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pianoplayingsteve · 31-35, M
Depends, if it's an aspect of human nature you like, then you'll claim it has nothing to do with the system of capitalism, and vice versa.
Gloomy · F
@pianoplayingsteve It's more that under capitalism, many other aspects of human nature — such as the need for love, solidarity, and individuality — are secondary to the values associated with profit-seeking. Capitalism is therefore a system in which a certain tendency in human nature has won out.
pianoplayingsteve · 31-35, M
@Gloomy How does capitalism remove individuality?
Gloomy · F
@pianoplayingsteve To facilitate consumerism, certain desires must be manufactured. Obsessions with appearance and status symbols do not exist by default, but must be conditioned into the world view and priorities of individuals. A degree of individuality is immediately suppressed, as to truly live according to ones own unique beliefs would be to live in defiance of the desires that stimulate economic growth.
pianoplayingsteve · 31-35, M
@Gloomy I'll grant you that the current iteration of celebrity worship is based on capitalism, and it is ridiculous. However, the idea of having symbols of status, or to revere someone to the point of worship, is found in every system humans have created, as humans are tribal animals.
"A degree of individuality is immediately suppressed" in every form of society, some degree of individuality is suppressed as every society is a weighing of the needs of the individual against the needs of the group as a whole.
"as to truly live according to ones own unique beliefs would be to live in defiance of the desires that stimulate economic growth." I agree there, and if it were up to me, people can live how they like, however personally I believe that you can't have everything, and growth in certain areas means suppressing other areas. A simple way to look at this is, I'd love to spend all my money on video games and spend all my time playing them, but then I'd have no room to grow in other areas and bring more pleasure for myself in the long run. And so I suppress the desire to game all day. Similarly, I'm sure a lot of men (and a lot of women) would love to be able to sleep around with other people their entire life, however, there are benefits in suppressing that desire and settling down with one unit and creating a family unit.
"A degree of individuality is immediately suppressed" in every form of society, some degree of individuality is suppressed as every society is a weighing of the needs of the individual against the needs of the group as a whole.
"as to truly live according to ones own unique beliefs would be to live in defiance of the desires that stimulate economic growth." I agree there, and if it were up to me, people can live how they like, however personally I believe that you can't have everything, and growth in certain areas means suppressing other areas. A simple way to look at this is, I'd love to spend all my money on video games and spend all my time playing them, but then I'd have no room to grow in other areas and bring more pleasure for myself in the long run. And so I suppress the desire to game all day. Similarly, I'm sure a lot of men (and a lot of women) would love to be able to sleep around with other people their entire life, however, there are benefits in suppressing that desire and settling down with one unit and creating a family unit.