Most men must live by what they can sell rather than by what they produce. Thus human livelihoods have come to be dependent upon markets and since markets are precarious, living is precarious. If trade falls into an abyss, human lives (being tied thereto) fall also into an abyss. However much men produce, it is of no use to them unless they can sell it, and that depends upon forces beyond their control. If sales fail, they fail. Prices control the breath of life.

It is true that Riches may properly be obtained by buying and selling. Fortunes procured through trade, but human Livelihood is different. It is vital. It is necessary to human life. It should not be subject to the hazards of trade or of finance. A man should be able to produce and consume what he needs whether his produce can be sold or not. His livelihood should depend upon his own labor—not upon the “purchasing power” of somebody else.

In the light of this view it would appear that the present efforts being made to relieve our economic ills by means of increasing the volume of “purchasing power” are beside the mark. The trouble lies deeper; it is whether the large or small, men are dependent upon it for their living. It is this dependence which is objectionable, for in this dependence, which will destroy self-reliance, lies their doom, etc., etc.