In 1907, J.P. Morgan was first viewed as the savior of the market, and then as the enemy of the commonweal.

Let us reflect anew on the consequences of this ancient directive No one has the right to rob or dispossess in any way whatsoever any other person or the commonweal.

In other words, global rules and institutions can make it easier and more likely that all involved will hew to their own citizens broader interests and thus to the global commonweal as well.

The drought in Guizhou, whatever its cause, is a reminder that the fate of China s people has become inextricably linked to what happens elsewhere, and that no country can opt out or find unilateral solutions separate from the global commonweal any longer.