you make me curious to go back to Anne Robert Jacques Turgot, Baron de l'Aulne (10 May 1727 – 18 March 1781). Do you have any work in particular that you recommend?
Looks like an intriguing debate. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
Ken, here is the page on my website that has a selection of Turgot's writings:
https://www.cooperative-individualism.org/authors_t.htm
Scroll down until you find Turgot's listing. The last item is his paper on the distribution of wealth.
Our problem as a species is that we remain tribal in our accepting associations. There has been progress toward embracing universal principles of what constitutes just relations between individuals and within societal (i.e., tribal) groups. Dominant tribal groups have, as they have grown in population, settled and claimed sovereignty over some portion of the planet, accepted "others" into the tribe, conditioned upon the adoption by new arrivals of the political, economic and social norms of the dominant tribal group.
Early tribal societies exhibited a high level of equality of opportunity based on strong kinship relations and other social norms that stressed cooperation over competition. This circumstance was gradually eroded and hierarchical leadership became the norm. Warrior-protectors evolved into oppressive aristocracies. Knowledge bearers evolved into a privileged priestcraft. The outcome was an increasing redistribution of wealth (i.e., what was produced) from its producers to a nonproducing elite. As time went on control over land and natural resources fell out of the commons and into the hands of those who acquired the ability to exert power over the majority. They formed the earlier rentier elite that has continued to dominate every "developed" society around the world.
Ken, I listened and posted the following:
Two of the great minds of the 18th century -- A.R. Turgot and Adam Smith -- were among the few willing to challenge the status quo. The full breadth of their insights have been ignored, as defenders of existing privilege and those who desire to replace all relationships with either anarchy or totalitarianism, pick and choose from these and other philosophers of the just society whatever they find supports their views. Thomas Paine saw through much of this distortive noise when he penned his great works. Henry George came along at the end of the 19th century to provide a synthesis of the great ideas. Millions in many countries were drawn to Henry George's message. Yet, the movement he started was thwarted and quickly lost momentum. Truth was revealed but could never find sufficient acceptance to change the course of history.
Wonderful comment for which I thank you again, Ed; crystal-clear and informative. It's clear that Adam Smith's work has been abused by the so-called laissez-faire economic libertarians. They seem oblivious that Smith provided for a system of social relief for the inevitable victims of competition and capitalism. I need a new book like a hole in the head -- there's a stack of at least 20 by my bed-stand -- but you make me curious to go back to Anne Robert Jacques Turgot, Baron de l'Aulne (10 May 1727 – 18 March 1781). Do you have any work in particular that you recommend?