Jacob Soll, an accomplished author on economic history, discusses the provocative themes from his latest work. He critiques the simplistic notions of free market principles, especially in light of China's economic ascent. Soll highlights the essential role of state intervention throughout history, countering the belief that markets thrive solely on their own. He delves into the ethical foundations of market thought and examines the complexities of contemporary economic dynamics, using examples like Silicon Valley to illustrate the intertwined relationship between government policies and market growth.