Progress through trade and specialization from "summary" of The Rational Optimist by Matt Ridley
Trade has been the driving force behind human progress for millennia. By exchanging goods and services with one another, individuals have been able to specialize in what they do best and reap the benefits of their expertise. This trade allows people to focus on their strengths, whether it be farming, hunting, or crafting, and in turn, acquire the goods and services they need from others who excel in different areas. Specialization leads to increased efficiency and productivity, as individuals can hone their skills and produce more of a particular good or service than if they were to try to do everything themselves. This in turn leads to a higher standard of living for everyone involved, as goods and services become more plentiful and accessible. Trade allows for the distribution of these specialized goods and services across greater distances, connecting people from different regions and cultures. Through trade and specialization, societies have been able to innovate and progress at a rapid pace. Ideas and technologies ...
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