No Free Lunch and Other Myths

Our modern, democratic, capitalist society is replete with myths. Many are so intricately built into the social fabric their mythical nature goes entirely unnoticed and un-remarked upon, even though their influence may be considerable. One of the most popular is the "no free lunch" myth. This myth, in itself based on myths of independence and self-reliance, insists that no one gets anything for nothing, that there is always a price to be paid. True? Or mere fable?