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More like, capitalism is just a symptom of the root "problem" that humans are fundamentally self-interested
by shawnz 8y ago
More like, capitalism is just a symptom of the root "problem" that humans are fundamentally self-interested
- hutzlibu 8y agoThey are, but they are also also very social beings who sacrifice themself for others. Also, culture matters.
- shawnz 8y agoAnd capitalism enables occasional charity, if you want. So I'd say it's a pretty good parallel for our nature. Certainly though it's not the "root of the problem" when it comes to self-serving behaviour.
- pluma 8y agoCapitalism "enables" charity in the same way capitalism "creates" products. It doesn't. Wealth enables charity, labor creates products. Capitalism does however spread inequality, which in turn creates an opportunity for charity that wouldn't otherwise be necessary.
- shawnz 8y agoRight, capitalism enables personal ownership which creates an opportunity for charity. Which parallels how humans and other animals behave in general. They seek out personal possessions but also sometimes understand the value of sharing them.
- redwall_hp 8y agoCapitalism has nothing to do with personal possessions. It pertains to the personal holding of production.
- shawnz 8y agoAnd means of production are just one type of possession. I am arguing that humans inherently seek personal possessions, of which one type is means of production.
- pluma 8y agoHave you ever considered that maybe being self-centered isn't human nature but the kind of behavior capitalism incentivises?
- shawnz 8y agoYes, I've considered that and I think it is much more likely that capitalism was shaped based on us, its creators, rather than us being shaped by capitalism.