While it is true that some individuals and organizations may prioritize wealth accumulation and see the world in zero-sum terms, [1] it is not accurate to claim that this is the root of all current problems. Such a claim oversimplifies complex societal and economic issues and ignores the role of various factors such as government policies, historical events, and cultural norms.
Furthermore, while there may be instances where greed is promoted as a virtue, it is incorrect to claim that it is intentionally transmogrified into one. [2] People's values and beliefs are shaped by a range of factors, including personal experiences, cultural norms, and media representation. It is simplistic to attribute the widespread acceptance of greed to the actions of a small group of individuals.
[3] In addition, the notion that people advocate for their own oppression and poverty is misguided. People may have different values and priorities, and what may be considered oppressive or poverty-inducing to one person may not be the same for another. Moreover, individuals may face systemic barriers that prevent them from achieving their desired level of financial success, such as discrimination, lack of access to education or healthcare, or limited job opportunities.
Therefore, while it is important to recognize the impact of wealth accumulation and the promotion of greed on society, it is inaccurate to attribute all societal problems to these factors alone. A more nuanced understanding of complex societal issues is necessary to formulate effective solutions.
THANKS CHATGPT!
1. If you look closely, you'll see that I did NOT say that. (I
NEVER use absolutes. LOL.)
2. Yeah, mostly vestigial evolutionary "factors" that create current evolutionary disadvantages for us. By and large, we seem incapable of evolving beyond our current neo-post-monkey phase in which some get laid for hoarding Ferraris instead of bananas. If the game is horrid, who cares what one's individual score happens to be, eh?
3. Is it? (for you viewers, you'll need to expand the response to view #3) Most folks I observe completely and unquestioningly buy into the current economic model and all of its social implications. I do know
some who are more enlightened and have stepped outside the current cultural f/norm, but they are far and few between
*. I'll admit, even though I
get this, I myself have not yet entirely freed myself from it. It's very difficult. Structural inertia is a seriously powerful impediment to change. It's also a seriously powerful impediment to the observation of change, and/or to the observation/cogitation that change is necessary.
Let me ask you a question that is somewhat, but obliquely related. When I ask the question, do yourself a favor, don't look it up on the interwebs. If you happen to know, good on ya. But looking stuff up on the internet and presenting what you found as your own motivating knowledge is not just dishonest, but self-defeating and civilization-defeating. The only knowledge that is important and materially matters is the knowledge one carries around in one's head and soul. That's the only knowledge that is going to resonate meaningfully against one's daily experiences and observations in the world, and thereby, more deeply inform one.
Ok, here's the question: Why do the Amish shun many modern technologies?
* Yes, that IS intentional.
I'm now off to watch another Oh! pax-gets-thrown-off-a-plane video. See ya.
)
