Don’t Equate Capitalism and Modernity

Many social problems tagged as 'capitalism' — pollution, consumerism, institutional dysfunction — are actually features of modernity: the organization of large-scale technology, formal institutions, and rationalized incentives. Misdiagnosing the root (modernity) as a market problem leads reformers to propose fixes (anti‑market policies) that won't address coordination, industrial capacity, or incentive design. — If true, this reframing changes which reforms are viable (institutional and technological design rather than simple market vs state splits) and should redirect policy debates on healthcare, higher education, and industrial policy.