George Gilder, a leading conservative economist and technology thinker, offers a unique perspective on the economy that challenges conventional views. His approach centers on , entrepreneurship, and the moral foundations of capitalism. Here’s a simplified breakdown of his key ideas:
### 1.
Gilder argues the economy thrives on , not just static prices or material goods. Drawing from Claude Shannon’s information theory, he compares the economy to a communication channel where entrepreneurs generate “surprising” innovations (new information) through trial and error. Wealth isn’t about accumulating resources but creating through experimentation.
### 2.
Traditional economics sees entrepreneurs as balancing supply and demand. Gilder rejects this, stating entrepreneurs by inventing products/services that rewrite market rules (e.g., smartphones, AI). Failed experiments are part of the process, but successes drive unprecedented growth.
### 3.
Gilder warns that taxes and redistribution from those who know how to use it (entrepreneurs) to bureaucrats who lack practical knowledge. He criticizes policies like universal basic income for stifling the “economic libido” needed to solve problems. Central banking and fiat currency also distort prices, which he calls “measures of time” critical for economic coordination.
### 4.
Contrary to “greed” narratives, Gilder insists capitalism begins with —entrepreneurs risk capital to serve others’ needs. Family, faith, and work ethic (not incentives) fuel wealth creation. Redistribution undermines these values, creating dependency.
### Why This Matters
Gilder’s ideas align with conservative principles: limited government, strong families, and free markets. Ben Shapiro has endorsed his work, particularly Wealth and Poverty and Knowledge and Power, for challenging Keynesian economics and defending capitalism’s moral edge. For Gilder, fixing the economy means unleashing creativity, not manipulating interest rates or printing money.
