Quote:
Originally Posted by Heckler
Wrong. Human nature has many elements, it is culture that dictates what is considered highest priority.
Self interest IS a powerful motivator, but to make that one's sole motivation is sad and limits one's growth as a moral being.
Socialism does not require you to live your life for anyone else, it reminds us that we are actually in this as a community, as well as an individual level.
NOBODY is a self made man. That's a myth. We all work together in many ways.
I wouldn't necessarily make the claim you are greedy, but I think it is a cultural myth that self interest is the only factor we should consider in economics.
The FACT is that many societies are succesful because of incorporating socialist and capitalist elements. Nurturing both the collective and the individual.
It isn't either or.
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I do not believe that human nature has many elements. I think societies and cultures have many elements but most work against human nature. It is human nature to want food and shelter, to want a better meal and better shelter. To me saying there are many elements of human nature is no different than saying the Iraqis didn't want freedom, they want to be held as slaves. Thats bullhockey.
Socialism does indeed require you to live your life for another. If I want a new car but the "group" or the "state" or the "grand poobah in charge of economic handouts" decideds I should not have one then that is exactly what I am doing. Its not my decision, its the "groups" and therefore my life belongs to the group rather than me.
Please define what you mean by "self made man" If you are talking about someone who is born in the woods, has no contact from birth with other humans and develops axes, and house plans and automobiles and skyscrapes you are correct, there is no such thing as a self made man. On the other hand if you mean someone who by his own efforts and choices acheives success as he measures it then there millions of self made men. I once read a quote that said 'We are all self made men, its just that most of us don't want to admit it". Of course we need to cooperate but its how that cooperation manifest itself that makes the difference. I would perfer to cooperate as a free trader, not at the point of a gun which ultimately is what socialism requires.
Self interest is the only factor. However self interest does not automatically mean me me me. For example it is in my self interest to provide homes for homeless people. Why is it in my self interest? Because my religion tells me that is something I should do, therefore in order to live up to the tenets of Christianity I help with Habitat for Humanity, with my church group and others to insure housing is available for all who want it.
As far as other cultures, tell me one that would identify with the Borg rather than the Ferenghi. I know this is a Star Trek reference but there is truth in why the Borg were the enemy and the Ferenghi were necessary to the Federation.
Its not the making of wealth that is greed, its what one does with that wealth. Putting it in a hole in the ground helps no one including the creator of the wealth. Putting it to use, either by building factories or farms or whatever to create more wealth serves more people for a longer period of time than giving it away and not being able to build new wealth. Remember, the poor do not create jobs for anybody