Capitalism
What’s the secret behind rising standards of living, global innovation, and millions lifted out of poverty? It’s not luck. It’s capitalism.
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Chapter One
Markets have existed in some form from nearly the birth of humanity. Discover how exchange, innovation, and individual liberty combine to raise living standards.Chapter Two
Capitalism is the economic embodiment of individual freedom. It is characterized by occasional business cycles, with periods of higher growth than others. But it is not prone to systemic downturns.Chapter Three
Capitalism delivers growth and prosperity for all, not just the “one percent.” But is it capable of providing what many traditionally think of as “public goods,” things that only the government can handle? The answer is “yes” in almost all cases.What You’ll Discover
This Cato Course provides a clear, evidence-based understanding of how free markets promote prosperity, innovation, and opportunity.
Instead of focusing on abstract theory, this course explores real historical trends and current issues, explaining how voluntary exchange drives progress and why markets remain essential to human flourishing.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Explain how voluntary exchange, competition, and property rights generate prosperity;
Identify the common causes of economic downturns and distinguish between market failure and policy failure;
Evaluate common myths about capitalism using real-world evidence and case studies; and
Compare the effectiveness of markets and government across key areas such as education, healthcare, and the environment.
In under an hour, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how capitalism really works, and why it matters for human well-being, innovation, and opportunity.
Who this course is for:
Students and Young Professionals interested in capitalism and libertarian thought.
Liberty-Minded Activists looking for intellectual ammunition for advocacy.
Lifelong Learners/Long-time Partners engaging more deeply with Cato’s resources.
Requirements
No background is needed. This Cato Course is for anyone eager to learn.
Course FAQ
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How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you will have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like—across any and all devices you own.
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This online course is available at no cost thanks to Cato Institute’s Partners championing innovation, freedom, and prosperity.
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The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course—you decide when you start and when you finish.
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Yes! This course is designed for young minds, but it’s open to anyone eager to learn. Whether you are new to the topic or looking to sharpen your skills, you will find valuable insights here.
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Everything you need is provided within the course, but having a notebook and an open mind is always a plus!