@nprofile1q... @nprofile1q... Voluntary contacts should be the basis of any rational society. They are based on the idea of positive sum games, where both parties to an agreement benefit.

The idea of positive sum games surpassed the idea of zero sum thinking, where one person one-ups the other, in many fields since the mid-20th century.

However, the Left side of politics, along with low trust societies, remain mired in zero sum thinking. You can see it in their class based view of society, where they're always trying to divide people up into oppressor and oppressed groups. The boss vs the workers, white vs black, men vs women, and so on. In low trust societies, you see it in the rampant short term thinking, I'll rob you today rather than trading with you tomorrow. It's a pointless exercise because in the grand scale of society everyone gets victimised but maybe you also have the opportunity to improve your lot in life.

That's why I prefer the idea of an opportunity state over a welfare state. I want the freedom and opportunity to create my own success through mutually beneficial relationships. That's the path of strength.