well-being of the individual, but only the productive method is
certain to benefit the community as well. A good government will
therefore seek to prevent people from advancing their individual
interests by killing, robbing, or deceiving their fellows. This
suppression of violence and fraud leaves open to individuals only the
productive method of getting a living, so that they cannot benefit
themselves without at the same time adding to the prosperity of the
community. From the standpoint of capitalism, thus, a good government
maintains an attitude toward industry which is primarily negative:
such a government hampers the economic activities of individuals very
little or not at all, so long as they do not practice harmful methods
of getting a living.

94. PRIVATE PROPERTY.--Most men are self-centered. In even a highly
developed society, men ordinarily will not work consistently except in
their own behalf, or in the behalf of a very few people for whom they
care intensely. This instinct of self-interest is the kernel of
industrial progress, but it can result in material prosperity only
when government suppresses violence and fraud. The lowest savages are
undoubtedly self-centered, but so long as they must rely upon brute
force to retain their possessions, there is little inducement to
acquire wealth. It is only when law suppresses robbery and fraud, and
otherwise protects the individual in his property rights, that the
acquisitive instinct will cause him to exert himself in productive
ways. Because it satisfies the individual's desire to secure the good
things of life, the institution of private property is the greatest
known spur to economic activity, It is only in those countries where
individuals are protected in their property rights that we find an
active, progressive, and prosperous people.