Powerful Individuals Without Armies; Maybe We Are Seeing One

One of the most interesting books I have ever read was about six economists in history who, in certain ways, changed the world. In the intro chapter the author pointed out the power of the ideas. None of the economists in the book held political office nor fielded armies. They simple pitched simple ideas that cut through the chaos of the time and moved events in a better direction. I'll mention a couple of the famous ones.

Adam Smith published The Wealth of Nations in 1776. While there were and remain evidence he was serving the interests of the wealthy, both then and now, he pointed out the problem with the prevailing religious of that time. The prevailing philosophical thought was that wealth was bestowed on individuals and groups by God. We should thank God for good crops and good prices for some goods. Religious leaders would guide political leaders. Smith went to an economic system. He gave an example of a man who made cut wires that then shaped into nails. The man had a house and family. All this came from the house builder who needed to buy nails, the wire producer who chose to make wire and the guy who decided to make nails. Thousands of people making decisions in their own best interests raised everyone's standard of living, Smith wrote. Markets, not God, helped the little guy was a controversial idea that lives on.

About 75 years later, when the rich prospered from Smith's markets to harm the guy who made nails, another idea was needed. That was when Karl Marx published the Communist Manifesto. He pointed out that capitalism destroys itself by the greed of its rich, each taking more from each other and from the guy who makes nails. While Marx is commonly regarded as anti-capitalism, a common view is that he saved capitalism with his warning that government is needed to stop it from destroying itself.

I recently criticized Pope Leo for his remarks condemning abortion. But a New York Times article pointed out his skill is carefully bringing up broad ideas, moral principles, the no one else seems to be able put into play. Trump seems to know it is wrong to have U.S. soldiers killed in countries he wants to own. But sending drone in to bomb the locals is OK. The Pope skips the usual criticism of Trump the bully and the dictator and just says these invasions are not moral. 

Maybe this simple idea in one that will ultimately carry the day.