Why Socialism/Statism is popular

Why is it that not everyone is a freedom loving libertarian? How is it that many choose to support Statism, Socialism, Conservatism and other forms of the (democratic/autocratic) rule of the many over the few (and the other way around)? Is it because the arguments of libertarianism are faulty? No (then this would have been demonstrated). Is it because some people enjoy paying taxes and giving away their liberty and property to a few elected individuals? No (or else people would just give money to the State and follow moral codes similar to State-law, instead of just obeying when the tax-collector comes by). The reasons for the popularity of Statism are simple: Everyone thinks they know better on behalf of others, or is out to grab others property for either selfish reasons or their own "noble" reasons.

This can be explained with a hypothetical example: Suppose Mr Jones, a Leftist, believes "everyone should have equal access to higher education". Mr Jones will claim that this is a "human right", and a natural demand to make. He will present results from studies, which clearly indicate that education is a good investment for the student and "the society", and that poor individuals should not be stopped from educating themselves for "financial reasons". No, the Leftist says, education should be "free" and open to "anybody" who wants to seek it.

But how will the Leftist plan to accomplish his wish? Will he ask people to donate money, which in return will be given out as scholarships to students, for example poor ones? No. Will he donate money himself to support those who wish to seek higher education? No. Will he do anything which, in a voluntary way, eases access to universities for the few and the poor? No.

What he will do is say: "Dear politicians, please raise taxes on people's income and capital savings and use the proceeds to finance State-run schools so that every interested applicant can attend the study of his or her choice."

He will also say: "People are selfish and greedy and won't support students who want to seek higher education but have tight financial means to do so. Therefore, you must listen to my noble and just plan, and force it on everyone else, and never even try the voluntary way."

So, what does this teach us? How come Leftism is so popular? Because, either Mr Jones is himself a student in some higher education and wants others to subsidize his choice of investment/consumption, or he believes his opinion is so noble and so just that no-one should really have the right to protest in any meaningful way. And this is why Leftism enjoys wide popular support in many groups in society (notable the intellectuals and those who want to grab from the rich and bring to themselves).