Are Capitalism and empathy mutually compatible?

[msc545]

I contend that they are not - the most virulent capitalists I have met are greedy sociopaths who have no regard for others. Think CEOs as an example.

Updates

+1 y

so far not a single person has answered the question. Just a bunch of "whatabouts?"

[RolandCuthbert]

I don't understand why people claim these issues are the result of capitalism. Greedy sociopaths exists in Russia, China, Cuba, Brazil, etc. Just ask any citizen in those countries. No matter what system of government or economic philosophy you embrace you are always going to find people who manipulate the system for personal gain. And some of them will be exceedingly good at it.

It is a question for the society they are in, as to whether or not there are enough sheeple for them to fleece and to indoctrinate to their cause.

[msc545]

Capitalism, however, provides unique opportunities for Sociopaths to exploit others.

[RolandCuthbert]

That is simply not true. In fact, up until recently Capitalism was much harder to exploit than other systems.

MAGA found a way by blending in "White" nationalism.

[msc545]

You don't have to exploit Capitalism. The opportunities are baked into the system.

[RolandCuthbert]

Again, not true. Communism, monarchies, dictatorships, etc. have decades if not centuries of exploitative behavior to reference. All of Capitalism's mistakes are recent.

[msc545]

We can agree to disagree here. Capitalism has offered unique opportunities for corruption and exploitation since its inception. The only thing arguably worse is slavery, which may not be, since the slaveowner at least has to house and feed his slaves.

[RolandCuthbert]

And I want to know which societies have fallen because of capitalism?

We name an endless list of failed communist states, monarchies, etc.

[msc545]

Instead, ask yourself which countries have had violent revolutions because of Capitalism? Cuba and Vietnam are two of them.

[RolandCuthbert]

Cuba and Vietnam are not feathers in your cap. Because even if you made an successful argument that they were capitalist economies, the replacement systems were just as bad or even worse.

Meanwhile, look at the successes of the Soviet Union, China, Poland, Belarus, Yemen, Mongolia, etc.

The list is endless. Not because communism is bad, but because it gives greed, lying manipulative people access to wealth and power by centralizing it.

[msc545]

So why do you think that the revolutions in Cuba and Vietnam occurred?

[RolandCuthbert]

They occurred because people rejected the status quo. And if these systems are doing so well now, why are there so many refugees fleeing these nations for "capitalist" societies?

The fact is, they can't even rebel. Because these regimes are totalitarian in their administration, there is very little chance to organize any kind of opposition.

Unlike the United States. We nearly had our government overthrown. And were not going to replace it with "capitalism". It was going to be an authoritarian regime.

[msc545]

ok right.

[RealMarek]

I don’t think they are necessarily inherently compatible or incompatible. It depends on the individuals and collective ideology of the elite. Unfortunately, our current elites are some of the most self-interested sociopathic elites ever. Any system of economics in their hands would be used remorselessly for their own ends without regard for the health of the common people.

[msc545]

This!

[jorfan3]

I wouldn't say Capitalism's focus is compassion. It's focus is hard work. So I would agree, it isn't compassionate.

Communism or socialism, though, you could argue is centered around power, not compassion.

[lightbulb27]

good question, not sure, tossup. capitalism is about the nature of how challenge makes us better.

When we compete we get better by way of the diverse challenge. But when we beat our oponents, doesn't mean we have no empathy for them. I think nature of it draws certain personalities to bubble to the top and they have minimal empathy.

[exitseven]

I think that sociopaths is a too strong a word. I knew a few multi millionaires. Some were selfish and sme were generous. They were all neurotic. Money was not the Endgame.

[msc545]

Money is always the end goal of capitalists.

[exitseven]

To me it always seemed like they were overcompensating for something and thought that money was the way to do it.

[msc545]

Rationalizations.

[KrakenAttackin]

@msc545. POWER is the end goal of every system, it's just that in Capitalism power comes through money, whereas in Communism power comes through position.

[msc545]

@KrakenAttackin Uh, not talking about Communism here at all.

[KrakenAttackin]

Just making a comparison.

[Hispanic-Cool-Guy]

Yes. Just because most capitalist are pricks doesn't mean they aren't good and honest capitalist people out there that pay their employees what is fair and just.

[Sasahara]

Yes, thats why there are for example food banks or charities. People with money donates so less fortunate can get help. Its perfectly possible to both have the economic system we currently have, and have empathy too.

[msc545]

Capitalists only contribute to charities to get tax write-offs.

[Sasahara]

How did I not answer your question? My answer quite literally starts with yes. Again, its perfectly possible to have the economic system we have and empathy.

[msc545]

Things such as food banks ae exceptions to Capitalism. In a perfect Capital society, there would be no food banks, and people would simply work or starve to death. Like many do in the US now.

[Sasahara]

Exception or not, they do prove that captialism and empathy are compatible and can coexists.

[Dargil]

Yes they are, but empathy must come from individuals, not the government. If I will accept a Ukrainian refugee into my home, I will. It's not government's business to give them my tax dollars.

[joeldalton]

lmao. Do you know all CEO's? Are you claiming that communists are empaths?

[msc545]

Communism has nothing to do wit this. I am just asking a question.

[joeldalton]

And I asked if you know all CEO's.

[msc545]

Don't answer questions with questions, please.

[joeldalton]

You made the assertion, I'm wondering if you can back it up.

[msc545]

You are committing the "Not All" fallacy.

[joeldalton]

And you are committing the "I'm full of shit" fallacy.

[KrakenAttackin]

There are violent sociopaths in every ideology. Look how much killing has been done under Communism.

[Anonymous]

I'm a capitalist and no empathy, guess that checks out hence why liberals want me dead

[Snakeyes7]

Empathy can flourish easier in a capitalist system than in a socialist system.