Capitalism or Socialism!

Opinion.

The Human mind seems to be split in its tendency to either lean towards some form of Capitalism or Socialism. Capitalism, on one hand promises efficiency, freedom, growth, and success to some, but at the cost of increasing the wealth gap drastically. Socialism, on the other hand, takes an ideal view of the world and promises fairness and a compassionate chance for all, but fails to take roots in a corrupt world leading to the exploitations of powers granted to enforce it. And it lacks severely the efficient and incentivizing ways of a freer market.

So, which is right and which is wrong? It is like asking if one should use the left hemisphere of the brain or the right. Capitalism is needed for anything to evolve successfully. And compassion is needed for us to go along together and create a shared pleasant experience on the planet.

I don’t think that compassion can be brought in via institutions, nations, governments or political party. If people are not ready to share wealth voluntarily to where it is truly needed, forcing it is a bad idea, where the enforcers ultimately take the cut, and thriving for success is punished. Compassion needs to find its way to the individuals who know it, value it, live it, feel it. And then comes a cultural shift. Political support is not needed.

So, those who are true in compassion, must play the game of Capitalism cleverly, successfully and without shame. And must share the fruits. The mission needs to be global welfare, and money needs to be the means to an end. Just enough competence is needed to ensure that money is never the obstacle to the real goals. And those who make money the main goal need to see that it is really a boring target on its own and they’re probably addicted to it. And must discover other purpose which helps the bigger picture and creates meaning for their work, which is in their self interest ultimately.

One fundamental principle in economics need to be clear: total money is not fixed in our society. And one making money does not necessarily mean taking it from someone else’s pocket. If I start a business which sets up a network of truck drivers and essentially cut all delivery costs by 10 percent, because of better client to business connectivity, then I can reduce the costs for everyone across the chain, get everyone more business and still make my cut in profits. Thus, making money and creating a positive impact in the world need not be conflicting goals.

Right now, we need compassion in the free market!