The Rules of the Game: Rule Number One

If we are to understand the role of profit in our lives, then it is important for us to know the rules of the game. These rules, which are imposed upon us by the marketplace, are often referred to as tenets. We don't have to be acquainted with every tenet of the marketplace, but we do need to address those that are essential to our discussion.

When Adam and Eve lived inside the Garden of Eden, they had unlimited resources. That is why they had everything they wanted except the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, which they were forbidden to eat. What they discovered when they were cast out of the Garden was that their resources were suddenly limited. They could no longer have everything they wanted. Furthermore, they had to provide for themselves by the sweat of their brows.

In addition to the anthropological, historical, and religious significance associated with this eviction, these ancient writings call attention to what is perhaps the most consequential tenet of the marketplace: We, the descendants of Adam and Eve, now live in a world of scarce resources. And, in such an environment, we can never, ever have everything we want.