Anti-Capitalist Sentiment (with some morality)

[OngBonga]

Love it or hate it, capitalism is pretty much responsible for everything good that has ever existed

I do not agree with this. I thought about this somewhat before actually saying so. I think the opposite. I think it brings out the worst traits in humans. Greed is rewarded, screwing people over legally is the way to be successful. Everything good that has ever existed? What, like love? Friendship? Community? Art? Chess? I didn't realise it was capitalism that gave me what I value most.

The problem with this idea is that it assumes a different system would not be able to provide the things that capitalism has, such as medicine. I don't doubt capitalism is as good as we've had it. I'm not suggesting communism or socialism because they are even more flawed, at least it seems so. But just because it's as good as we've ever had it, that does not mean it's as good as it could, or should be.

[wufwugy]

I do not agree with this. I thought about this somewhat before actually saying so. I think the opposite.

Oh I get it now. In that case, don't forget the save a pretzel for the gas jets!

[Renton]

What, like love? Friendship? Community? Art? Chess?

Yeah, actually. Pre-capitalist societies had to struggle so hard to even stay alive that there wasn't really much time for chess or art or love. Those things are actually secondary needs which take a back seat to food/shelter/security, and increasing the wealth of a society allows people to have easier lives and more free time to spend on artistic endeavors, or freedom to have relationships outside of pure utility ("I have to stay with this poor of the world).

Now i'm sure your rebuttal will be that socialist policies or the resource-based economy idea would alleviate the problems of the poor, but that's just not practically possible. Capitalism as I said recognizes that scarcity exists, and attempts to deal with it in the best way, resources are distributed based on their greatest need. Socialism attempts to mask scarcity and often outright denies its existence, with devastating consequences that leave the poor even poorer than they started.