25 September

Nearly all societies are built around the idea of a father as head of the family. Here's an idea. 'Authoritarian' societies use a stern father model. But 'free' societies do as well. Authoritarian fathers refuse to act, as much as they act. They deny support, love, assistance. 'Free market' societies aren't free, they're authoritarian societies where daddy refuses things. The 'invisible hand'. When we know millions live in poverty and don't act, that's an authoritarian decision. When we don't build new public things, that's an authoritarian decision. When we moralise about people on welfare, that's stern daddy again.