Milton Friedman or The Sermon on the Mount. What Say Ye?
Milton Friedman, a prominent economist known for advocating free-market capitalism and monetarism, was based heavily on the writings of Ayn Rand. Frideman emphasized individualism, economic freedom, and minimal government intervention. His views center on the belief that free markets lead to efficient outcomes and that government policies should aim to create a stable economic environment characterized by low inflation and minimal regulation.
His views attract significant attention from Elon Musk and others in the upcoming administration.
On the other hand, the Sermon on the Mount, found in the Gospel of Matthew (chapters 5-7), presents Jesus’ teachings on moral and ethical principles such as humility, mercy, peacemaking, and love for one’s neighbor. It emphasizes values like compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness and often advocates for a more communal and altruistic approach to life.
Friedman’s ideas primarily emphasize economic efficiency and individual liberty. In contrast, the Sermon on the Mount highlights moral virtues and communal well-being. These perspectives contrast, with one focusing on financial systems and the other on ethical and spiritual guidance.
The core economic ideas of Milton Friedman’s free markets, minimal government intervention, and individual choice significantly contrast with the Sermon on the Mount’s teachings:
Friedman emphasized:
Self-interest as an economic driver
Voluntary exchange and minimal wealth redistribution
Limited government role in addressing poverty
Individual responsibility and property rights
Friedman’s Views:
Profit Maximization: Friedman believed that a company’s primary duty is to maximize profits for its shareholders. This often involves minimizing costs, including lower wages for workers or less investment in environmental protection.
Limited Government Intervention: Friedman advocated for minimal government regulation of businesses, arguing that free markets are the most efficient resource allocation. However, this can lead to situations where businesses prioritize profits over the well-being of workers or the environment.
Individual Responsibility: Friedman emphasized personal responsibility and self-reliance. He generally opposed government programs aimed at helping the poor or disadvantaged, arguing that such programs can create dependency and disincentivize work.
The Sermon on the Mount advocates:
Giving freely to those who ask
Not storing up earthly treasures
Serving God rather than money/wealth
Care for people experiencing poverty is a moral imperative
Communal responsibility
Sermon on the Mount teaches us:
Compassion and Charity: The Sermon on the Mount emphasizes compassion for the poor and needy. Jesus calls on his followers to love their neighbors, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for the sick.
Social Justice: The Sermon on the Mount advocates for social justice by urging the wealthy to share their riches with the less fortunate and promoting the idea that everyone deserves dignity and respect.
Peace and Nonviolence: Jesus advocates for peace and nonviolence, urging his followers to turn the other cheek and love their enemies.
It is important to note that these are broad generalizations. Some interpretations of Friedman’s work highlight the significance of ethical business practices and the advantages of free markets for society. However, the core principles of his philosophy, particularly the emphasis on profit maximization and limited government intervention, often conflict with the values of compassion, social justice, and community central to Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount.
These differences highlight a fundamental tension between Friedman’s emphasis on market efficiency and Jesus’s focus on spiritual wealth and collective well-being. Essentially, Friedman’s concepts prioritize economic efficiency and individual liberty. At the same time, the Sermon on the Mount emphasizes moral virtues and community well-being. These viewpoints are contrasting, with one focusing on economic systems and the other on ethical and spiritual guidance.
We begin to think and act by focusing our attention and resources on people, the planet, our purpose in life, and the prosperity of all human beings.