Disclaimer: The following opinions are those of the author and may not align with everyone's views. For deeper understanding, please refer to the provided links.

I proudly identify as a capitalist, yet I often find myself labeled as a socialist. This contradiction raises an important question: why?

My belief is that the current approach to capitalism in America is not the sole or best way to engage with this economic system. It seems we are operating on autopilot, relying on a metaphorical "robot Uber Jesus" to guide us instead of actively steering our own course.

Capitalism is fundamentally a tool—an extraordinary one at that. However, like any tool, it does not dictate its own use; it can suggest a purpose but ultimately requires human direction. For instance, while shovels are typically employed for digging, without guidance, individuals may misuse them in less productive ways. Right now, it feels as if we are misusing capitalism.

At its core, capitalism serves as a framework for social interaction, allowing individuals the freedom to discover their skills and pursue activities that ensure their survival. Ideally, no one should be coerced into actions they do not desire, allowing for exploration and the creation of value that can be exchanged for mutual benefit.

For capitalism to function effectively, certain conditions must be met. Participants need access to accurate information about transactions, and there should be no bias against buyers or sellers. Equal opportunities to enter and exit markets, along with impartial enforcement of contracts, are also crucial. Unfortunately, many of these principles are often overlooked in our current capitalist systems.

It's essential to recognize that capitalism will never be flawless, as humans are inherently imperfect. My aim is not to abolish capitalism but to advocate for its evolution. A stagnant set of rules cannot sustain itself.

Many individuals, especially those at the top of the socio-economic ladder, mistakenly believe that the current system is beyond reproach. This mindset tends to discourage any attempts at reform, as they view any change as a threat to their position. However, ignoring the struggles of those lower in the social hierarchy can lead to conflict.

Even the wealthiest among us should consider that a society's stability relies on equitable treatment of all its members. Holding onto wealth and privilege indefinitely becomes irrelevant once certain thresholds are met.

Interestingly, even in self-serving pursuits, humans often end up aiding one another—a fascinating trick of evolution.

There is a limit to how much personal gratification one can achieve through indulgent activities like eating or buying luxury items. Eventually, one may realize that their lifestyle does not align with their true desires, leading to a sense of emptiness.

Now, who am I to make these claims? You might dismiss me as just another misguided individual with ulterior motives. But perhaps we should instead heed the wisdom of capitalism's founding father, Adam Smith.

Smith was an exceptional thinker, comparable to the likes of Aristotle and Newton. He authored the foundational text on capitalism, but many overlook the fact that he wrote another important work prior to that.

In his time, the term "economist" did not exist, and Smith primarily taught moral philosophy at the University of Glasgow. Yes, this man, who is often associated with the notion that "greed is good," was fundamentally concerned with ethical behavior and societal well-being.

His concept of the "invisible hand" extends beyond economics; it forms a foundational part of his ethical framework that promotes social order. Like many Enlightenment thinkers, Smith recognized that human progress hinges on social stability. Disruptions to this stability, even with good intentions, pose significant risks.

While many wealthy individuals chant "Greed is good!"—a mantra that has become almost religious in American culture—it misrepresents Smith's true philosophy. While self-interest is an inherent aspect of human behavior, greed—characterized by excessive desire for wealth—is detrimental.

Greed is classified as a vice, as it leads to overconsumption and ultimately harms individuals. This nuance is often lost in the popular discourse surrounding capitalism. While capitalism can harness human greed for productive outcomes, this idea represents only a fraction of Smith's broader ethical framework.

To fully appreciate Smith's insights, let's delve into one of his notable concepts: the division of labor. He illustrates this through the example of pin-making, highlighting how specialization enhances productivity.

Smith noted that when labor is divided into specialized tasks, efficiency skyrockets. For instance, a group of ten individuals, each performing specific roles in pin production, can collectively create far more pins than if they attempted to make them independently.

The freedom to choose one's occupation fosters specialization and enhances productivity, allowing individuals to pursue their strengths while collaborating with others. This cooperation leads to collective efficiency.

In essence, capitalism thrives on individuals pursuing their interests, which can inadvertently benefit society at large. Smith argued that attempts to legislate how people should allocate their resources often lead to inefficiencies, as individuals are best positioned to make decisions based on their unique circumstances.

He also cautioned against imposing rigid structures on society, as each individual possesses their own motives and desires. Attempting to control these forces can result in failure, as it overlooks the complexity of human nature.

This understanding is crucial as we navigate the complexities of modern capitalism. The very foundation of our economic system depends on recognizing and respecting individual rights, which ultimately contribute to a stable society.

While some may interpret capitalism as solely focused on individualism, Smith emphasized the importance of mutual care and community. He posited that true fulfillment arises from caring for others, fostering a sense of harmony within society.

He argued that human beings possess an innate tendency to care for one another, finding joy in the happiness of others. This sense of community is integral to our shared existence.

Moreover, Smith highlighted the perils of income inequality, asserting that a flourishing society cannot exist if a significant portion of its population suffers from poverty. He believed that those who contribute to society through their labor deserve a fair share of its rewards.

As we navigate the challenges of capitalism today, we must strive to create systems that uplift all individuals, rather than perpetuating cycles of inequality.

Ultimately, the stability of society hinges on recognizing our interconnectedness. We cannot ignore the plight of others without endangering our own well-being.

In conclusion, as we reflect on capitalism's evolution, let's consider how we can enhance it consciously. We have a responsibility to explore how our economic systems can better serve all members of society.

We can achieve a more conscious capitalism that prioritizes human well-being over mere profit. Let's work together to ensure that our economic structures reflect our shared values and aspirations. The future of capitalism depends on our ability to adapt and innovate while maintaining a focus on the greater good.

Thank you for engaging with these ideas. Your thoughts and actions can contribute to a more equitable and fulfilling economic future for all.