You’ve probably heard the phrase: “The market will correct itself.” It’s a comforting idea—the notion that economies, like pendulums, naturally swing back to balance after shocks. But history tells a different story. Without intervention, market failures can persist for decades, leaving entire generations to bear the cost of inefficiency, monopolies, or systemic inequality.
I’ve studied economic crises from the Great Depression to the 2008 financial meltdown, and one pattern stands out: Markets don’t fix themselves—people do. Whether it’s antitrust laws breaking up monopolies, stimulus packages reviving demand, or regulations protecting consumers, progress requires deliberate action. Waiting for an invisible hand to intervene is a gamble we can’t afford.
Look at the housing market. In many countries, prices have spiraled out of reach for average buyers, yet construction lags behind demand. Why? Because developers prioritize luxury projects with higher profit margins, not affordable housing. The “market” won’t solve this—only policy changes, like zoning reforms or subsidies, can. The same goes for healthcare, education, and climate change.
At Elyra Pulse, we reject the idea that economics is a hands-off science. Markets are tools, not natural laws. They reflect our choices—what we value, what we ignore, and who we prioritize. The question isn’t whether to intervene, but how to intervene wisely. Because an economy that works for everyone doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built by design.