“Those who advocate government action as an engine of economic development have been encouraged by a general and all-too-human tendency to avoid thinking deeply.”

It seems the author has the all-too-human tendency to avoid thinking deeply by tossing this opinionated comment at the readers.

I agree wholeheartedly! As a Libertarian, I can see where private enterprise outshines government subsidy virtually every time–even though these movers and shakers are frought with doubt, hidden costs, supply problems, etc.
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Quite possibly, another way to “explain” free market thinking to government supporter types would be to look at the highest caliber athletes: Bob Mathias, Wayne gretzky, Tiger Woods, and Michael Jordan. Many were taught by their parents (Gretzky & Woods), Some had incredible natural talents (Mathias), and all were inwardly driven. It is well known Gretzky’s coach with the Edmonton Oilers coached him very little–and mostly tried to stay out of Gretzky’s way. I suspect Mathias’s coaches did the same thing. This “coach” ended up with a true phenom: 17 years old, Gold medal (world record performance at ’48 olympics–only his third complete decathalon), who would go on for another record-setting performance at the ’52 olympics. Most interestingly, Mathias did not participate in the pole vault before the ’48 olympics–he only read about it in a book. He had perfect form at throwing the Discus. This picture is often cited in books. Sometimes genius is understanding the obvious. Mathias’s coach probably stood nearby the “trained” athlete and attended to his own personal affairs.

Jeff