a) an economic system distinguished from feudalism and slavery by the fact that those who work are legally entitled to walk off the job when they choose (even though immediate financial hardship often keeps them from doing so) [why there is no inflation, nor wage increases during economic boom]

b) an economic system defined by its competitive and efficient nature, which pushes each corporation to reinvest part of its profits into developing new methods of production and new products;

c) an economic system defined by its combination of innovation, expansion skillful but often merciless exploitation of labor;

d) the general way of life and cultural production patterns of a capitalistic society, such as the reduction of all aspects of living--- health care, wildlife, creativity, information--- to the prices they can fetch. [Ellen Goodman on Viagra]