Is capitalism a good thing? Journalist Katherine Mangu-Ward makes the case that "weirdos" left alone to innovate and explore far-out ideas in a free market system are our best hope for the future. She asks us to reconsider our qualms about capitalism, failure and corporate death, analyzing the recent history of General Motors and Facebook to illustrate why we're better off with a lot less government intervention.

Katherine Mangu-Ward: What capitalism gets right -- and governments get wrong

What capitalism gets right -- and governments get wrong

From 84% global poverty in 1820 to 9% today, capitalism's rise aligns with increased life expectancy and access to essentials.

Corporate failure, a hallmark of capitalism, releases resources for better use, mirroring the natural cycle of growth and decay.

Innovative weirdos driving capitalism forward, with government often hindering progress by protecting old industries and stifling new ones.