> Altruism is bad. Altruism is evil. Altruism is the end of
> civilization. Altruism is starvation. Altruism is the philosophy
> of death.
I agree with Uli that if this discussion is to continue it should be moved
off the OC List. I sense no one is going to change anyone else's mind,
certainly not Anthony's; but I'll offer one more thought:
Altruism is payback to society for the support society gives the
individual. No individual survives on his/her own. Tarzan not
withstanding, if one were seperated from all human contact at birth she/he
would die within a week.
Who grew, processed, packaged, and delivered the food you eat? Who built
the car you drive and the roads you drive it on? Who makes the telephone
and electricty work? Who built the computer you use? Who educated you?
Who will educate your children? Who grew or manufactured the fibers in
your clothing? Who cares for you when you are ill? Who provided the
libraries and knowledge base upon which your ideas or philosophy are based?
How long do you think you would survive if every other human being
disappeared from the face of the earth?
The idea of a self-made person is a figment of imagination of self-centered
egos. The idea that society is best served by allowing such self-centerd
egos to pursue unlimited accumulation wealth is ludicrous. The primary
result of this "trickle down" theory is an increasing number of peons. If
altruism is the philosophy of death, then egoism is the philosophy of
unbridled, uncaring greed.
Rob Cozens, CCW
http://www.serendipitysoftware.com/who.html
"And I, which was two fooles, do so grow three;
Who are a little wise, the best fooles bee."
from "The Triple Foole" by John Donne (1572-1631)
