The Implications of Self-Interest

Consistent application of the assumption that individuals are motivated by self-interest leads to a populist policy prescription today. To increase political freedom under conservative (limited) democracy - and rates of economic growth under competitive capitalism - it is necessary to distribute income (money) directly to workers. Adam Smith's dual definition of self-interest (in terms of self-serving passions, as well as self-serving economic rationality) provides the primary basis for this policy prescription. Empirical support for Smith's dual definition of self-interest is provided by 20th-century findings on the structure and evolution of the human brain