Whenever someone says America can do great things, I don't think of battleships, fighter jets, or AI models, I think of Costco.
To note, Costco doesn't make much sense in most places outside of the USA (and doesn't have to. No shop needs to cater to the whole world).
It still exists in select locations in some countries, but are more exotic experiences than anything else. Shopping for weeks of groceries at a time is IMHO crazy niche, it requires a level of isolation and buying power that is seldom combined.
I think of this: https://patrickcollison.com/fast
Sadly this is not the case anymore these days.
Wallmart is absolutely impressive. But many places have something similar to Costco.
I mean, Costco is great, but I think the purest expression of American capitalism is Buc-ee’s.
"[W]hat earlier century had even a presentiment that such productive forces slumbered in the lap of social labour?"
Welcome to Costco, I love you.
Agree 100%. Costco exemplifies american dream... recent immigrants perusing well-stocked aisles, friendly employees, ample parking, cheap tasty hot dogs, etc.