Nobel Prize-winning economist F.A. Hayek had a lot to say about the failings of socialism. One of his comments dealt with the reality that many men believe to know what is best for each and every citizen (in the case of the US that would be over 300 million individuals). This belief is what Hayek termed the "fatal conceit." Fatal because it leads those in power to expand government control at the expense of individual freedom, free enterprise, and economic prosperity.
As Hayek put it, historical experience "ought to teach the student of society a lesson of humility which should guard him
against becoming an accomplice in men's fatal striving to control society - a
striving which makes him not only a tyrant over his fellow, but which may well
make him the destroyer of a civilization which no brain has designed but which
has grown from the free efforts of millions of individuals."
Those in government who believe that they know what is best for 300 million individuals and, thus, are compelled to tell us all how to live are quilty of this fatal conceit.
Have a nice day.
DWD
PS--I extracted this Hayek quote from the blog of Star Parker (which I highly recommend). I'm quite sure that she wouldn't mind my passing it along.
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