Discussion»Statements»Rosie's Corner» Pragmatism and Capitalism go hand-in-hand. PERFUNCTORY. Absent any morality or emotion. That 's for the weak isn't it?
In fact, I would argue Capitalism is based mostly on optimism.
Sports are a great example. If we were pragmatic about it, few people would pursue the dream of a career in professional sports. Let alone something like participating in the Olympics. No, it's optimism that keeps them working towards those goals.
Then there is the optimism that the "market forces" will be a "check and balance" on corporate greed. While that could (and sometimes does) happen - pragmatism would reveal the consumers are selfish enough to prefer their own good (cheaper products) over the greater good (pollution, slave labor, etc). Thus, it is necessary for government to exert a degree of control.
As to being morality or emotion ... so are every other form of economics. In other words, morality is an artificial construct imposed by culture. Bribery is "bad" here in America - but accepted (and expected) in other cultures. And emotions are strictly human. A person immigrating from (say) Soviet Russia to America didn't suddenly have a change of emotions about things, just because they went from a Communist to Capitalist society.
Thank you for your lengthy and comprehensive reply Walt. It didn't reach me at all. It sounded like yadayadayadayadayada gibberish if you want to know the truth. I am not a fan of capitalism. You really think OPTIMISM plays a key role or is it rather GREED and a money hungry HOOR need to make money? See I'm hopeless when it comes to your view of this. Yadayadayada. Same as the stuff we hear from all apologists who do the down and dirty and think they are A OK when they do. I don't. :)
This post was edited by RosieG at November 19, 2020 2:16 PM MST
Capitalism is an economic system based on people believing that anybody can enrich themselves through the buying and selling of goods/services.
That's an inherently optimistic view.
There isn't really an economic system based on pragmatism, as they are all based on idealistic theories that look good on paper but don't take into account real human nature.
That's why there are no pure economic systems in the real world. At least, above a tribal level. "Capitalist" societies have elements of socialism. (Government "safety net" programs, public education, etc.) "Communist" societies have elements of capitalism. (At the least, they use currency for the exchange of goods/services.)
I think you should qualify that m'dear. ANYBODY WITH MONEY. Many people live on the edge of poverty their entire lives and have no extra money to invest and get wealthier. It takes money to make money. Of course you can cheat and get "insider information" and steal money to invest. But normally the very poor don't have the time to play those games. They often have had to work multiple jobs just to keep their families from drowning or starving or being homeless. I always take the view of the poor since I have always been nearer them than the wealthy. My parents were hardworking lower middle class. I know the value of a dollar. I once invested a few thousand dollars on a SURE THING. Lost a couple of thousand. Got out and never again went back to it. I will never be rich enough to gamble thousands of dollars to get rich. I need to know what I can count on and you cannot count on gambling. I need to not have creditors after me. I need to be able to pay all the bills I have. I have never once not paid what I owed. So for me the life of a capitalist is just a fantasy. Thank you for your reply Walt and the info. Always helpful! Happy Sunday before Thanksgiving Day! :)
This post was edited by RosieG at November 22, 2020 5:37 AM MST
But part of capitalism is the optimistic view that anybody can enrich themselves. It doesn't take into account pragmatic things like ethnicity or education.
So the view is people can climb to the top and reach the stars if they want to do so. What they don't tell you is most people don't have ladders or if they do they won't reach that far or if they do some of the steps aren't sturdy and could break with their weight? I see. Tell them just enough to whet their appetites but don't tell them everything. The way of the world. Promise. you don't have to deliver. You just have to con folks into believing you will. The way of the world. Thank you for your reply Walt and Happy Monday before Thanksgiving! :)
Walt O'Reagun 