Humor, Freedom, and the Power of Ideas: Northwood Students Sit Down with Ken Schoolland
When it comes to explaining free enterprise, few do it with as much clarity — and wit — as Ken Schoolland.
Schoolland was featured in both the 2024 and 2025 Northwood University Freedom Seminars, where he explored the power of humor to undermine tyranny. The longtime Associate Professor of Economics at Hawaii Pacific University is also the author of The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible: A Free Market Odyssey, Northwood’s Fall 2024 Omniquest selection. The book, now published in 58 languages, uses satire and storytelling to illuminate economic principles in a way that is both accessible and deeply thought-provoking.
Schoolland recently joined Northwood students Bella Smylie of Clare, Michigan, and Isaac Fernandez of Holland, Michigan, for a far-reaching conversation about free enterprise, human nature, entrepreneurship, government overreach, and what makes societies prosper — or crumble. Their interview offers an engaging look into the ideas shaping the future of freedom.
Free Enterprise, Clarified — With a Smile
In the interview, Schoolland dismantles a common misconception: that free enterprise is about greed. Instead, he frames it as voluntary cooperation between consenting adults, where both sides benefit—or they simply wouldn’t engage.
From Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” to the modern complexities of global exchange, Schoolland underscores how ordinary people — through countless small acts of production and trade — create extraordinary prosperity.
He also traces the universal relevance of economic principles, showing how Jonathan Gullible has resonated everywhere from the former Soviet bloc to Ghana. “Economics should be fun,” he told the students, explaining how satire helps break down barriers that so often make the subject inaccessible.
Humor as a Tool Against Tyranny
Drawing on themes from his Freedom Seminar presentation, Schoolland unpacked how humor has historically been a powerful way to challenge authoritarianism. Tyrants fear being mocked — and for good reason. Laughter exposes contradictions, highlights injustice, and reminds people that oppressive systems are not as omnipotent as they seem.
His stories ranged from French and Chinese philosophers to modern economic thinkers, tying ancient wisdom to contemporary challenges.
Lessons for the Next Generation
One of the most compelling parts of the conversation came when Bella and Isaac asked Schoolland about Gen Z.
He praised the entrepreneurial spirit and global connectedness of today’s young adults — especially their fluency with technology and ability to build businesses from anywhere in the world. But he also encouraged students to stay vigilant about threats to economic freedom, from inflation to political opportunism to the fragility of civil society.
Entrepreneurship, he noted, is one of the quickest ways to understand freedom on a personal level: “Once people start a business,” he said, “they see firsthand how regulations and barriers affect their ability to serve others.”
Throughout the interview, one theme was unmistakable: Schoolland’s ideas resonate deeply with The Northwood Idea — individual freedom, personal responsibility, and the importance of free enterprise/voluntary cooperation.
Watch the Full Interview
To hear Schoolland’s insights in his own words — and to see Northwood students lead a meaningful dialogue about freedom, economics, and the future — watch the full interview here.