- #1
Evil
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greed is essential for the progress of mankind but not for the individual...
agree?
agree?
Evil said:greed is essential for the progress of mankind but not for the individual...
agree?
Evil said:greed is essential for the progress of mankind but not for the individual...
agree?
This isn't a particularly meaningful statement unless you specify more precisely what you mean by greed. motai has pointed to some different ideas that can fall under idea of greed.Evil said:greed is essential for the progress of mankind but not for the individual...
agree?
Well, this is the theory anyway. The "not infringing" part is currently having fairly mixed results in practice...motai said:Greed works (consider the self-interest in the United States, lots of individual greed there) but it is limited so that it doesn't infringe on other people's liberties. But it doesn't work in all cases, especially the extreme case mentioned above.
The idea that greed is the only, or even the most important, quality that allowed the ancestors of humans to survive is fairly ludicrous. Plus, a definition of terms is even more important if you want to talk about pre-homo sapiens culture. Analogous qualities that would have existed are more likely to be called territoriality and possessiveness, which were certainly useful under some circumstances, but are hardly the whole story for any social primate.Artorius said:Back when our ancestors were savages, greed was good because it meant a better chance for survival.
Now that we are all civilized, greed is good because it means a better chance for survival.
Anyone trying to apply this phrase to human culture most likely neither understands evolutionary theory, nor knows much history or economics.It's survival of the fittest.
Good luck finding any reputable cognitive scientists to back you up on this...Of course, the frontal lobe allows us savages to examine alternatives. But greed always seems to win regardless. :tongue2:
plover said:The idea that greed is the only, or even the most important, quality that allowed the ancestors of humans to survive is fairly ludicrous.
plover said:Anyone trying to apply this phrase to human culture most likely neither understands evolutionary theory, nor knows much history or economics.
plover said:It is most associated with the movement called 'eugenics', not with (as you seem to be implying) capitalism -- for which it is not even a particularly good metaphor when examined closely. By using it, you invite accusations of racism and/or facism.
plover said:I honestly hope this post was a joke.
Evil said:greed is essential for the progress of mankind but not for the individual...
agree?
This is one of the "extra assumptions" mentioned above.Artorius said:How are superlatives implied?
Please note that my phrasing ("most likely") is not a categorical statement.A simple three-line post implies that the author "most likely neither understands evolutionary theory, nor knows much history or economics?"
I was precisely not making an accusation. The intention is to indicate that ignorant use of the phrase can lead there.For simply using a common phrase, integrated into colloquial language, a phrase that has been stripped of its original meaning and historical contexts, the author stands accused of racism and facism?
"Death is easy, comedy is hard"?Umm...it did have a joke-like tone to it, which was intended, but it is understandable that some people do lack the cognitive faculties to "get it" or perhaps lack a sense of humor.
This again is a matter of contextualization.I would have thought that the little green smily with its tongue sticking out would have at least directed one's perceptions to take the content of the post out of the realm of deep, serious thought into a more mellow frame of mind.
There is no simple answer to this question as it is a matter of debate among scholars. Some argue that greed is a basic survival instinct that is hardwired into our brains, while others believe it is a learned behavior influenced by societal and cultural factors.
While greed is often associated with negative consequences, such as exploitation and inequality, it can also drive innovation and economic growth. In some cases, greed can motivate individuals to take risks and pursue success, which can ultimately benefit society as a whole.
Greed can lead to short-term gains for individuals, such as accumulating wealth and material possessions. However, it can also have negative effects on mental health, relationships, and overall satisfaction with life. Additionally, the pursuit of greed can often lead to unethical and harmful behaviors.
Yes, a society that prioritizes greed above all else can lead to a wide range of negative consequences, including social and economic inequality, environmental degradation, and exploitation of marginalized communities. It can also create a culture of selfishness and individualism, leading to a breakdown of social cohesion and cooperation.
Finding a balance between individual success and societal well-being is a complex and ongoing challenge. Some suggest implementing regulations and ethical guidelines to curb the negative effects of greed, while others advocate for a shift towards more cooperative and sustainable economic models. Ultimately, it requires a combination of individual responsibility and collective action to achieve a more equitable and beneficial society.