I'm listening to several podcasts about Keynes (the famous economist). The more I learn about the history of economics, to more convinced I become of two things:
1. Greatness in any area that cannot be proven is as much about showmanship as truth. It is no coincidence that the most famous philosopher (Plato) was a wrestler (Plato was his stage name: as in "plateau," referring to amazing physique). The most famous economist (Keynes) was a social whirlwind, the alpha male's alpha male: if you were an introvert, forget it. The most famous theoretical physicist, Stephen Hawking, is known for his amazing image. He is by far the best known and most admired theoretical physicist, despite not being the best, Don't get me wrong, all of these people were superb at their jobs, but others, as far as I can tell, were better.
2. Land rent is revolutionary. More revolutionary than most revolutions. Take Keynes and his multiplier theory for example - the theory that you have to get people spending because we need money circulating in order to make people work. But all that Keynes can offer is to get people working more. He assumes a baseline of inefficiency: people who want wealth but have no reason to work. Land rent removes that inefficiency: it starts from a baseline of the best possible outcome (by removing unemployment and optimizing government), and expands from there. I don't expect anyone to believe me right now, but one day I will write more on this topic.
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