Self preservation and self development are common aspirations among all people. But there is another tendency common among people. Where they can, they wish to live and prosper at the expense of others.

In “The Law” by Fredric Bastiat, more background on this timeless piece of literature here, he puts forth the argument that man is naturally inclined to avoid pain. Because labor is pain in itself it follows that men will resort to plunder whenever plunder is easier than work.

This is often realized when men are in a position to abuse power. In every instance, that position is most commonly found in government.

Now that we understand the problem, man will resort to plunder whenever plunder is easier than work, when does plunder stop?

When plunder becomes more painful and dangerous than labor.

That is the ideal state that must be created.