The translation of Friedman was recently encouraged by a donation, so here is another chapter of The Machinery of Freedom.

The most common argument in favor of the state from economists is the assertion that external coercion is useful for solving the problem of market failures. Some ancaps, such as Vladimir Zolotorev, simply deny the existence of the phenomenon itself in response, pointing out that if something is not being done, it means it wasn’t wanted that much. Friedman suggests not arguing with the economists, but simply redirecting their argument against the state, showing that it is precisely because of market failures that the state causes so much completely inevitable harm.

By the way, I was recommended a story by science fiction writer Vernor Vinge The Uncontrollables, written in 1985 under a serious influence of The Machinery of Freedom. It presents a textbook plot of “the state attacks Ancapistan.” In general, I enjoyed the author’s style. The story turned out to be part of a larger cycle; I will read it in full in my spare time.