Clever right? The title of this post does say it all. Not long ago, I believed there was a system that could benefit all of humanity. I mean, there had to be an economic system capable of appeasing the majority. Well, there isn’t. I am going to cover that here today.
When you think about yourself as an individual mind, how many friends or family agree with what you say, 50%? My guess is next to none. This is very representative that individualism is still very much alive. In a world full of virtue signaling collectivists, deep down we are all still radically different! I used to believe that an amalgamation combining capitalism, communism, and fascism could appeal to everyone. It just isn’t so.
When you look at differences in individual thought and mix in the struggle for control in an economic system, it’s clear that corruption is around every corner. I believe once an individual holds absolute power of any type, corruption creeps in. They will push their own “beliefs” of what is deemed good, onto the waiting populace below. Why do most follow these ideologies if they don’t agree with them? Fear, of course. Every system has an inherent “shaming” system built into it. If some do not acquiesce, they will be ostracized by the majority! This is how the system is meant to function long-term with little resistance.
When we look at the “root” of these economic systems it starts with the differences between individualism vs. collectivism! Collectivism is necessary for most economic systems to work. Without a collective hivemind, the system collapses. On the other hand, we have individualism. Individualism is the belief that one’s rights supersede the group, or collective. Anarchism comes to mind when thinking of individualism. Simply asking for the government to butt out of “civil” activities isn’t asking much. Quit usurping our labor, over-surveilling, and the restricting of free movement are just a few of the individualists’ wants. What I can see in most people I meet is their “scale” leaning one way or the other, favoring either collectivism or individualism. This inevitably will show their tolerance of any system set upon them.
As my title implies, there will always be a schism or strongly opposed division amongst humanity. The reason for this is the inability to recognize that corruption is the actual issue. So how is corruption remedied? Through fear of course. On the “civil” side of things, we could have term limits for those who seek political office. On the other hand, we of course have war, which is simply politics by other means as the great Von Clausewitz said in his work, On War.
Whether you are an individualist or a collectivist, it is your mind where you will find peace. Most of the economic form of ‘isms today are simply religions by other names. In this life, we must accept the bad along with the good. It is a life of sacrifices. What are you willing to sacrifice, and how much? Maybe you organize your own group to fight against the corrupt system. Another option is finding another geographic area to reside in, seeking out happiness there. If you hate the culture you reside in, I recommend trying another that may mesh with your own ideologies rather than oppose them. In the end, the one place you can be sure to find peace is the utopia you have created inside your mind. It exists nowhere on a map. It is only inside you. Your perspective is everything. The problem is you can’t stay there forever, you’re simply a tourist even in your own mind. Reality will be waiting for your timely return.