The invisible hand of the market.
The phrase "the invisible hand of the market" belongs meaningfully to the economic lingua franca of the capitalist perception of the world, in both positive and negative senses. The content of this triple phrase can probably be explained by the fact that the natural development of demand and supply in the market, without external intervention and influence, is able, on average, to resolve the disproportions arising in a functioning economy. From time to time, an undesirable aspect breaks into the continuous functioning of the 'hand of the market' and causes a crisis, or at least a shock. Usually the reason is some inappropriate regulation, an attempt to forcibly alter the natural azimuth, but it can also be a natural disaster or a state of war. History, including the history of economic doctrines, confirms that this is always a temporary phenomenon, after which things may not return to their original state, but there is a period in which priorities are redefined and the invisible hand of the market simply begins to gradually operate again. However, much has changed since the proverbial adage was coined, i.e. since the end of the eighteenth century (by Adam Smith, a Scottish economist), and relying on the action of a natural and automatic control mechanism is a very risky behaviour. Gradually, a number of socially oriented economies have developed, re-distributing the taxes collected in a way that forcibly creates an artificial equilibrium. There are robust administrative units with complex governance structures and an apparent inability to predict the effects caused by the deliberate or mistaken actions of institutions or individuals. International and local politics are clearly involved, with an increasing number of irresponsible opportunists. In these circumstances, the natural order of things cannot be relied upon, let alone common sense, which might, in other circumstances, have manifested itself. The procedures that enable one to successfully handle difficult situations tend to be painful, expensive and take time. But they do exist. In today's globalized world, one hand is probably no longer enough; we will need both hands to work towards a satisfactory solution. Left and right.