The collectivists assert the socialist moral imperative that the highest good for each individual is to live for the sake of others (e.g., for the good of "society"). Marx summed it up perfectly: "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need." Hitler said the same, admonishing to live for the German Volk (http://www.shoaheducation.com/volk.html). Now-a-days, most people just call it altruism. The collectivist doctrine is to force someone to do something they don't want to do.
In stark contrast, Thomas Jefferson claimed the fundamental moral superiority was the individual right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in his magnum opus, the declaration of independence. This self-interest is the capitalist moral imperative.
For the pragmatists among us, which MORAL system created the most productive nation in the world in terms of economic abundance? Do economic systems need to be defended on a moral basis? Why?
DISCUSS!
Original posting by Braincrave Second Life staff on Mar 19, 2010 at http://www.braincrave.com/viewblog.php?id=143
