Viewed as a means to the end of political freedom, economic arrangements are important because of their effect on the concentration or dispersion of power. The kind of economic organization that provides economic freedom directly, namely, competitive capitalism, also promotes political freedom because it separates economic power from political power and in this way enables the one to offset the other
Milton FriedmanWhy have we had such a decline in moral climate? I submit to you that a major factor has been a change in the philosophy which has been dominant, a change from belief in individual responsibility to belief in social responsibility. If you adopt the view that a man is not responsible for his own behavior, that somehow society is responsible, why should he seek to make his behavior good?
Milton FriedmanIf China don't free up the political side, its economic growth will come to an end - while it is still at a very low level.
Milton FriedmanOnly a crisisโactual or perceivedโproduces real change. When that crisis occurs, the actions that are taken depend on the ideas that are lying around.
Milton FriedmanCutting government spending and government intrusion in the economy will almost surely involve immediate gain for the many, short-term pain for the few, and long-term gain for all.
Milton Friedman