What makes humans different from other animals? Dogs steal bones, but they never buy them. We've elevated trading to an art form—even inventing 30-year mortgages. Professor Lawson demonstrates how trade doesn't just make us happy, it makes us rich through the power of specialization.

Professor Robert Lawson from SMU's Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom explains why trade might be the most fundamentally human activity. From a simple McDonald's coffee purchase to Julia Roberts' famous Pretty Woman negotiation, discover how every exchange creates value from thin air.

Using memorable examples from Tom Hanks in Castaway to the economic logic behind why American Coca-Cola tastes different than Mexican Coke, this lecture reveals the invisible hand at work in our daily lives. You'll understand why Adam Smith called humans "animals that make bargains" and how comparative advantage creates prosperity.

Key Topics:

Whether you're curious about economics or wondering why free markets matter, this accessible explanation shows how trade touches every aspect of our lives.

Free To Choose^® Network produces documentaries and educational content exploring the principles of economic freedom that drive human flourishing.