James d. Gwartney

Video:
The Economics of Cast Away
Investment and improvements in technology do not just happen. They reflect the
actions of entrepreneurs, people who take risks in the hope of profit. No one knows what the
next innovative breakthrough will be or just which production techniques will reduce costs.
Furthermore, entrepreneurs are often found in unexpected places. Thus, economic progress

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depends on a system that allows a very diverse set of people to test their ideas to see if they are
profitable and, simultaneously, discourages them from squandering resources on unproductive
projects.
Video:
The Puzzle of Economic Growth
For this progress to occur, markets must be open so that individuals are free to try their
innovative ideas. An entrepreneur with a new product or technology needs to win the support
of only enough investors to finance the project. But, competition
(?)
must be possible to hold
entrepreneurs and their investors accountable for the efficient allocation of their resources:
Their ideas must face the “reality check” of consumers who will decide whether or not to
purchase a product or service at a price above the production cost. In this environment,
consumers are the ultimate judge and jury. If they do not value an innovative product or
service enough to cover its cost, it will not survive in the marketplace. The proper role of
government is to ensure that new and better products have a chance to compete, not to decide
which products should be favored.

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The Usefulness of the “Invisible Hand”
Every individual is continually exerting himself to find out the most
advantageous employment for whatever capital he can command. It is his own
advantage, indeed, and not that of the society which he has in view. But the
study of his own advantage naturally, or rather necessarily, leads him to prefer
that employment which is most advantageous to society. He intends only his
own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to
promote an end which was not part of his intention.
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