This shows two things:
1. The power of belief over evidence

Walker concludes that amid the confusion of competing claims "maybe you go with the recommendation that seems most hopeful." How clearly this is born out in the way humans cling to every kind of optomistic promise, no matter how suspect the claim.

2. The falacy of the Invisible Hand

Adam Smith coinded the term Invisible Hand to describe an inherent focrce which would guide and free enterprise and capitalism with "enlightened self interest." Cleary free enterprise regulates itself in terms of self interest, but not in the interests of the people. Conservative politicians use the Invisible Hand to argue against the need for regulation of industry. Don't you believe it!

Getting Through the Filter
New York Times Magazine: Consumed, January 22, 2006