Is "free competition" then really "free"? nay, is it really a "competition,"--to wit, one of _persons_,--as it gives itself out to be because on this title it bases its right? It originated, you know, in persons becoming free of all personal rule. Is a competition "free" which the State, this ruler in the civic principle, hems in by a thousand barriers? There is a rich manufacturer doing a brilliant business, and I should like to compete with him. "Go ahead," says the State, "I have no objection to make to your _person_ as competitor." Yes, I reply, but for that I need a space for buildings, I need money! "That's bad; but, if you have no money, you cannot compete. You must not take anything from anybody, for I protect property and grant it privileges." Free competition is not "free," because I lack the THINGS for competition. Against my _person_ no objection can be made, but because I have not the things my person too must step to the rear. And who has the necessary things? Perhaps that manufacturer? Why, from him I could take them away! No, the State has them as property, the manufacturer only as fief, as possession. But, since it is no use trying it with the manufacturer, I will compete with that professor of jurisprudence; the man is a booby, and I, who know a hundred times more than he, shall make his class-room empty. "Have you studied and graduated, friend?" No, but what of that? I understand abundantly what is necessary for instruction in that department. "Sorry, but competition is not 'free' here. Against your person there is nothing to be said, but the _thing_, the doctor's diploma, is lacking. And this diploma I, the State, demand. Ask me for it respectfully first; then we will see what is to be done." This, therefore, is the "freedom" of competition. The State, _my lord_, first qualifies me to compete. But do _persons_ really compete? No, again _things_ only! Moneys in the first place, etc. In the rivalry one will always be left behind another (_e. g._ a poetaster behind a poet). But it makes a difference whether the means that the unlucky competitor lacks are personal or material, and likewise whether the material means can be won by _personal energy_ or are to be obtained only by _grace_, only as a present; as when, _e. g._, the poorer man must leave, _i. e._ present, to the rich man his riches. But, if I must all along wait for the _State's approval_ to obtain or to use (_e. g._ in the case of graduation) the means, I have the means by the _grace of the State_.[185] Free competition, therefore, has only the following meaning: To the State all rank as its equal children, and every one can scud and run to _earn the State's goods and largess_. Therefore all do chase after havings, holdings, possessions (be it of money or offices, titles of honor, etc.), after the _things_.