Is "American capitalism" simply an embodiment of Adam Smith's An Economic Man?

Characterized by greed and isolated individuals acting purely to maximize personal profit As such perhaps self serving capitalistic tendencies are ripe for a replacement? A service berry economy instead neighbors and communities providing for each other. Not for profit only but to foster well being and mutually beneficial outcomes.

Top | New | Old

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

Adam Smith envisaged the nascent capitalist system he observed as spiritually and morally fulfilling. Hence the idea of the "protestant work ethic" and other aphorisms that link capitalism to personal morality. It is only in recent decades that capitalism has become divorced from the society it is meant to serve and it is seen to be acceotable to pursue profit at the expense of any social value.

View 4 more replies »

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@jehova No one pays much attention to me. I'd be a poor politician!

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@Roundandroundwego Some capitalists did. Others used their profits to provide housing, healthcare and education for their workers. Some capitalists today share profits with their workers.

Roundandroundwego · 61-69

@SunshineGirl without socialism, no providing for everyone. Capitalism for the West, yes, yes, yes! Do, do take yerselves out for profit. Yup!

SatyrService · M

they challene is choosig
Who,, ca you trust to act in an egalitarian manner
and who will only and ever atempt to exploit
pick a sall circle of the turtsworthy and dhare with that as is needed
nut be ready for the out group that is only motivated by endless gain

Roundandroundwego · 61-69

Americans have combined capitalism with imperialism and proxy wars to become hegemonic.

Add a comment...