Capitalism and its effects on a nation.

There are words in the English language which are often mistaken for something they are not. For example, if one is a democrat, he/she often automatically presumed to be a liberal, which is not always the case. If one is a vegetarian, many people will immediately see him/her as an animal rights activist. It may only be that her/his doctor instructed her/him not to eat meat for health reasons. Such confusion of a word is common when discussing capitalism and its meaning. Webster's Dictionary defines capitalism as an economic system in which the means of production, distribution and exchange and privately owned and operated for profit. Capitalism is often viewed as a governmental system rather than an economic one. Whatever it is and however it is viewed, it is important for one to realize that capitalism can be both a bane and a blessing.

Freedom, as capitalism, can also be considered a bane and a blessing.

Over London–by Rail from London: A Pilgrimage (1...

English: Watt's steam engine at the lobby of the H...

Capitalism

The idea of being able to achieve what you desire gives people the drive to do well in life, as well as the motivation to take needed risks.

"A key element in capitalism is the undertaking of activity in the expectation that it will yield gain in the future. Because the future is unknown, both the risk of loss and the possibility of gain always exist." (Gesell, Silvio. The Natural Economic Order.)

However, when one becomes overly motivated, he/she runs the risk of risking too much and losing everything. With no restraints on personal spending from the government of a capitalistic economic system, it could be often difficult to use one's money and capital in a responsible manner. For this reason, capitalism can be considered a 'gamblers economy.' If the citizens in this system are unable or unwilling to accept the fact that...