The Nature of Economic Laws and the Anti-Natural Origins of the Economy

Many argue that the laws of economics are a result of nature, suggesting a natural order to how economies function. However, this perspective is fundamentally flawed. Economics, in its true form, is a man-made construct that radically diverges from natural law, specifically as predicated by ecological principles. This article delves into the origins of economic laws and their inherently anti-natural nature.

Introduction to the Concept of Natural Law

Natural law, as defined in the ecology, dictates survival-of-the-fittest and the survival of predators over prey. For instance, predators hunt and consume their prey, which is a natural and necessary process for the survival of the predator. However, early humans revered nature and sought to defy this natural order by domesticating animals, thus altering the ecological balance and laying the groundwork for an economy.

Some scholars believe that around 17,000 to 20,000 years ago, humans began domesticating animals, such as goats, sheep, and pigs, and protecting them rather than killing them for food. This shift from a purely naturalistic approach to a more humane one marks the beginning of the economy, an institution that is inherently anti-natural. Domestication led to the development of property rights and trade, which are the bedrocks of economic systems.

The Emergence of Property Rights and Trade

Domesticated animals were initially part of the collective clan and did not have private ownership. However, over time, as clans splintered into smaller families, property rights became more individualized. This shift also brought about marriage and the concept of inheritance, which are man-made and against natural law. For instance, in nature, there is no such thing as inheritance or marriage. Children are often born to mothers and remain with them, but this social structure was disrupted by human invention.

The Man-Made Law of Exchange

The economic law is based on the concept of exchange, which is fundamentally different from the natural behavior of animals. While nature does not recognize the concept of exchange, man-made economies do. The law of exchange is defined by three key sub-laws:

Sub-Law 1: Freedom of Enterprise

The freedom to buy and sell is a radical departure from natural behavior. Animals do not buy or sell. Predators kill prey, and prey does not sell itself. In economics, however, individuals can freely trade goods, which is an anti-natural concept. The right to sell is a social construct, as is the obligation to pay a price for goods purchased. These are concepts that do not exist in nature.

Sub-Law 2: Equivalence

The value of goods exchanged must be equivalent. This concept is arbitrary and societal. Nature does not impose any specific value on goods; value is a social construct. In exchange, both parties must agree on the value of goods, creating a sense of justice. For instance, if a shirt is valued at $10, it would be unfair to pay more or less than $10 for that shirt.

Sub-Law 3: Reciprocity

In exchange, there must be reciprocity, meaning the seller and buyer must be the same individuals. It would be unjust for someone other than the buyer to have to pay for something, or for someone other than the seller to receive payment. This concept ensures that justice is balanced in economic transactions.

Conclusion

The origins of the economy are deeply intertwined with the suppression of natural law. Economic laws are man-made constructs designed to function in a way that is fundamentally different from how nature operates. Trade, property rights, and the exchange of goods are all concepts that were introduced by humans and are not part of the natural order. Understanding this can help us appreciate the complexity and challenges of economic systems and their impact on society.