D’Argenson’s Injunction: Analyzing Depth and Impact

René-Louis de Voyer, Marquis d’Argenson, a lesser-known figure of the 18th century, has some valuable lessons to teach today’s rulers of both deep and shallow states in various countries. As an early Enlightenment thinker and a close friend of Voltaire, d’Argenson briefly served as a minister under Louis XV. In his memoirs, he shared some profound insights that are still relevant today.

One of d’Argenson’s key messages is about the importance of avoiding envy and hatred towards other nations. He emphasizes the need to focus on self-improvement and cooperation rather than seeking greatness at the expense of others. This principle, according to d’Argenson, not only reflects wickedness and malevolence but also goes against our own self-interest.

The concept of “laissez-faire” is central to d’Argenson’s philosophy. He urges rulers to adopt a hands-off approach and allow for free-market dynamics to guide economic interactions. This idea of non-interference extends beyond economics and can be applied to various aspects of governance and social relations.

While d’Argenson’s language may sound collectivist at times, his ideas resonate with modern political discourse. Today’s leaders and their constituents can learn from his wisdom and strive for a more cooperative and mutually beneficial global community.

D’Argenson’s message is brought to life in a creative depiction by DALL-E, a virtual machine that envisions historical figures. While the representation may contain some inaccuracies, such as anachronistic elements and a youthful portrayal of d’Argenson, it still captures the essence of his ideas.

In conclusion, d’Argenson’s insights from the 18th century continue to hold relevance in today’s world. By embracing principles of cooperation, non-interference, and self-improvement, rulers and citizens alike can work towards a more harmonious and prosperous future. Let us heed d’Argenson’s call for “laissez-faire” and strive for a better world based on mutual respect and collaboration.

See also Eliminating Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Medicaid My Administration has been relentlessly committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in Government programs to preserve and protect them for those who rely most on them. The Medicaid program was designed to be a program to compassionately provide taxpayer dollars to healthcare providers who offer care to the most vulnerable Americans. To keep payments reasonable, billable costs for such care were historically capped at the same level that healthcare providers could receive from Medicare. The State and Federal Governments jointly shared this cost burden to ensure those of lesser means did not go untreated. Under the Biden Administration, States and healthcare providers were permitted to game the system. For example, States "taxed" healthcare providers, but sent the same money back to them in the form of a "Medicaid payment," which automatically unlocked for healthcare providers an additional "burden-sharing" payment from the Federal Government. Through this gimmick, the State could avoid contributing money toward Medicaid services, meaning the State no longer had a reason to be prudent in the amount of reimbursement provided. Instead of paying Medicare rates, many States that utilize these arrangements now pay the same healthcare providers almost three times the Medicare amount, a practice encouraged by the Biden Administration. These State Directed Payments have rapidly accelerated, quadrupling in magnitude over the last 4 years and reaching $110 billion in 2024 alone. This trajectory threatens the Federal Treasury and Medicaid's long-term stability, and the imbalance between Medicaid and Medicare patients threatens to jeopardize access to care for our seniors. I pledged to protect and improve these important Government healthcare programs for those that rely on them. Seniors on Medicare and Medicaid recipients both deserve access to quality care in a system free from the fraud, waste, and abuse, that enriches the unscrupulous and jeopardizes the programs themselves. We will take action to continue to love and cherish the Medicare and Medicaid programs to ensure they are preserved for those who need them most. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall therefore take appropriate action to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid, including by ensuring Medicaid payments rates are not higher than Medicare, to the extent permitted by applicable law. This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. DONALD J. TRUMP