Part 10/16:

Education, Culture, and the Role of the Intellectual

Winning the hearts and minds of society involves engaging not just politicians, but also educating the public about the virtues of free markets and individual liberty. The Institute of Economic Affairs emphasizes that the battle of ideas is long-term; it’s about shifting cultural attitudes towards trusting markets, rewarding innovation, and appreciating personal responsibility.

Historically, the influence of intellectuals, including think tanks, university professors, and influential thinkers like Friedrich Hayek, has been crucial. The post-war consensus favored central planning, but this is now challenged by the realization that centralized state control often leads to decline—economically and socially.