At least a part of human history can be regarded as a competition between different systems based on different philosophies and sets of values. The competition between the "free" and "market economy" countries and the "communist" or "socialist" ones leading to and during the cold war era and beyond was one typical example.
For some periods, it can appear that the tightly regulated systems have an edge. In the years around the Great Depression, for example, it seemed that the "free world" was in shambles, and the socialist system, i.e. the Soviet Union at that time, had an edge. But trends at one period can be deceiving. We all know what actually happened after that.
In today's world, a new type of competition is emerging. At one end, we have a more or less free system where different ideas and opinions compete in the economical and political context. At the other end, we have a social system where things are tightly controlled, without a democratic election, and limited access to the internet.
At one period, it may appear that the controlled system is economically thriving. People might succumb to the allurements of control at one time, as it is certainly easier for the politicians (those in the power, that is), and superficially benevolent for the "stability" of society. In the long run, however, it is my bet that the free system would gradually outgrow the controlled system. And I have no intention of approving or even advocating the control approach.
3 comments:
American people believe in America. America has basically proven to their people as well as people elsewhere that their system, built on freedom and money, while by no means perfect, basically "works". Meanwhile, not everyone in China believes in China. China is yet to prove to their people that their system, built on restricted freedom and money, "works". Fear towards the enormous risk of voluntarily donating freedom to all of the 1.3 bil people is understandable. In today's world however, it is unrealistic to consider that the freedom of 1.3 bil people can continue to be restricted, and when money no longer becomes the source of attraction, freedom is likely to be eventually sought and won one way or the other in their own unique way, perhaps in a way similar to the turn of events in 1990. Meanwhile, there are few who continue to believe in Japan. Japan has proven that their system, which was built on necessitated teamwork and moral restriction of individual freedom, used to work in a particular (ie post-war cold war) environment. Many now believe it no longer works. However, not many in Japan seem willing to exercise enough of their own freedom required to break through the multiple layers of structural and moral status quos established over the years, perhaps trapped in a stockholm-like syndrome. The critical side-effect is that people are beginning to forget that there are also so many things to be proud about Japan. In order to establish a balanced perspective to move forward however, one would need to begin interacting with the outside world more, which therefore is by no means a challenge unique to China in my view.
SK
If I remember right, you are in faovor of basic income. I believe basic income is socialistic. How do you explain when you say controlled system is inferior?
yasue yoshizawa
Dear:Mr.Mogi
I don't remember since when, I have been and selected in free environment. When I was young, I did't know how to walk smooth. But I just got use to how to walk in my particular way. I want to find something happiness with people. I would love to be flexible and free for it.
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