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[–][deleted] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

I'm sorry, but when it comes to morality and human experience, I tend to focus on my own reality and experience. If I told you to check out different philosophers or whatnot, I would have to carefully explain what I see as truth in their works, since I see so much BS even in the stuff I like. The only thing that I can point out is this "one can call that Greed for brevity"

You are using brevity in the sense that you are short of time, right? Not that this definition of greed is concise? That's the other meaning for that word, so I would like to know which one you meant. If it's the first one, then it works in a way. If it's the second one, then I disagree with the definition. Here is the definition: intense, selfish desire for something.

Its not actual greed to pursue individualized goals, so long as that goal coincides with the life-affirming nature of reality. It is greedy, but only from a relative standpoint. It's worthwhile to understand, which is why I am interested in talking to you. Moral relativity is great for empathizing or understanding other people and their actions, but I don't think its factual truth on a cosmic scale. At a certain point, everything becomes relative to reality and how the individual deals with it. So, greed isn't greed when it is life-affirming, it basically is just the sentiment of "I won't get in the way of my self." Which people nowadays seem to think is negative, when in reality, it can be incredibly positive for both the individual and all involved with the individual. That's not greed, that's self-improvement, therefore, societal improvement.

I just want to say that Milton Friedman is wrong. He asks "Has there ever been a society that didn't run on greed?" Yes, they existed, but why do you think you'll be able to read about them in this day and age where we have had an Information War (War on Consciousness) for generations? Do you really believe that all humans from all of time have been inherently self-serving? If you think so, then I would say stop watching youtube videos, stop reading books, stop intaking academic information and spend time with people of all classes, and you will find that there are folks who throw their lives into uplifting others for no other reason that because their self-development, and the self-development of the person they're helping, requires it. You may call it greed, but I call that good-will.

[–]One_Jack_Move 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

definition: intense, selfish desire for something

I have an intense, selfish desire to stay alive. Am I "greedy"? Not by your extrapolation on that definition. But maybe I am, if I won't sacrifice my life for a bus full of children... I'm not sure why I chose the word brevity, only that my interpretation of greed includes "individuals perusing their separate goals".

You may be skipping over Milton's condition of "great achievements". I believe there have been societies that could be called successful, small-communities and co-ops, but they accomplished very little in the way of making life generally better. I like modern medicine, and cell phones, and believe it is important to make advances and discoveries that can benefit all. Maybe I'm brainwashed that this is a requirement for a great society? But it feels very crucial to me.

Do you really believe that all humans from all of time have been inherently self-serving?

Maybe not all humans. But by and large the vast majority of them, yes. And even when at their surface some may not seem so, deep down they are - at least in some facets. Most people have within them BOTH good-will and selfishness.

you will find that there are folks who throw their lives into uplifting others

Yes, and they are wonderful and admirable! Perhaps, helping others brings them more joy than helping themselves. In which case, I'd say those desires are non-selfish and therefore not greedy. Is that your point? Is there a system that props these people up to be an example for all? In this system, who judges their actions?

Thanks for a nice discussion.