The most important thing I learned this semester is that its impossible to actually compare economic systems because of the effects of culture. Even two countries that are both capitalist, or socialist or whatever have very different economies. In part because they have different human and natural resources but primarily due to culture. I used to think of economics as very cold, mathematical and somewhat arcane, but now I think about it differently. It has really made me think about why we end up with the economy we have and what would have to change to change the economy. I used to put the blame for our economic situation on politicians and CEOs but im starting to think of how I need to change if I want the country to.