Microcapitalism is a an economic system based on small property and small government, about keeping productive property – capital – in the hands of as many private citizens as possible. Capitalism, in its current form, allows for the concentration of capital in the hands of a few; socialism places it in trust for the people in the hands of a few government officials.

Microcapitalism is therefore a third way of approaching how we define our economic system.

An April 2009 Rasmussen Reports survey found that Americans under age 30 were split almost evenly when asked about what economic model they preferred. 37% said they preferred capitalism, 33% said they preferred socialism, and 30% were undecided. A February 2010 Gallup poll found that despite divided views on socialism and capitalism, Americans from both ends of the political spectrum overwhelmingly support small business and entrepreneurs. Such results show a need for a new model that better reflects our values, other than the traditional choice of socialism and capitalism.

I have met a number of business owners and employees who define themselves as capitalists, but must quickly differentiate themselves from the exploitive capitalists in large corporations. Microcapitalism is a label that makes such a distinction automatically. It is more socially responsible, for it allows for more responsible, independent, and enterprising citizens.

This isn’t some weighty academic work about what society must do. It’s not a pie in the sky dream of a revolution. It’s not some pitiful plea to boycott Walmart. It’s not some agrarian call for three acres and a cow. It’s not lecture hall material on subsidarity. This is common sense explanation with a call to action to everyone, everywhere – no matter where you are in life or in the economic food chain.

Come and discuss the idea of Microcapitalism on the Microcapitalism Facebook page.

Also available on the Amazon Kindle.

$5

Or read it free online here!

2 Responses to “Microcapitalist Manifesto PDF Edition”

1. Grace Potts says:

   June 7, 2010 at 11:40 pm

   I’m wondering if you’ve ever thought about writing a “BioRegionalist Codicil” for the Manifesto?

   It seems like there is good reason to anchor the idea in a paradigm that is deeply connected to, and rooted in a sense of place and locality.

   And I’m talking a Wendell Berry- style take on BioRegionalism…

   Reply
   • Paul says:

     June 10, 2010 at 1:55 pm

     I will be writing more on Microcapitalism that will be more focused in our time and place, but not sure how territory or bioregional the writings will be.

     Reply
2. The Microcapitalist Manifesto – Full Text for Free! « Eternal Revolution says:

   September 2, 2010 at 11:01 pm

   [...] In the interest of spreading the ideas behind Mcrocapitalism as far as possible, I’m posting the full text of the book here in this post. If you want to read it offline, you can get the Kindle edition from Amazon or the PDF version here for $5. [...]

   Reply