mav,

Centuries does not make it a natural phenomena, just an historical one. People have to eat, want shelter and enjoy "luxuries" (things beyond the necessary). To achieve that, some form of an economy has to exist. What you described is a basic barter economy. Works fairly well at the village level as long as there are social or formal controls to regulate trade and production. In a village, the necessary feedback mechanisms are close: socially, economically and temporally. The larger and more complex the society and culture, the less reliable and timely the built in controls. Ultimately, it appears that the natural feedback loops that regulate such a system start interfere with one another. The result is usually pretty chaotic.

What you haven't demonstrated is that the system you describe is natural or part of human nature. I could describe the socialistic economy of a 12th century Abby, or the communal economy of various tribal communities all over the world. That proves it happens.

You claimed it was human nature. I asked the question seriously. I repeat it. Describing one type of economic system begs the question. Why is free enterprise (not economic activity in general) a natural phenomena and part of human nature?

Please understand, I have nothing against a free enterprise system per se. I'll be happy to argue (as my opinion) that in a large, complex, geographically diverse society, its pretty utopian, makes assumptions about human nature that are not supported by historical evidence and seems to have logical consequences I don't like. Later.

I'd like to explore the natural phenomena/human nature contention first.

troll,

Yes, people of passion can make changes (usually dramatic). Moderates just pick up the pieces and put the world back together again.

Regards,

John