The article presents insights from an interview with philosopher Dario Antiseri, discussing the enduring and complex nature of capitalism, referencing historical events like the 1987 stock market crash and philosophical reflections from Bernard de Mandeville.
This piece is an excerpt from a 2008 interview with philosopher Dario Antiseri, conducted by journalist Vittorio Macioce for Il Giornale. In the interview, Antiseri reflects on the nature of capitalism, emphasizing that it does not guarantee utopian existences on Earth, which paradoxically is a strength of its framework. The discussion touches upon historical economic events, such as the significant stock market crash of 1987, that serve to illustrate the unpredictable yet dynamic essence of capitalist economies.
Antiseri looks back at the 1987 Wall Street crash, recalling the atmosphere of despair that characterized the time—a loss of optimism and vision for the future among many individuals. He draws parallels between this crisis and the philosophical story from 1729 by Bernard de Mandeville who described an affluent beehive, symbolizing the complexities of human vices contributing to public virtue. The metaphor serves to highlight how extravagances within a capitalist system can simultaneously lead to innovation and economic growth, despite inherent flaws.
Through Antiseri's lens, the discussion sheds light on the paradoxical nature of capitalism, which thrives not by promising perfection or ideal outcomes but by producing a reality where imperfections and the unpredictability of human behavior ultimately drive progress. His insights invite readers to reconsider how they perceive the challenges and outcomes of capitalist systems, reinforcing the idea that adversity can be a catalyst for growth and change.
