Capitalism and communism are systems of political economy. Reducing those to a distinction between selfishness and altruism is a caricature unworthy of a serious philosophical discussion. — counterpunch
What are you grateful for?
Having the time to think? Having access to a forum such as this? Being sufficiently articulate that you can elicit sufficient interest, from a dozen people around the world, that they respond to your post?
Having enough to eat? Having shelter and warmth?
Company? Friendship? Love?
Having access to good books and sits that are worth reading?
Make a list. — Banno
To a large extent, I would suggest that the purpose of life is not an intrinsic one, but is one which we create. We can find our own meaning and purpose in life. — Jack Cummins
One would need to work within one's limitations, the constraints that apply to one's circumstance. — TheMadFool
That so, it is not merely reproduction that furthers the interests of the species, but also - knowing what's true. By knowing what's true and acting accordingly we could secure a sustainable, long term future for humankind in the universe - and after that, who knows? It might be travel to other stars, other dimensions, time travel, uploading our minds into machines and living forever. It might even be God; but whatever it is, if we survive our technological adolescence, if our species lives long enough, we will find it. — counterpunch
Altruism and egoism are human traits that far predate the appearance of capitalism and communism. — Pantagruel
I think the great challenge for each of us is to use what gifts we do possess for the collective good, — Pantagruel
That's merely the sheep's clothing with which the communist wolf hides its savage purpose. — counterpunch
There's something very childish about this. — Banno
It might be travel to other stars, other dimensions, time travel, uploading our minds into machines and living forever. It might even be God; but whatever it is, if we survive our technological adolescence, if our species lives long enough, we will find it. — counterpunch
I can show there's a truth relation between the organism and reality in evolution, necessary to survival - and on this basis I advocate acknowledging science as an understanding of reality and acting accordingly to secure a sustainable future. — counterpunch
Communism has failed every country that ever adopted it — counterpunch
They understand me not: I am not the mouth for these ears.
Too long, perhaps, have I lived in the mountains; too much have I hearkened unto the brooks and trees: now do I speak unto them as unto the goatherds.
Calm is my soul, and clear, like the mountains in the morning. But they think me cold, and a mocker with terrible jests.
And now do they look at me and laugh: and while they laugh they hate me too. There is ice in their laughter.
Over 9 million people starve to death every year, in a world that is pretty much entirely capitalist nowadays. Why is that not a failure of capitalism? — Pfhorrest
...while productive land can only be added arithmetically 1,2,3,4 etc, — counterpunch
Today, there are around 8 billion people on earth. Which is to say, by your numbers, that capitalism feeds 7.91bn people adequately, and you call that a failure? I call it a miracle. — counterpunch
See, that's were you lose folk. You made the claim that growth was linear, I showed evidence that it wasn't. You claimed the evidence was irrelevant. — Banno
Get involved in philosophical discussions about knowledge, truth, language, consciousness, science, politics, religion, logic and mathematics, art, history, and lots more. No ads, no clutter, and very little agreement — just fascinating conversations.