Life is Made of Trade

Trade: The Essence of Life and Evolution

Trade is not merely an economic concept; it is the very thread that weaves life together. Without it, organisms more complex than bacteria would struggle to exist. Indeed, our very being is interlaced with the principles of free trade, permeating every cell in our bodies.

From Simple Beginnings

The earliest lifeforms on Earth, dating back over 3.5 billion years, were rudimentary single-celled organisms. These prokaryotes, devoid of a nucleus and complex organelles, still thrive today as archaea and bacteria. Yet, around 2.7 billion years ago, some of these simple cells stumbled upon the concept of specialization and exchange—essentially, trade.

The Birth of Specialization

These primordial entrepreneurs leveraged their comparative advantages, such as energy production and mobility. By forming alliances—where an energy-generating proto-mitochondrion exchanged energy for the propulsion provided by a proto-flagellum—these early cells discovered the power of mutual benefit, leading to survival and reproduction.

Cells Unite: The Eukaryotic Revolution

Over time, these trading relationships solidified. Cells began to encase themselves within a shared membrane, which specialized in protection and chemical balance. Thus, the first eukaryotic cells emerged, setting the stage for all life forms more complex than bacteria. The term “eukaryotic” derives from Greek, meaning “good seed,” a nod to the nucleus that houses these specialized organelles.

Tracing Our Ancestry

Modern organelles, like mitochondria and chloroplasts, reveal their past as independent organisms, complete with their own membranes and DNA. For instance, researchers can trace matrilineal descent through mitochondrial DNA. If one were to design a cell from scratch, it’s unlikely they would opt for such a haphazard system of genetic architecture. Yet, the gradual assembly of these specialized traders makes perfect evolutionary sense.

Energy Production and Specialization

The advantages these early specialists gained allowed them to evolve in ways that prokaryotic cells have yet to achieve, even after billions of years. For example, a modern mitochondrion can produce 15,000 times more energy than a typical bacterium, fueling the specialized functions of other cell components. Just like human commerce, this is a win-win situation.

Multicellularity: A New Level of Trade

Single-celled eukaryotes eventually discovered a new dimension of trade, where entire cells could exchange services with one another, paving the way for multicellular organisms. This exchange can be viewed as the first instance of international trade among different life forms.

The Rise of Multicellular Life

While multicellular life exists within prokaryotes like cyanobacteria, it was the eukaryotes that catalyzed the explosion of multicellular innovation, leading to the evolution of algae, fungi, and eventually plants and animals. Had some ancient prokaryotic protectionist imposed tariffs on this evolutionary trade, the trajectory of life as we know it could have been drastically slowed.

Complexity through Specialization

The next evolutionary leap required an even higher level of specialization, with groups of cells finding that they could survive better by focusing on specific tasks and exchanging services with other specialized groups. This phenomenon led to the development of organs—roots, leaves, lungs, and even brains capable of contemplating trade.

Symbiosis: The Inter-Species Trade

As we ascend yet another tier of trade, we encounter symbiosis, where different species collaborate for mutual benefit. Bees and plants trade nectar for pollination, while cleaner fish offer parasite removal services to other fish, leading to a better quality of life for both. These relationships exemplify how interdependence can enhance survival.

The Human Dimension of Trade

With the emergence of humans, trade evolved into a complex web. Individuals exchanged goods within tribes and across borders, leading to the rise of villages, cities, states, and ultimately, nations and empires. Over centuries, we have established a division of labor that enables global trade—when circumstances permit.

Life’s Intricate Trade Networks

It is fascinating to realize that all these levels of trade are concurrently at play. Every one of your approximately two trillion cells is engaged in internal trade among their organelles, contributing to the functionality of organs and systems, culminating in a singular consciousness capable of specialization, such as writing essays on trade.

Trade: The Foundation of Evolution

The intricate dance of biological and social evolution hinges on trade at every level, from the microscopic to the global. Trade is not merely a facilitator of modern prosperity; it is foundational to the very essence of life. A disruption in any aspect of this trade could spell disaster for most life on Earth.

A Cautionary Tale on Protectionism

Reflecting on this profound legacy of trade brings us to today’s tariff discussions. The potential fallout from President Trump’s trade policies could hinder economic growth and dynamism, akin to the stagnation of prokaryotes over billions of years. While prokaryotic organisms have thrived, their lack of evolution highlights the risks of protectionism.

The Risks of Escalating Trade Wars

The post-1800 Great Enrichment, a hallmark of liberalism, faces jeopardy if trade tensions escalate. A more sophisticated trade policy has propelled life from the first eukaryotic cells to the insights of Adam Smith and Charles Darwin—each a collection of advanced trading entities. The evolution of trade has coincided with the most significant improvements in human living standards.

A Legacy of Trade

Darwin was influenced by Smith’s The Theory of Moral Sentiments, exemplifying intergenerational trade. Smith achieved immortality through his writings, while Darwin drew insights that enriched his own theories. This relationship showcases yet another layer of trade to consider.

Conclusion: The Inherent Value of Trade

If you believe trade is more harmful than beneficial, you are not only challenging economic principles but also the very foundation of evolution itself, which, when measured by biomass, constitutes the majority of life on Earth.