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[–]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.