Since the dawn of man, humans have tried to understand the world around them. At first, there was space. With time space was filled up with matter. The caveman, a special form of matter, learned via discovery that our beautiful planet, Earth, was fascinating. He also discovered that he himself was interesting too. As astonishing both Earth and his life were, the once caveman learned that there were dangerous situations he should avoid. He learned that he should protect himself from anything dangerous that was a threat to his safety. Along the way, the once caveman learned that he was capable of both so much good and so much bad. The effort of distinguishing between these two conflicting sides was certainly tricky, since the understanding of what is good and what is bad was the kind of undertaking which involved not only mental effort but so much more. He saw his own safety as a good thing, so he went as far as building tools carved from sharp stones to protect his life, that which he regarded his own. He did the same for everything else which he thought belonged to him. The problem was that man was living by his own, self created terms without any established rules, meanwhile undermining the value of others' well-being, prosperity, and safety. Some realized, eventually, that living without any rules was simply not good. Acting like savages, was a lot similar to living alike their animal "cousins" crawling the Earth, the animal kingdom's beasts. At some point, the once caveman realized that he had abilities greater than animal kingdom's beasts, that he can choose his life path not as a consequence of habitual conditioning. This once caveman realized that he was given the power of intellect, the desire for freedom of choice, and the ability to pursue an improved version of himself. He learned that he could dream of things not possible to other species. And so, the once caveman began to live the magic of how special he and his life truly were. He became so enamored with life, that he found ways to imprint his handprint over the stone walls he found, as he explored the meaning of life. He was special, very special, yet he was not God. Interesting enough, if the once caveman ever was convinced there was such a thing as a God, he'd go as far as looking for him beyond the stars. This once caveman loved discovery, as discovery led to the once unimaginable reality. And this holds to be true today.
One day, the once caveman learned he can make things from other things, cool tools like clocks which tell time and navigation devices which guide travel. Over time, the once caveman evolved into the now modern man in black suit, the man driving a machine called automobile, wearing his smartwatch while running on a treadmill, planning his week's agenda on his digital calendar while flying an airplane, etc., all thanks to a thing called technology. The ability to innovate enabled him to take an idea and convert it into a beneficial reality, one via which mankind continues to see how innovation can profit humanity in so many wonderful ways. Despite the fact that the modern man has come far from the once caveman, he continues to enjoy the profits derived from trade with others of his kind. As a result, of mutual interest and mutual benefit, he is able to do more than build favorable relationships in which everyone involved is, as should be, a winning constituent. In fact, the modern man has become so good at this, that he has been able to build means via which to travel through space and time to honor this pursuit. The once caveman, not only was capable of envisioning theories, ideas, a better future, but to establish rules, governing entities, and the systems via which these rules and governing entities thrive. The most important system of all became the one which tests and measures whether all systems created are fair and beneficial for society. Some rules became laws. Yet, even laws must be occasionally re-evaluated in order to test their validity and/or effectiveness for the purposes of creating justice in society by means of a legal system which promotes fairness. The laws came about as a result, in part, of the once caveman now modern man, not always being able to govern himself and others in a way which upholds: integrity, values, respect, and ethics in society. These four cornerstones form the foundation from which leaders of all organizations around our amazing globe should rule, included but not limited to: churches, schools, hospitals, businesses of all kinds regardless if for profit or non-profit, and the governments which we the people have elected. Cutting corners by avoiding personal responsibility meanwhile allowing exceptions which drift leaders from these cornerstones, becomes the threat to the very safeguarding of the pursuit of happiness, prosperity, and safety in society. Leaders who take part in the global free market are no exception. They, too, must follow the same guidelines. Sadly, not all who play, play nice. Unfortunately, when people don't play nice, they create weak systems of all kinds, including poor ideologies by which to govern not only themselves but everyone else which they rule. Let's take a look at different economic systems and see the importance of the aforementioned cornerstones. These four attributes form the foundation upon which the greatest of relationships are built.
Before I touch on different economic systems, let me first state that these systems are all concerned with a set of provisions, from the most basic forms of necessities of life to the more sophisticated types. And economic systems can evolve too, based on various influences. However, all systems in which the four cornerstones of integrity, values, respect, and ethics become eroded, could lead to not only unstable or poor economic systems but also collapsing ones which stir into motion a lot of potential suffering for humanity. Thus, the best of world's leaders are often concerned with upholding strong ethical values, out of integrity, yes, but also out of respect not only for others but for this truth which grounds them that human life is in essence of value. As a result, the best leaders in the world possess strong, high standards, and show consistency in exercising the principles of morality, by choosing to do not what is easy but what is right. Ultimately, the best leaders in our world want to turn life experience better for all, not just for themselves. This is a noble calling, the highest there is. At"the intersection of opportunity and responsibility," I love that, thank you Microsoft, "we must create a future that benefits everyone." (Microsoft, n.d.) If you were to define the best economic system on a blank piece of paper, how would you define it for yourself in a way in which you would promote integrity, values, respect, and ethics in society?
