Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

So when you go to the market and sell your hand-grown tomatoes, is the guy you're selling them to taking over your home garden?

Trade is not social take-over. You can trade and have any society you want. All is required is established contract law and private property rights.



No, but if the other guy is richer, you will either start to emulate him (and become richer and more like him yourself), or he will eventually become a stockholder of yours at which point, he has effectively taken over. Do this across generations, and you have societies taking over others. It is no coincidence that no one emulates the society of Soviet Russia but everyone across the world emulates the rich high-output western ones.




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: