In early January 2003, I attended the UW-USC basketball game.  My wife and I had purchased a general admission ticket for my son, but he was not in the mood to attend.  Since the ticket was already paid for, I decided to pick it up at the will call window.  There was a nice older couple waiting in line to buy tickets.  I asked them if they were intending to purchase general admission tickets.  They said yes, so I gave them the ticket I just picked up at the will call window.  I figured it was a sunk cost to me, so why not help out somebody else.  They accepted the ticket and I disappeared into the crowd entering Hec-Ed Pavilion.  I didn't know this, but inside the envelope with my ticket was a little sheet with my name and address on it.  About a week later, I received an envelope with no return address on it.  Inside was the above message.  This was totally anonymous.  They also included a Starbuck's card.  I used that card to take my son out for some milk and butterhorn cookies.  Victor thoroughly enjoyed it.  Whoever sent this note, thank you very much.

Now if you are missing the point as to why this story relates to the success of capitalism, think about it.  Capitalism works because of the generosity of others.  Those cultural norms are needed for a free market economy to work.  If you still don't get it, read this book or check out the research on this website.

(Notice that this note was also written on religious stationary.)