Prosperity is a good thing, and capitalism provides fertile ground in which it can grow.

While prosperity is named because it’s an important component, but we must understand that it is influenced and even regulated by a variety of factors. Because of this, prosperity cannot be seen as a green light for entrepreneurs and merchants to become greedy and run roughshod over people. One factor regulating one’s ability to become prosperous is service. Within the capitalist system, it is those who serve most efficiently and effectively — those who offer customers and potential customers what they want and are willing to buy — who are most likely to prosper. So the necessity of rendering excellent, first-rate service helps to keep greed in check. So does the demand for quality.

Emphasize that economist Walter E. Williams said, “Prior to capitalism, the way people amassed great wealth was by looting, plundering and enslaving their fellow man. Capitalism made it possible to become wealthy by serving your fellow man.”

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Also, note that Margaret Thatcher said, “We need to create a mood where it is everywhere thought morally right for as many people as possible to acquire capital.” Elaborate: Desiring to acquire wealth and acting within moral and ethical boundaries to acquire it, are good things, not evil.

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