Adam Smith sought freedom through mercantilism, but I wonder how he'd feel about our current form of capitalism. When your dad was working, was there more regulation and balance within the economy?

My immigrant grandparents enjoyed the benefits of the post-WWII economy. One working-class income afforded homeownership, vacations, vehicles, and comfortable retirement. When they died, they still had money, but that lifestyle no longer exists. I know capitalism works when we have the right policies in place, but inevitably, capitalism leads to an economic crisis.

My issues with capitalism are social and political. The economy in the 1950s and natural resources were vastly different than today, but surely, we can use what we've learned to provide for the public. Consumerism culture influences buying our identity and happiness, and we no longer have a government governing the majority. We can create a system that provides for the welfare of the people and the environment.