The Free Capitalist Project(tm) and its related ventures all subscribe to the same basic philosophical ideas described by Rick Koerber as the prime pattern of prosperity, or simply put “Prosperity Prime(tm).” The pattern being referred to was discovered by Koerber who subsequently developed it into an illustrative teaching model to identify and explain fundamental concepts and universal truths about the common human experience that Ludwig Von Mises adequately referred to as simply Human Action. The model provides a solid basis for individuals to measure and monitor their own progress in life relative to the basic preconditions of temporal success and lasting prosperity. Mr. Koerber, using the term Prime Mover to refer to those individuals in society who lead out, who are individual productive forces in society, suggests that all such individuals consciously or subconsciously subscribe to the pattern.
Consequently, the simple but challenging quest for those who are committed to the path of prosperity is to bring their lives into harmony with the pattern. The truths represented by the Prosperity Prime teaching model are ancient and were referred to by America’s Founding Fathers as the “Ancient Principles.”
Principles govern.
At the foundation of Prosperity Prime, and the beginning point for deliberately choosing to pursue what Mr. Koerber refers to as the universal Prosperity Quest, are 13 basic axioms articulated by Koerber as the 13 Principles of Prosperity. These timeless principles become the first elements of a comprehensive conceptual framework that enables a person to become self reliant, economically independent and ultimately free. Alexander Hamilton described in Federalist #31 in 1778:
In disquisitions of every kind there are certain primary truths or first principles upon which all subsequent reasonings must depend. These contain an internal evidence, which antecedent to all reflection or combination commands the assent of the mind . . . and [are] so obvious in themselves, and so agreeable to the natural and unsophisticated dictates of common sense, that they challenge the assent of a sound and unbiased mind, with a degree of force and conviction almost equally irresistible.
Prosperity is not about a new business idea, some trick or technique, or going to business school to learn some new process or approach. All of these things are effective or ineffective based upon the application of timeless principles. Mr. Koerber teaches a full semester class on each of the following at American Founders University.
The 13 Principles of Prosperity
Principle 1: God is the author of prosperity (i.e. Principles Govern)
Principle 2: Faith begins with self-interest
Principle 3: Agency implies stewardship
Principle 4: Perspective determines action
Principle 5: People are assets
Principle 6: Human life value is the source and creator of all property value
Principle 7: Dollars follow value
Principle 8: Exchange creates wealth
Principle 9: Profit is the tool of validation
Principle 10: Productivity is the standard
Principle 11: Force destroys freedom and prosperity
Principle 12: Collective action has no unique moral authority
Principle 13: Personal liberty requires private property
How these Principles are Used on FCD
Each news story and current event entry on FCD is categorized by its relevance to the principles based upon the theme or point being made by FCD. Each story is therefore categorized into one of the 13 principles, however most stories can illustrate many different aspects of several principles. Each article beings with a basic source description including a MRFC (Most Relevant Free Capitalist) Principles designation. The first number listed is the articles primary designation. The numbers listed in parenthesis are additional applications. The strategy behind this categorization system is to enable readers to practice noticing the principles at work in the world around them.
Some things [principles] are true whether we believe them or not. Becoming aware of these principles and learning to identify the consequences of human action that either conforms to or violates these principles is a huge step forward in everyone’s quest for prosperity.
