In this regard, I recommend two books by Adam Smith,
"Theory of Moral Sentiment" and its sequel,
"Wealth of Nations."

Locke also had some good observations in his two treatises on government.

For fundamental questions, go to original sources whenever possible.

With appropriate political constraints, the market is a powerful engine of liberation, opportunity, and it encourages individual freedom and personal fulfillment. On the other hand, in a failed state such as Russia, the market descends into gangsterism. Thus the "government vs. market" argument is to a large extent based on the fallacy of the false dichotomy.

All successful economies are mixtures of market and "command" or government decision making, usually with a goodly dollop of tradition thrown in. There are many variations on the the theme of the mixed economy that can work well.