Trader to the Stars exemplifies Anderson's romantic view of human progress. In it, a cunning entrepreneur solves mysteries and figures out ways to establish mutually beneficial economic ties between his company and alien creatures in outer space. Where governments and ambassadors are ineffectual, the robust and dynamic merchant Nicholas Van Rijn succeeds because he pursues enlightened self-interest. For him and his kind, peace and friendly relations are necessary for successful economic enterprise. Therefore, Van Rijn resolves conflicts, makes friends, and turns a handsome profit.

The notion that free enterprise brings the greatest prosperity to the greatest number of people is a theme common to much of Anderson's fiction.