One of the inherent assumptions of neo-classical economics is that we're all selfish, rational, utility maximizing, humans. That's built into our understanding

One of the inherent assumptions of neo-classical economics is that we're all selfish, rational, utility maximizing, humans. That's built into our understanding of markets and how they function. Now I understand where the author is coming from, and I agree there is a terrible lack of trust in modern America. I just don't agree that the cynical view, that all humans are untrustworthy shit-bags, is all that terrible. Cyncism causes parties to make explicit their assumptions about future behavior. We can then codify this assumed behavior in contracts. If I was a battery manufacturer and I wanted to use Tesla's patents, I would approach Tesla and ask for a contractual agreement whereby Tesla agreed not to use those patents against me. If Tesla were unwilling to enter into this sort of contractual agreement with me, I would assume they were reserving the right to later use these patents against me.