Rational Pirates
Pirates were not inherently more sadistic or brutal than regular society; they acted as rational, self-interested economic players within their unique context. The quartermaster played a crucial role in deciding what plunder to take, often prioritizing high-value items like gold and silver while considering the practicality of maintaining other goods. This perspective challenges the notion of pirate exceptionalism, revealing their behavior as a product of rational decision-making rather than inherent cruelty.In this clip
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EconTalk
Peter Leeson on Pirates and the Invisible Hook
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