4 ms·

Sadly this kind of greed and indecency seems pervasive in society. We're transforming into a new species: homo economicus.

gadders 1y ago
There really does seem to be a "vibe" in the last few years where (paraphrasing) "Society is going to sh*t so although this action is morally dubious, it's not strictly speaking illegal, so I'll maximise my earnings so at least I am well resourced when everything falls apart."
- conception 1y ago
  When you see it working so well around you, you get the idea it may work for you too.
- sorcerer-mar 1y ago
  It's called being a loser and we should ostracize such losers at every turn. Making money won't make them less of a loser. Can't wash it off, actually.
  - amelius 1y ago
    The problem: money is the new measure of success, so loser is exactly what they are not in this view.
    - sorcerer-mar 1y ago
      Strongly disagree. I know a lot of losers with a lot of money, and most people around them think they're fundamentally losers too.
- Nasrudith 1y ago
  They follow their leaders basically. Look at the pattern of avoiding claiming responsibility like the plague as it ends up with all of the downsides. When borderline the 'not illegal' legalist ethics prevail across all segments of upper society, with Congress sticking to that and blatantly illegally insider trading or worse instead of a higher 'avoid even the appearance of impropriety' the shit has rolled down hill. Although it might also just be an impact of illusions of nobility from the past shattered by increased transparency. George Washington abused his power to land speculate for one, presidents who had their affair participant institutionalized for stating uncomfortable truths about whose child was whose.
  - gadders 1y ago
    Agreed. And it also makes people think that behaviour like this is OK: https://michaelwest.com.au/macquarie-bank-privatisation-and-the-collapse-of-thames-water/ https://michaelwest.com.au/macquarie-bank-privatisation-and-...
theobeers 1y ago
Indeed, many such cases. Our society is full of institutions that functioned only because "no one in a position to participate would be shameless enough to abuse it." Then that assumption breaks, and it's ruined for everyone. It is relevant, though awkward to discuss, that a large share of NIH and NSF funding proposals (and indeed funded projects) are led by researchers who didn't grow up in the US. I wonder if it's in fact a majority.

gadders 1y ago

There really does seem to be a "vibe" in the last few years where (paraphrasing) "Society is going to sh*t so although this action is morally dubious, it's not strictly speaking illegal, so I'll maximise my earnings so at least I am well resourced when everything falls apart."

conception 1y ago
When you see it working so well around you, you get the idea it may work for you too.
sorcerer-mar 1y ago
It's called being a loser and we should ostracize such losers at every turn. Making money won't make them less of a loser. Can't wash it off, actually.
- amelius 1y ago
  The problem: money is the new measure of success, so loser is exactly what they are not in this view.
  - sorcerer-mar 1y ago
    Strongly disagree. I know a lot of losers with a lot of money, and most people around them think they're fundamentally losers too.
Nasrudith 1y ago
They follow their leaders basically. Look at the pattern of avoiding claiming responsibility like the plague as it ends up with all of the downsides. When borderline the 'not illegal' legalist ethics prevail across all segments of upper society, with Congress sticking to that and blatantly illegally insider trading or worse instead of a higher 'avoid even the appearance of impropriety' the shit has rolled down hill. Although it might also just be an impact of illusions of nobility from the past shattered by increased transparency. George Washington abused his power to land speculate for one, presidents who had their affair participant institutionalized for stating uncomfortable truths about whose child was whose.
- gadders 1y ago
  Agreed. And it also makes people think that behaviour like this is OK: https://michaelwest.com.au/macquarie-bank-privatisation-and-the-collapse-of-thames-water/ https://michaelwest.com.au/macquarie-bank-privatisation-and-...

theobeers 1y ago

Indeed, many such cases. Our society is full of institutions that functioned only because "no one in a position to participate would be shameless enough to abuse it." Then that assumption breaks, and it's ruined for everyone. It is relevant, though awkward to discuss, that a large share of NIH and NSF funding proposals (and indeed funded projects) are led by researchers who didn't grow up in the US. I wonder if it's in fact a majority.