Silvio Gesell's work, "The Natural Economic Order," presents an economic system that aligns with human nature, rather than one that arises spontaneously. Gesell believes that an economic system in which humanity flourishes will also be technically superior. He bases this natural economic order on self-interest, not religious principles, as the primary goal of economic life should be to meet physical needs. This system allows those who are successful to voluntarily support others.

Gesell's natural economic order shares similarities with the Manchester liberal free market system. However, he points out that Manchester economists incorrectly assumed that the existing conditions promoted free competition. The truth is, privileges related to land ownership and money skew competition. Gesell suggests that reforms such as free access to land and free money can create the right conditions for free competition, thereby realizing the ideals of the Manchester system.

In this natural order, the most capable individuals are favored through competition that is not hindered by privilege. This, Gesell believes, will lead to the advancement of the human race. He also suggests that land rent should be distributed to mothers to support child-rearing, thereby ending financial dependence for women. This would restore natural selection among individuals. In contrast, state control of the economy would hinder evolutionary progress.

Gesell asserts that the instinct for self-preservation is a better motivator for effort and productivity than altruistic ideals. He believes that communism fails to motivate people. The natural order, on the other hand, promises greater prosperity by fully unleashing self-interest. It represents progress beyond both early communism and recent flawed capitalism, moving towards individual sovereignty.

Gesell believes that the events of the First World War and its aftermath validate his theories. He argues that current ideologies lack robust economic programs and that reforms based on the natural order are urgently needed to prevent disaster. Nationalization, he contends, leads to official interference that is incompatible with individual freedom. The choices, according to Gesell, are to complete the transition to the natural order or revert to communism.

In his 1920 preface, Gesell reemphasizes that real-world events have proven his theories correct. The natural order allows for full individual development and eliminates the need for state intervention. He argues that communism is a reflection of primitive economics and reactionary control, while the natural order promises ongoing social progress through freedom.