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> There is a strong positive correlation between wealth and assholeness. Then what's in it for me, rich person (In the hundreds of thousands of savings at 35,
by tajen 10y ago
> There is a strong positive correlation between wealth and assholeness.
Then what's in it for me, rich person (In the hundreds of thousands of savings at 35, starting from $500 at 22), to give back or be kind?
Nothing, since you'll keep assuming I'm an asshole by default. That's the experience I give above: People who defend poor people are real assholes to richer ones, independently of their generosity or personal values. The only way you like a rich person is when they're not rich (even then you'll keep beating them until they're dead, because of their background).
It's the same mechanics at play that skews incentives when people live under prejudices, as when a racist says "All black people are thieves". Then all blacks are incentivized to steal, because the good person won't be recognized. Even if, in a parallel world, thieve proportions were true in statistics, it would still be wrong, because we can't afford leaving aside the hundreds of thousands of honest black people. We must give everyone a chance and treat them with equality.
Saying "all black people are thieves, there are exceptions but there's a strong correlation" is an unfair generalization, just as saying "There is a strong positive correlation between wealth and assholeness [...] there are of course exceptions, but there is little doubt that the correlation is real". Which are... the exact words you've said.
- bcook 10y ago> Then what's in it for me, rich person, to give back or be kind? Why must kindness be justified? "Kindness is it's own reward", no?
- enraged_camel 10y ago>>Then what's in it for me, rich person (In the hundreds of thousands of savings at 35, starting from $500 at 22), to give back or be kind? I've done my fair share of charity and volunteer work, both locally and internationally. Let me give you a piece of advice... True kindness and generosity come from the heart. The positive effect you have on those you help should be the only thing that factors into your sense of fulfillment. If you are giving back and being kind to people with the mindset of "what is in it for me" then you will always feel dissatisfied and unfulfilled regardless of how others view and treat you, because in your mind it won't be "worth it." So yeah, if you're doing charity work to boost your social status or to deflect criticisms about your wealth or upbringing, you're missing the point.
- ahartman00 10y ago"If you are giving back and being kind to people with the mindset of "what is in it for me" then you will always feel dissatisfied and unfulfilled " Very true, but i think you misread his original comment(great grandparent of yours). Here is a quote: "I never expected a "thank you". But a little consideration and respect from the leftists would do." Based on the original comment, I dont think he is doing charity for the praise, I think he just doesnt like the automatic assumption of being an asshole. Making friends is much harder when people make that presumption. It is frustrating when people you've never met before criticize you, and they are completely wrong. But you can change their mind, because you are a rich person, and they all lie. I agree that you shouldnt do good just for social status, but it would be nice if you werent ostracized by people who have the same ideals as you.
- kafkaesq 10y agoNothing, since you'll keep assuming I'm an asshole by default. No, he won't. And you have no evidence that he will. But it's with this very remark, and the mind games behind it: "You're unfairly biased against rich people! I just know you are. So I'm going to call you on it preemptively, until you prove otherwise" -- that you are, objectively, exhibiting asshole-like behavior.