“Adam Smith or Adam’s Myth? “Adam Smith or Adam’s Myth? [“Reflections On Adam Smith's Book An Inquiry Into The Nature And Causes Of The Wealth Of Nations Indianapolis : Liberty Classics, 1981” Smith's Intro – p.5]
That “Money doesn’t grow on trees”
Was taught to us on parents’ knees
As we grew up – aside from that
The subject dropped with great ker-splat.They didn’t really know much more –
Rich Dad: Poor Dad depicts the score
Of each approach (work smart: work hard);
The second way one’s wealth retards.But back the clock two centuries
To Adam Smith, and there one sees
Where that was true – but not today,
For industry has had its way.“Machine enhancement” had not hit
In Adam’s day, so Mr. Smith
Saw labor as creative force
That made all products in due course.Oh sure, he talked at length of tools,
And capital, but we’d be fools
To think that Smith could see ahead
To when enhancements “Surplus” fed.So, far beyond Smith’s wildest dreams,
“Stuff” flowed in floods from great machines;
Machines which made machines, made more,
’Till now we drown in “Stuff” galore.When Adam wrote his book back then,
With cup, and bowl, and spoon, they’d spend
Their days beneath the scorching sun,
Subsistence-like, as wealth was wrung –From valley-floors down to the sea –
The outflow of what then could be
Said to accrue from all that toil
In pit of mine, and farmyard soil.So what Smith says is partly true;
But looking back, I take the view
That “Concept-labels” of that day
Are what remains – as myth that plays –Persistent role in how we live –
Now times have changed, they solace give
To folks now crushed by Internet,
And “Unseen hand” of greed which lets –The few get richer by the hour
(While grinding down those less empowered),
By corners on some bright new toys,
Enhanced by laws which greed employs –Not just the greed of “Haves”, for we
All think the wealth of lottery
Could set us up to live like kings –
Like now – from “Internet of things”.So leave the system as it is –
I’ll live the myth and start some biz;
If I succeed I’ll need those laws
To keep my wealth from tax-man’s claws.Now termed, “Judas Economy”,
We teach our kids on parents’ knee
A myth no longer true to life;
Sell kids false dreams as day for night.Lord, thanks for helping me to see
Old Adam’s myth – how it might be
A part of larger crisis here
Which children face, both far and near.Thanks Lord for this.
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