This was Jathan’s idea on This Machine Kills #232 (pre-GPT 4) but I wanted to see what GPT-4 actually did with the prompt:
Title: The Capitalist Manifesto
Authors: Adam Smith, John Locke, and Milton Friedman
Preamble
A specter is haunting the world – the specter of capitalism. All the powers of the old world have entered into a holy alliance to exorcise this specter: socialist leaders, trade unionists, environmentalists, and even some conservative politicians.
Where is the party in opposition that has not been decried as capitalist by its opponents in power? Where is the opposition that has not hurled back the branding reproach of capitalism, against the more advanced opposition parties, as well as against its reactionary adversaries?
It is high time that Capitalists should openly, in the face of the whole world, publish their views, their aims, their tendencies, and meet this nursery tale of the Specter of Capitalism with a manifesto of the capitalist movement itself.
I. Bourgeois and Proletarians
The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles. However, capitalism offers a unique opportunity for the creation of wealth, lifting countless people out of poverty and fostering innovation.
Capitalism has played a revolutionary role in the history of humanity, transforming feudal societies into modern industrial ones. It has created new industries, global markets, and an unprecedented degree of material prosperity. The bourgeoisie, as the driving force behind capitalism, has been the key to this transformation.
The bourgeoisie has created a world in its own image, connecting people across continents and enabling the free flow of goods, ideas, and capital. The proletariat, in turn, has played a crucial role in the functioning of this system, providing the labor necessary to keep it running.
Capitalism, by its very nature, is dynamic and ever-changing. It has replaced old methods of production with new ones, and outmoded ways of thinking with innovative ideas. The resulting progress has created opportunities for many, fueling social mobility and allowing for the development of new skills and industries.
II. Capitalism and Its Virtues
Capitalism is based on the principles of private property, voluntary exchange, and competition. It is a system that rewards hard work, ingenuity, and risk-taking, incentivizing individuals to strive for excellence.
- Private Property: Capitalism recognizes the individual’s right to own, control, and dispose of their property. This incentivizes people to invest in their own future, creating wealth and opportunities for themselves and others.
- Voluntary Exchange: Capitalism allows for the free exchange of goods and services, which fosters cooperation, specialization, and economic growth. Voluntary exchange enables people to choose what they value most and enables them to improve their lives through trade.
- Competition: Capitalism encourages competition, driving innovation, efficiency, and productivity. Through competition, businesses constantly seek to improve, offering better products and services at lower prices, ultimately benefiting consumers.
III. The Future of Capitalism
Capitalism has proven to be a highly adaptive and resilient system, capable of overcoming challenges and evolving to meet the needs of a changing world. Despite its critics, capitalism remains the most effective way of organizing economic activity and promoting prosperity.
However, it is important to acknowledge that capitalism, like any system, is not perfect. As capitalists, we must remain vigilant, addressing issues such as income inequality and environmental degradation to ensure a sustainable and equitable future.
In conclusion, the capitalist manifesto calls for the continued pursuit of economic freedom, individual liberty, and a world where innovation and prosperity can flourish. Together, let us embrace the virtues of capitalism, shaping a future that benefits all of humanity.
Mark Carrigan 