There is a profound lesson to be found in the simple courtesy that is part of most transactions in the free market. We are taught very young that when someone gives you something or does something for you, you say, “thank you,” and the other person responds, “you’re welcome.” But most of the time when we buy something, both parties say, “thank you.” Listen for it the next time you’re at the store, restaurant, bar, or coffee shop.
Voluntary transactions increase the utility of both parties in their own judgments. Otherwise they wouldn’t do it. That is why both parties say, “thank you,” and that is ultimately how we survive – billions and billions of utility-increasing transactions sustain us and fulfill the desires of our hearts.
Think about it the next time the cashier says, “thank you,” and you respond, “thank you.”
