2 thoughts on “Reciprocal Altruism in a More Cooperative Economic Strategy

  1. Altruism is a myth, we all act in such a way as to maximize our own self-interests. However that doesn’t mean that we act in opposition to the self-interests of others. Businesses which best meet the needs of others are those which are the most financially successful.

    However, that is not the only way in which we meet the needs of others while meeting our own self-interests. Adam Smith wrote: “How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortunes of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it except the pleasure of seeing it.”

    God has placed in our hearts the desire to help others to the extent that we are happier when giving service. That service meets our self-interest more than any alternative use of those resources.

    I have long maintained that love is when someone else’s happiness is necessary for our own happiness.

    We are all self-interested, but those who love our neighbors find the greatest happiness in bringing happiness to others.

    1. Enlightened self-interests tells us that the more we apply our will to Give, and really put in the effort, we will be happier. It is like one who wakes to everlasting life instead of shame and everlasting contempt. The light can only fill the vessels ready to receive.

      This post is an emphesis to the importance that our greed become inverted from wanting to receive to wanting to share, what you said, inasmuch.

      Thanks for the comment.

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