The contention here is that we evolved to be social. We humans, with the exception of the ability to analyze, plan and think long term, are no different from any living creature in the world. Biologically, we all operate on two basic needs: individual survival and procreation. Societies were formed when we found we could do more toward those two primary goals if we worked communally. No matter what face we put on it. when it comes to down it we are self-serving, our relationships political.
Where the difference comes in - what distinguishes us from this rather raw analysis - is when the issue of prioritizing others above self arises, even to the point of sacrificing one's own safety or welfare for the sake of another or others. We repeatedly hear of examples of this concept - giving with no thought of tangible return, even to the point of death.
Especially in capitalist societies, in which personal gain is the driving force of constructive contribution - and all too often harmful activity - is the primary goal of survival predominant. A capitalist mindset is not a giving mindset; it is an exchanging mindset.
So where do the elements of self-sacrifice, altruism, charity, empathy, kindness purely for its own sake, service, voluntarism, and all the higher attributes of human endeavor enter in? It is at the level of the spiritual, the elevation of consciousness that supersedes the demands of the mundane and worldly. Religious interpretations and differences are of no consequence, unless restrictive canons inside an organized religion stifle its adherents from discovering their true natures.
We can continue to try to build community on a political, quid pro quo basis, and follow the same path. Or we can call upon our higher selves to love one another as we love ourselves.
Is it constructive or Destructive! This has already begun my view of everything. Data centers are Destructive t people, jobs, the planet - to what end? What NET GOOD? Really nothing in the end. Long term- no net good. Only good for immediate money grab by the already oligarchs - while destroying people and the planet
Thank you for this informative conversation. I enjoy Brian’s Columns. People here use facebook, have found it to be negative, especially when they’re accessing their content. I have been busy with town hall meetings and attending them, in my time. If you like live streams and good content please subscribe to Lincoln Square.
Wow! One necessary step toward correcting our awful situation is to honestly define just what it is and how we got there. This conversation is an excellent forthright definition.
A somewhat counter thought. Socializing IRL requires a least some disposable income & and openness to vulnerability. Restaurants, bars, clubs, a movie or even travel expenses to a friend's house are increasingly expensive. "Socializing" via social media is practically free. The tech bros sold us on the idea that virtual relationships are just as fulfilling, but without the investment or potential awkwardness that comes with new environments. As the 1% continues to extract every last ounce of financial freedom from the rest of us, it becomes harder to get out so people stay in.
Every facet of the American Dream is being embezzled while they keep folks distracted with their online circus. But, they forgot the Roman's included bread with the circus to keep the population from revolt. Folks with empty bellies & nothing to loose become increasing difficult to entertain.
I see the potential for AI slop & the rapid enshittification of the internet helping to reverse the trend. If we could then claw back some financial stability & social services from the oligarchy, folks could feel more self-confident about their social standing & perhaps want to go out once in a while.
The contention here is that we evolved to be social. We humans, with the exception of the ability to analyze, plan and think long term, are no different from any living creature in the world. Biologically, we all operate on two basic needs: individual survival and procreation. Societies were formed when we found we could do more toward those two primary goals if we worked communally. No matter what face we put on it. when it comes to down it we are self-serving, our relationships political.
Where the difference comes in - what distinguishes us from this rather raw analysis - is when the issue of prioritizing others above self arises, even to the point of sacrificing one's own safety or welfare for the sake of another or others. We repeatedly hear of examples of this concept - giving with no thought of tangible return, even to the point of death.
Especially in capitalist societies, in which personal gain is the driving force of constructive contribution - and all too often harmful activity - is the primary goal of survival predominant. A capitalist mindset is not a giving mindset; it is an exchanging mindset.
So where do the elements of self-sacrifice, altruism, charity, empathy, kindness purely for its own sake, service, voluntarism, and all the higher attributes of human endeavor enter in? It is at the level of the spiritual, the elevation of consciousness that supersedes the demands of the mundane and worldly. Religious interpretations and differences are of no consequence, unless restrictive canons inside an organized religion stifle its adherents from discovering their true natures.
We can continue to try to build community on a political, quid pro quo basis, and follow the same path. Or we can call upon our higher selves to love one another as we love ourselves.
Is it constructive or Destructive! This has already begun my view of everything. Data centers are Destructive t people, jobs, the planet - to what end? What NET GOOD? Really nothing in the end. Long term- no net good. Only good for immediate money grab by the already oligarchs - while destroying people and the planet
Thank you for this informative conversation. I enjoy Brian’s Columns. People here use facebook, have found it to be negative, especially when they’re accessing their content. I have been busy with town hall meetings and attending them, in my time. If you like live streams and good content please subscribe to Lincoln Square.
Wow! One necessary step toward correcting our awful situation is to honestly define just what it is and how we got there. This conversation is an excellent forthright definition.
A somewhat counter thought. Socializing IRL requires a least some disposable income & and openness to vulnerability. Restaurants, bars, clubs, a movie or even travel expenses to a friend's house are increasingly expensive. "Socializing" via social media is practically free. The tech bros sold us on the idea that virtual relationships are just as fulfilling, but without the investment or potential awkwardness that comes with new environments. As the 1% continues to extract every last ounce of financial freedom from the rest of us, it becomes harder to get out so people stay in.
Every facet of the American Dream is being embezzled while they keep folks distracted with their online circus. But, they forgot the Roman's included bread with the circus to keep the population from revolt. Folks with empty bellies & nothing to loose become increasing difficult to entertain.
I see the potential for AI slop & the rapid enshittification of the internet helping to reverse the trend. If we could then claw back some financial stability & social services from the oligarchy, folks could feel more self-confident about their social standing & perhaps want to go out once in a while.
Go volunteer somewhere! Be of service and engage!
Oh Sam.... VERY wrinkled shirt.
There was also, I believe, a sense of trust in freedom to vocal or printed participation in the "public square". That is vanishing.