Capitalism = Human Nature = Greed = Ambition = Inequality?

Question

How does one tease these apart?

It seems lik right now the idea is that those who cheat the best are the winners.

Answer 1

You raise some interest quesstions--and "teasing them apart isn't easy. In fact, you could write a book on the relationship(s) between these issues--and people have. I'll list a few below.

But here's some short definitions/comments to get started with.

Capitalism--essentially this means investing capital (saved money) in production/productive enterprises, whit the expectation of making a profit (if you are the owner/operator, making your living in this manner). But you need to become aware that "capitalism" today is fundamentally different than the "propriatary capitalism" that was the basis of the US economic system until roughly the end of the 19th century.

Greed--be careful with thisone. There is a profound difference between self-centered greed and the "enlightened self-interest" of Adam Smith and the Founding Fathers--the latter is a concept that includes very clear moral constraints (imperfectly practiced, granted, but that 's true of any human ideal).

"Human nature"--I won't argue that we have one--and that there are certain common points that apply to everyone. But in today's world, defining what we mean by "human nature" remains a very fuzzy area. I'll guarantee you that any definition you come up with, I can show there are exceptions. The point is that this is a very tricky concept.

Ambition--Really not very difficult. Ambition in the sense of seeking personal achievement is laudable (provided your methods are ethical)--ambition that requires the subordination of others to your interessts at their expense, or involuntarily, is not.

Inequality--A much misunderstood word. It means more than "he has more than I do." In this context, two points--

1) in any society/economic system, you will have "winners and losers" simply because peoples' abilities vary. And evidence indicates that's not a "problem."

2) What IS a problem is what happens when "the game isn't fair--" when some of th eplayers have an advantage denied to others. Social scientists call this "structural inequality." Some examples are the denial of education to African-Americans in the past, barring women from certain jobs (or paying them less for the same work), etc. A structural ineqality, then, is any social institution, custom, etc., that serves to erect artificial barriers to individuals or groups.

ANd a final point--capitalism is not immune to any of the "downsides" mentioned above--but one thing often lost in discussions of capitalism is that, so far, no one has created a social system that is immune--and the overwhelming majority of societies have a worse record than capitalist ones.

Try: BRaverman, Monopoly Capitalism
Chandler, The Visible Hand
Smith, Wealth of Nations

Answer 2

I have read all the answers so far and they are all wrong.

True Capitalism is merely the right to own real property, land.
Land is the capital of ones worth. It is human nature to want to own property. Greed and/or ambition can buy property with money. Inequality is totally out of the equation.

You may run out of money, but if you own property you will never be broke unless you cannot pay the property taxes in which case the State will take it, which is unlawful. Your property is your kingdom and no state can take your kingdom without declaring War on you. But thanks to the State making Property Tax a Law albeit an unconstitutional Law, they say they can just take it. How many people would have voted on property tax if they knew that your property could be taken back for not paying the tax they voted on? NONE.

Property tax is not only repugnant to the U.S. Constitution, but to your State Constitution. Just go back to your Legislative Records and find out if the Property Tax Law was voted on by the people of your State. You won't find any record of what the vote was.

The U.S. Constitution, 4th. Amendment states," The right of the people to be secure in their person, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and not Warrants shall issue, but upon probalble cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

Since property tax is unlawful because it did not pass State sufferage, then how can the State take it for non payment of your property taxes. Answer, because we live in a Democracy and we dumb Sheeple do not know that they can't

Answer 3

good question :). short answer: pretty much YES.

greed you should rule out of your equation because it has nothing to do with human nature and ambition. is more of a psychological bad side-effect to this equation.

ambition is good and positive; nature makes sure it equips each specie with a survival mechanism. and in indirect definition of ambition, survival of the specie is it's purpose. it's natural to want things and therefor try to get it, become better to get it easier and was is natural is good (because it has a reason for existing even if some try to demise it or try to make it seem like a bad thing).

it's ok to adapt to the way of nature (you don't have to be a brute to do that, you have to be better by understanding basic needs). so ambition and inequality are perfect and give society plenty of diversity to make life interesting to live. :)

capitalism needs these two things because they are part of human nature and the reason why capitalism is the most successful system is because is the one closest to human nature rather than idealistic, artificial ideas (like ideal communism - and i am not referring to leninist communism).

the financial market which is a man made stupidity thrives on the social benefits of capitalism. humans need deeply to feel free and the monetary system being so artificial brings up questions (because it makes things so unequal between people). capitalism, by giving the feeling of freedom, it balances with the artificial of the monetary market and makes it acceptable for normal people (making them accept things the way they are).

bleah i'm writing to much already. if you're really interested in this topic, try an open mind to any outrageous opinions on social programming and try to reading some good / to the point materials and basic sociology and psychology, marketing and history... there is a reason and a trigger behind everything.

Answer 4

One might START to tease these apart by trying not to be so dependant on money, and instead focus on the things that really are neccessary to live. I know that sounds like the same thing...like you need money in order to have food and electricity etc., but if there were other ways to get the things we NEED like if we could grow at least some of our own food, and maybe use a windmill or solar panels for electricity...
It would not be easy...not impossible either, but definitely not easy, especially living in America/the world's convenience store. It would also be quite humbling which could result in such things as people being more compassionate to each other. Good luck.

Answer 5

Personally I think the Buddha had the right answer for capitalism. Give up your insatiable desire for material goods and only then will you find true peace. I think too often people expect government to solve the problem when in fact human greed lies with the individual.

Answer 6

I'm no economy major but capitalism=competition There are probably better alternatives that can keep the market competitive without negative capitalistic features. But what else is there huh
Communism no power no rights? If you have a better idea that run for congress or write a book!

Answer 7

The notion that all people are created equal is silly. No matter how much I might want to become president, I don't have the money, youth, good looks, intelligence, or political influence. It helps to be born with a large allotment of those attributes if you want to get ahead in *any* economic system. To believe otherwise is naive to say the least.

Public school raises sheep; private school teaches people to herd the sheep.

Answer 8

You don't need money in your equation. Power is an important factor. Bush's problem is not greed, but low esteem and the strive for power. If we went communist, power takes over money as the cause of inequality. That what happen in Stalins case.

Answer 9

In a perfect world you could. However it isn't because all of those traits you've listed have spread like a virus for centuries. Literally centuries.

Answer 10

and the ability to make your own future