Greed's Power for Good
Yesterday as I drove home, I passed by our local custard retailer. That brought back memories of Memorial Day weekend last year. We attended Brat Fest, then went over to Cold Stone for dessert. We had a blast. All because the people working at Cold Stone and Brat Fest were willing to give up their holiday for my enjoyment.
Why would they do that? Quite simply, greed. They wanted the wages they could earn more than they wanted a day off. Some of them did it because they could earn a higher than normal hourly rate. Some of them did it because it offered them a rare chance to work extra hours at their normal rate. Whatever the reason, they decided that the extra income was worth more than the leisure time.
This year, I once again anticipate being able to shop, eat, and drive on this holiday week. As I go out, the various people serving me will not be serving me out of compassion, a love for mankind, or a sense of noblesse oblige.
They are serving me because they want my money. The only legal way to get my money (or anyone's money) is to exchange goods or services for cash. Our free market system is uniquely able to channel peoples' private greed and desires into service for others. Out of self-interest, people across Madison will be working to meet the needs of the entire city this Memorial Day.
I'm thankful that we have an economic system that rewards those who work hard. I'm thankful that we have an economic system that gives everyone an incentive to meet the needs of everyone else. Aren't you?
And so, in closing, I leave you with these words.
The point is, ladies and gentleman, that greed -- for lack of a better word -- is good.
Greed is right.
Greed works.
Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit.
Greed, in all of its forms -- greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge -- has marked the upward surge of mankind.
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