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Has anyone else noticed that throughout human history our survival has been based on our consistent want for more. Now where I come from that is called greed. Why is it that we consider greed to be evil since it seems to be iherent with the most basic of intincts the will to survive?

Originally posted by Word:
<STRONG>Has anyone else noticed that throughout human history our survival has been based on our consistent want for more. Now where I come from that is called greed. Why is it that we consider greed to be evil since it seems to be iherent with the most basic of intincts the will to survive?</STRONG>

Two things:

1) Who is "our?" History shows that people in cultures lacking none of Maslow's hierarchy of needs (physiological; security; acceptance/love; esteem/recognition) generally seek what they don't have from their neighbors only under the influence of leaders who push, prod, and control 'em. Let's not speak of "our" as though it's synonymous with "humanity." I would suggest it refers to political demagogues, in all times, and all places.

2) You refer to greed, but what you're really discussing is not greed at all; it's a series of complex cultural imperatives that usually include some variety of fear (see Maslow's need for security) and revenge (see Maslow's need for esteem). For example, when Germany invaded Poland at the start of WWII, it was perceived by the average German as revenge for the humiliation they suffered at the end of WWI. And WWI? A textbook case of a war that was driven entirely by politicians, who couldn't find ways out of their conventional boxes.

[ 09-04-2001: Message edited by: fable ]

Originally posted by Word:
<STRONG>Has anyone else noticed that throughout human history our survival has been based on our consistent want for more. Now where I come from that is called greed. Why is it that we consider greed to be evil since it seems to be iherent with the most basic of intincts the will to survive?</STRONG>

I think ye're getting ambition and greed mixed up. Greed is when ambition gets out of control.

Ambition: Going on an adventure in hopes of treasure.

Greed: Going on an adventure with friends, finding the treasure, then killing your friends and keeping the treasure for yourself.

^^^^Those are just examples, of course.

@fable- hey, that's what I was going to say

I also think it has something to do with the way certain intangibles have become legitimate objectives for some people, eg money.

An interesting perspective that I learned from my studies of South Pacific communities is that these supposed "primitive" communities (as they are called by many people) live a much more balanced life than the "developed" countries. For instance, the amount of fish taken is exactly the amount required for food, and it is divvied up according to need.
With capitalism, however, the incentive is to take all the fish you can, otherwise someone else will profit from those fish. This is real problem, too. Fishstocks have been destroyed in many areas
This strikes me as a godd example of the way money (as an example) encourages greed and distorts the "balance"

geez, I sound like Jaheira

[ 09-04-2001: Message edited by: Yanlee ]

True but isn't greed also never being satisfied with what one has, and when has the human race or any other animal been statified with what it has.

Well, I am not satisfied with what I have, if I were I wouldn't be taking classes and trying to move up the ladder at work. I don't see how that makes me greedy, I think it's more of a need most people have to better themselves.

I think that when you reach a point where you ARE satisfied with everything, they may as well bury you because if there is nothing left to achieve, there is nothing left to live for.

Exactly SC thats what I'm saying greed is an inherent part of our society as is curruption
and all the "evil" things we do.