Yesterday, we discussed how “mind your own business” is the motto of Capitalism and Private Property. Today, let us take the discussion a few steps further, to how this is also the motto of Individualism, and, thereby, the secret with which we can unlock the meaning of the word “catallaxy.”
Let us begin with Individualism:
A client called Bablu Das the other day while he was enjoying a chillum, and Bablu put the man off for another day, saying he was “busy.” This “property dealer without property” is the Master of his own destiny, the architect of his own life, who takes orders from no one, and who is responsible only to himself for not only his successes, but also his failures.
This is the credo of every civilized man who survives through exchanges in city markets.
The alternative philosophy of socialism, “all for one and one for all,” is tribalism, inappropriate for modern times. Note how Bablu Das has no “chief” to report to. He does not belong to any “gang.” Or even “group.” Of course, he hates politics, politicians, political parties, and the administration. Hail fellow, well met.
The philosophy of Individualism allows us to look at the City not as “society,” but as “catallaxy.” A society is one where members know each other – as in a tribe. A catallaxy is where strangers trade amongst each other, and the more strangers, the merrier. The precise value to “society” that the urban catallaxy provides is the increased possibilities of strangers interacting gainfully.
We can therefore conceive of another world – based on Individualism and Catallactics. Of everyone “minding his own business.” Of open societies, open to strangers, that is. No more nation-states. No more “narrow domestic walls.” Free Cities and Towns.
Where do we begin? I suggest Kabul. They don’t need Democracy there. They need The Market.
They need to become a catallaxy.
And I am in The Market for 10 tolas of Mazar-e-Sharif hash.
>:)
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