“The existence of a free market does not of course eliminate the need for government.”

— Milton Friedman, book Capitalism and Freedom

Source: Capitalism and Freedom (1962), Ch. 1 The Relation Between Economic Freedom and Political Freedom, 2002 edition, page 15
Context: The existence of a free market does not of course eliminate the need for government. On the contrary, government is essential both as a forum for determining the "rule of the game" and as an umpire to interpret and enforce the rules decided on.

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Milton Friedman158

American economist, statistician, and writer 1912–2006

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