The first economic system, one which seems to allow a man lots of freedom but no prosperity or advancement, was described by Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward in one of my favorite books I've read, Financial Fitness, as the man living in isolation not truly partaking to the economy. This form of economy is primitive in nature and not very safe. It exposes one to multiple forms of threats in a modern society; thus, providing little to no security at all. Primitive economies often lead to a poor state of being known as "survival mode" which isn't congruent with progress. Primitive economic systems are also unstable, for life demands more than that which "mother Earth" will organically offer on her own. And while in isolated environment one can hold onto his or her integrity, values, respect, and ethics, this form of economy can easily collapse due to its instability. With isolation comes other complications for mankind, things such as mental health issues since isolation isn't good for the human mind. Another dilemma is that while one may be able to rule himself or herself, the manner by which this one person defines what integrity, values, respect, and ethics are for himself or herself, does not automatically guarantee justice for self. For example, if your values become corrupted by selfish motives designed to only serve you, this could lead to a very unfavorable reality, such as the sense of a meaningless life not a meaningful life. The most meaningful life truly is the one in which you serve others. And isolation doesn't promote this kind of lifestyle. Ultimately, primitive economies, while they may work for a select few, they will not work for the majority. We are an interdependent society, let's face it.
The second economic system is the one in which man secures for himself the basic necessities required for survival via trade, the exchange of goods and services. These barter economies can be seen all throughout the history of mankind. In basic terms, this system allows for the sharing of goods and services which ensures survival but not necessarily much more. This economic system doesn't lead to prosperity, for most people "spend the majority of their time just seeking the basics of life like water, fire, food, and shelter." (Brady & Woodward, 2018) And while living with the basics is much better than living without, this economic system would seem too limiting to most people today. If we were honest with ourselves, we'd admit that most of us do not want to just survive from one day to another. And while this economic system ensures survival, it isn't very likely to work in a society in which most people have stopped learning how to create goods by hand (e.g. shoes, socks, clothing, pottery, etc.) but instead rely on money and a store which sells essential goods. In a modern era, it would take a great depression for this economic system to be the best one, and that would be a calamity. If you are not sure if a great depression would be harmful, please pick up a book from the library on the Great Depression from the 1920s and 1930s and start reading. As difficult as it may be today for most of you to believe that such times once existed, they did. During such horrendously difficult times, mankind can become less concerned with integrity, values, respect, and ethics, for the basic necessities of life revolve primarily around survival mechanisms which become the number one priority. One of the reasons why I highly dislike the notion of "survival mode" is for this exact reason. The now presumed modern man gives into mere survival mode triggered by instinct not necessarily good judgment. A fair system secured by integrity, values, respect, and ethics, would not necessarily be priority while one is acting from a position of desperate desire to survive. This could lead to all sorts of other conflicts, theft, crime, etc., baneful circumstances in society.
At the core of the third type of economy, one known as command economy, laws and regulations seem not to apply to those few who are in charge. It nearly seems, that those ruling at the top are somehow exempt from or above certain laws. Such economic system hits certain heart strings for me, as a child born and raised within what was, at the time, a communist country. On the surface, communism is an economic system in which all products and property are owned by the people, nothing is privately owned, and everything is distributed equally. While this may sound, theoretically, good to some of you, not so fast. This contrived notion is, of course, absolutely absurd for no system as such would ever thrive without massive amounts of oppression coerced over people. No person wins, in this kind of system, other than those in power. Everyone else accepts "survival mode" assuming that access to basic necessities is available, which more often than not this isn't the case. For example, within the communist economic system I was born and raised in, demand for goods often exceeded resources, thus, people had to stay in long lines to buy essentials, things such as eggs and cooking oil, distributed on a ratio. When your turn came, if supply ran out, sorry, you went home empty handed even if you had the cash. Excess demand would not be economically efficient, for economic efficiency generates the greatest benefit to both producers and consumers. Since excess demand leads to increased competition amongst consumers, prices can skyrocket as consumers are willing to pay more for scarce goods or services. This is why, having options is better. This may be a wonderful system, even exceptional, for those in power who get to have every form of luxury while the rest are at times starving, not having running water, or simply stated have to trade on the black market for goods and services. In command economies, freedom and prosperity for you and me would be very unlikely. Those in power tell those who aren't in power how to live their lives, including how others must distribute their belongings which they worked very hard for. "Unfortunately, command economies are always based on force and maintained with violence." (Brady & Woodward, 2018) I can attest, due to personal experience, that this isn't fiction but truth. What is also disquieting, is that those who rule via command economies are little, to not at all, concerned with integrity, values, respect, and ethics, as these relate to society at large. The ruling class does benefit from great wealth, essentially while most everyone else is being convinced to be content while being controlled. This is the worst of all economies, yet, sadly, it still continues to exist in certain parts of our world today.
