ABSTRACT
For the political attempt to eliminate differences between individuals — by insisting on equality — actually harms individual health status. And thus disempowerment of the poor is not the result of markets, but it is due to their absence. This means the suppression of market signals and, due to failure to use tax transfers, a lack of income with which to secure good healthcare. Self-esteem is one of the vital foundations which the State undermines by 'knowing best'. Nozick says that 'self-esteem is based on differentiating characteristics:; that's why it's self-esteem'. The political attempt to eliminate differences between individuals limits opportunity, reduces diversity, and thus hinders the basis of self-esteem where it arises from comparisons with others. Empowerment can renovate self-esteem, by fortifying demand with money in individual hands. And the power of self-esteem should be given significant weight, alongside the inflated claims made for medicine itself.
