The Dark Knight Rises is exceptional. We must thank not only Nolan for directing the movie beautifully, but also the POLITICAL system that helped create the director himself in the first place. Confused? Let me explain.

We know well that both China and India are far from achieving even a fraction of the level of sophistication employed by Hollywood. And at least part of the reason for this failure is the underlying system of governance — the failure of socialism. In contrast, The Dark Knight Rises stands as a defense to the success of capitalism and freedom.

Although it may not be easily apparent, it is owing to the existence of CAPITALISM that movie directors like Nolan are able to put their creativity into action. In capitalism, their efforts are not sapped by a bureaucratic government eager to crush all individual endeavors made towards creating world-class products.

For those unaware of what ‘capitalism’ means, it is a beautiful political and economic system where every individual pursues his self-interest and, in so doing, also ends up benefitting the society. How so? Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, gave a simple example: Take, for instance, a bakery owner. He makes loafs of bread so he can sell them and earn income to fulfill his needs and luxuries. He doesn’t do so out of his love for mankind, does he? In pursuing his self-interest, he ends up fulfilling the needs of bread-consumers i.e. you and me. Thus, this voluntary transaction benefits both the bread-producer as well as the consumer.

This, in simple terms, is capitalism. It does not condemn self-interest because it acknowledges human nature as it is. In fact, it uses basic human nature to benefit entire humankind.

Chris Nolan too worked primarily out of his own interest, his selfishness. Do you think he created TDKR out of his pure kindness for the audience? Do you think he would still have created this movie for millions of fans if there was a 90% income tax in place? Absolutely not. He created it so he could earn in millions and perhaps also acquire fame.

The beauty of capitalism is that Nolan’s self-interest not only enabled him to get what he worked and aspired for (wealth and fame), but also served the audience i.e. us through providing entertainment. We, the “consumers,” savored every scene of this movie despite the ticket price being relatively expensive.

The Dark Knight Rises was possible because government STAYED OUT of Nolan’s business. Because state officials did not interfere into his private affairs and his pursuit of creating a stupendous trilogy. Because the process of getting required licenses and paperwork done was not hindered by the debilitating effects of bureaucracy which is rife in all government departments.

It is for this reason that I vehemently oppose government interference in private matters and vigorously support the slogan, “That government is the best which governs the least.” Remove the far-reaching hands of the government from almost all public affairs and what you get is high-quality products, whether it be movies, books, iPad, education, roads, railways, postal system — the list is endless.