Good and well-functioning forms of capitalism and democracy are needed for Hungary to become a nation of satisfied and successful people. Good capitalism is founded upon the freedom, honesty, and trust of people; upon the respect of knowledge and achievement; upon the legitimacy and credibility of institutions; and the fairness and certainty of the laws guiding public affairs. Perverted capitalism is based upon deception, where the source of wealth is privilege or power; where public institutions are easily corruptible; where laws are regularly ignored; where the government protects the privileges of a few; and where public money creates private wealth, which all lead to unrest, apathy and economic disaster in a society. 

We must assure that our children and grandchildren inherit an honest and prosperous country. Therefore, we must take part in matters of public interest. Our goal is to assess the problems of the Hungarian economy and society, and to make recommendations to address them, so that a well-functioning democracy and capitalism is established benefiting the entire population. 

It is increasingly common in Hungary, for people to accept the values of others, instead of creating and maintaining their own. Many feel lost, deprived and betrayed, and depend on the failed system of the state taking care of them. Our false values, laws, and institutions often do not deserve respect, consequently they are often disregarded. We do not trust each other and do not believe that our families and the nation can bind us together. We need to abide by or agree on a set of norms and goals, public concerns must be candidly faced, and possible solutions openly discussed. We believe that realistic and thorough analysis of our challenges, proposals grounded in norms, and open and civil discussion of the same best serve our nation.

There is a good form of capitalism

Respect for private property, freedom to contract and the rule of law are necessary for citizens pursuing their private goals. In a well-functioning capitalistic system, individuals are valued based upon their knowledge and hard work. Capital is created by value-producing work and creativity. Respect is earned by creating and growing value, not seizing it from others. Capitalism can be good only, where the well-to-do consider it their duty to help the less fortunate, where public institutions follow the principle of law and order, and where institutions act in the service of the public good and values.

Earned respect is the foundation of value-creation

The ability of nations to overcome challenges and to prosper through centuries, requires the wisdom embodied in traditions, and innovation neccessary to meet the new challenges. Without the earned respect of leaders, enterpreneurs, parents or teachers, no such community can bequeath to future generations its cultural, moral, and historical values. Individuals and institutions have the crucial responsibility to apply, augment and pass down their accumulated knowledge and experience.

Good insitutions must be legitimate and credible

Good institutions are

• stable: they provide a reliable and sustainable framework for managing private and public affairs;
• impartial: they do not discriminate based upon social position, individual desires, or identity.

Such institutions and values can be established and maintained only when those affected have been involved in their creation, and when all those benefitting from them share the costs of their operation. Institutions are tested daily by constructive criticism and the functioning of their activities. Their credibility and legitimacy is rooted in honesty, dedication and good work. Well-functioning institutions are created and can be maintained only by strong communities, and, therefore, our families, cultural and historical communities must be cherished, respected, and strengthened.

Individual and communal success are inseparable

The bases for true success are honesty, sacrifice, creativity, achievement, earned respect, legitimate insitutions and values. Wealth acquired in this manner is not a matter of luck, privilege, or use of an advantageous position. It creates new values, opportunities, and sets an example for others, and justifiably earns the respect of the community.

As a strong voice in the public debate of social and economic issues, our goal is to educate, promote and popularize these ideas in society. Therefore, we establish the Institute for Capitalism and the Public Good with purpose of influencing public opinion on economic and social issues for a vibrant, successful and value-based Hungary.