As we kick off the new year, we’re excited to share the Top 10 most-read articles on True North in 2025 — a year that saw powerful essays and student voices spark important conversations on economics, policy, and the future of freedom.
These compelling pieces range from incisive commentary on public policy and cultural ideas to student-led perspectives on government overreach and market principles.
Dive in and (re)discover the stories that resonated most with readers across the country on TrueNorthIdeas.org, a global connector powered by Northwood University to support the exchange of free-market ideas, philosophies, and practices.
1. “Why They Really Hate Elon Musk” by Connor O’Keeffe
What’s behind the establishment’s relentless criticism of Elon Musk? This piece, published by the Mises Institute, explores how Musk’s challenge to entrenched power structures — from federal bureaucracies to media narratives — threatens the interests of longtime institutional players, revealing the true fault lines in today’s political and economic debate.
Read it: https://truenorthideas.org/why-they-really-hate-elon-musk/
2. “Parasitic Ideas and Suicidal Empathy Are Killing the West” by Dr. Gad Saad
This essay by Northwood 2024-25 Visiting Professor and Global Ambassador for The Northwood Idea Dr. Gad Saad dismantles the ideological forces he calls “idea pathogens” that erode rational discourse, impede truth-seeking, and distort compassionate instincts into self-defeating societal norms.
Read it: https://truenorthideas.org/parasitic-ideas-and-suicidal-empathy-are-killing-the-west/
3. “Student Voice: Keep the Government Away From Our Food Choices!”
Five Northwood University students defend personal choice and economic freedom in this piece challenging federal intervention in food markets and advocating for the elimination of agencies and subsidies that distort agricultural incentives and limit consumer choice.
Read it: https://truenorthideas.org/student-voice-keep-the-government-away-from-our-food-choices/
4. “Trump Tariffs: WWFS (What Would Friedman Say)” by Lilliana Bernier and A. Noel Tokarev
Two Northwood University students bring Milton Friedman’s timeless economic insights to bear on heated debates about trade policy. They weigh the likely effects of a tariff-focused agenda and ask: Would Friedman’s free-market prescriptions stand up to modern protectionist impulses?
Read it: https://truenorthideas.org/trump-tariffs-wwfs-what-would-friedman-say/
5. “Protectionism is No Treat: The Hidden Costs of Trade Barriers” by Dr. Dale Matcheck
Northwood University Economics Chair Dr. Dale Matcheck breaks down the economic logic behind open markets and exposes the unseen costs that tariffs and trade barriers impose on consumers, businesses, and global prosperity.
Read it: https://truenorthideas.org/protectionism-is-no-treat-the-hidden-costs-of-trade-barriers/
6. “An Economic Baker’s Dozen: The Economics Behind President Trump’s Re-election” by the Northwood University Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
Led by Dr. Timothy G. Nash, the director of the Northwood University Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, this essay explains the economic currents that helped shape a landmark political moment. From labor markets to fiscal policies, this piece lays out 13 key economic factors that influenced electoral outcomes.
7. “5 Absurd Examples of Government Waste in 2024” by Patrick Carroll
From misguided spending to ineffective programs, this eye-opening list by the Foundation for Economic Education highlights how taxpayer dollars can be misallocated — sparking both frustration and reflection about the role of government.
Read it: https://truenorthideas.org/5-absurd-examples-of-government-waste-in-2024/
8. “Yes, Marx Advocated Violence and Political Repression” by Lawrence Reed
This is a scholarly yet accessible examination of Karl Marx’s controversial legacy from Lawrence Reed, president emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education, former Northwood economics professor, and longtime champion of liberty. This piece revisits primary sources to highlight aspects of Marx’s thought that have often been overlooked or misunderstood in public discourse.
Read it: https://truenorthideas.org/yes-marx-advocated-violence-and-political-repression/
9. “Channeling Hayek’s Words of Wisdom” by Dr. Alex Tokarev and Kristin Tokarev
Drawing on the seminal ideas of Friedrich Hayek, this essay from father-daughter duo Dr. Alexander Tokarev and Kristin Tokarev reflects on the enduring relevance of spontaneous order, individual liberty, and the rule of law — connecting classic insights with today’s challenges.
Read it: https://truenorthideas.org/channeling-hayeks-words-of-wisdom/
10. “Free Trade or Tariffs: What Makes America Great — A Student View”
A compelling perspective co-authored by a Northwood student and alumna, this piece debates the merits of free trade versus protectionist policy, advocating for policies that expand opportunity, lower costs, and enhance prosperity for all Americans.
Read it: https://truenorthideas.org/free-trade-or-tariffs-what-makes-america-great-a-student-view/
Thank you for reading!
These top articles represent the ideas that sparked engagement and thoughtful debate across our community in 2025. Here’s to another year of exploring thought leadership from academic scholars, industry experts, and leading researchers about personal freedom, individual responsibility, earned success, and free enterprise — all pillars of The Northwood Idea.
