1561
How do we get the help of millions of people we don’t know? Only by trade.
For some people, ‘trade’ is synonymous with greed and selfishness but Scottish philosopher Adam Smith (1723-1790) did not think so. However greedy or selfish a businessman may be, if he wants to be successful he must spend at least a little time thinking of others, because no one is going to maintain him in comfort out of pity.
Posted March 13 2015
1562
Orpheus would lose his beloved wife Eurydice to death not once, but twice.
Orpheus was taught music, and given a marvellous lyre, by Apollo himself. He out-sang even the Sirens, and so brought Jason and the crew of the Argo to safety. But the love of his life was Eurydice, and he lost her - twice.
Posted March 13 2015
1564
The blessing of trade free from political interference was one of most important insights in British, indeed world history.
In his day, Richard Cobden (1804-1865) was regarded as Britain’s answer to Karl Marx. Where Marxism stands for State control, bloody violence and political oppression, Cobden showed that the free market led to prosperity through peace, cooperation, and freedom.
Posted March 13 2015
1566
Wielding the Gorgon’s head, Perseus saves a beautiful maiden from a ravening sea-monster.
Polydectes, King of Seriphos, has sent young Perseus to get the head of Medusa the Gorgon, the very sight of which will turn any man to stone. His hope is that the boy will never come back, clearing the way for him to marry Perseus’s mother, Danaë. But Perseus is on his way home even now...
Posted March 13 2015