Finally, we've arrived at the free-enterprise economic system. While similar to a barter economy, the free-enterprise economy is better. For one, in barter economies while people can trade goods and services, there aren't any strict rules which all must abide by that would stop others to essentially take those goods and services away. Things like theft would go unpunished and criminals would get away with essentially hurting others. In a barter economy you won't feel any protection because the law wouldn't necessarily exist to protect you. The law was created for this very purpose, to protect human basic rights including the right to property, life, and liberty. The law also intends to place necessary restrictions around how far any one person can go while exercising his or her liberty, so to protect society from the few who want to exploit and take advantage of others and/or the system. If we all agreed to follow a code of ethics, respect good values, exercise integrity, while we show respect toward others' basic human rights, we wouldn't need a legal system and the world would be a perfect place. Unfortunately, we all know that is not the case. We know that not all humans think the same, act the same, and see life through the same lenses. Our belief systems create our reality and these belief systems drive our motives and actions. Nobody is perfect, even a priest can wrong. Laws are not only necessary, they are also good for society. For example, laws are intended to protect your savings, investments, stored goods you've worked hard for. But the law must be applied to everyone, no exceptions. In other words, no man is above the law and can abuse of the system. Laws that do not serve the public well should be re-examined and changed in order to protect society, for those who write or pass the laws must do so in the best interest of the public. The Declaration of Independence highlighted the importance of government's purpose to protect basic human rights, which includes the right to property and life. Thus, because of rules which apply to all, free-enterprise economies are more successful, for they allow room for personal freedom and prosperity. It's not a perfect system but it's better than all others. At the core of most successful systems, be it economic systems or other, integrity, values, respect, and ethics are essential. As such, free-enterprise economies must be built upon these pillars, ones without which human basic rights would not be honored. Where people can financially flourish, because the law prohibits others from taking away what which isn't rightfully theirs, people thrive. Economies, therefore, become more sophisticated, merchants can specialize in their expertise, innovators can invent new technologies, which leads to economic prosperity. However, without moral principles as guidelines, the framework of integrity, values, respect, and ethics would erode. This corrosion could further destroy everything we all hope for and/or hold most dear in our lives. We all want better lives, no doubt. However, without the best system and best rules in place, we cannot actualize such dreams and hopes. Sophisticated free markets which are properly regulated create flourishing economies within which most, not a few, prosper. This is the ideal world and future, which we all hope for. Fairness cannot be created where corruption trumps integrity, values, respect, and ethics. A strong system of checks and balances is one in which great laws survive and bad ones are replaced. This leads to the notion of moral accountability, a vital asset to a thriving society.
Despite that the world, currently, is in trouble, most leaders all over the world are concerned with doing what is just and right for all. It's not an easy situation we find ourselves in, however, if leaders of the world stay focused on the essential cornerstones integrity, values, respect, and ethics, then I am convinced that we will get through this and make the world a better place along the way. We simply cannot secure the benefits of prosperity, freedom of the pursuit of happiness, safety, and other essentials, if we don't adhere to the guidelines which mark the baseline by which any ruling entity, organization, and/or human must govern themselves and others. Integrity, values, respect, and ethics are the guidelines upon which moral courage is built. Mark Twain once said, "It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare." I'd find it not curious but unfortunate, the moment when men and women of the world lose sight that it is this exact moral courage via which a free and fair society is born. It is this exact moral courage which leads every one of us to treat ourselves and others humanely, while we pursue our own independence with dignity. And it is this exact moral courage which can, eventually, unite us all, for a better tomorrow.
Practicing moral courage isn't just being responsible, it is what makes us humanely possible to one another as Homo sapiens. It is the harnessing of the very light which lives in each of our hearts, capable of navigating through and past the darkest of moments. It is the essence of the divine in us which calls us to live with a conscious belief that good should prevail over evil.
For those of you who do not know me, I write using my pen name in order to honor my long deceased father. I use this website to inspire, encourage, and serve my audience to my best ability, in my free time. My website was designed and is continuously maintained by me at my own expense without ever charging a subscription fee. This is a personal choice out of my calling and desire to be an inspiration to you, the last surviving species of the genus Homo I love. I strive to be an example to others not because of any other reason than I feel it's what a greater divine expects of me. It is this, the divine one who sees me, who has been my life's greatest companion. For those amongst you who don't believe in a greater divine, I only want to say to you that, if you are not certain, never stop looking and questioning, for this is what leads to the intellectual activity that progress itself depends on. It is this intellectual curiosity and discovery which lives within us all, from caveman to the modern man, and which will continue to do so. As we discover, we will always find ourselves caught between the good and the bad. This forces us to see the value of the four cornerstones I've spoken about in this article. I want to encourage any of you who have young men and women in your lives, to share this article with them. The future will be in their hands, thus, it is extremely important that the world's sons and daughters learn from our current events and prepare to make the future better than those before them. Moreover, it is essential that they understand the power of integrity, values, respect, and ethics, within a fast-paced tech environment, unlike what our ancestors have ever experienced.
Yours truly,
Carmen A. Cisnadean
References
Microsoft. (n.d.). Our mission and values | About Microsoft. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/about
Brady, C. & Woodward, O. (2018). Financial Fitness. Obstacles Press.