Altruism Triumphs

A word-a concept- that is taking a horrible beating these days is SOCIALISM.Many react as though such a concept is the embodiment of all evil and that the implementation of socialist programs will be the end of freedom and individuality. Famous socialist like Buddha, Jesus, the Fabians and others are-apparently- subversive. Really?

Capitalism does support individual initiative, expanding markets and the ability-for better or worse- to amass personal fortunes. It can also lead to an objectivist rejection of mankind’s number one saving grace…altruism. I believe that every human being is born an altruist, being with a sense that assisting others is the right and proper thing to do. As life goes on, individual traumas and circumstances limit this emotion and we have people who lionize the greedy, the wealthy and those who seek to oppress.

Capitalists argue for individual initiative, no limits on wealth and the primacy of money in general. The image of Natty Bumpo comes to mind….the rugged pioneer wrestling with the environment and turning everything to his will. Does anyone ever succeed without another’s help or, more to the point, without someone’s basic altruism? Recently I have seen lists of all the socialist programs Americans accept without much enquiry. The Church you attend, the Social Security check you cash all reek of socialism and most would argue that they are good things. Even professional golfers play on courses they didn’t build with clubs they didn’t buy, in clothes that were given to them in sponsorship deals. Takers.

Rather than hurl grenades over the barbed wire of the socialist vs. capitalist battle we might step back and realize that most advanced countries are a mix of both philosophies. When these systems work well they are informed by the natural altruism of human beings that mandates our care for the elderly and the infirm. The young and striving need access to opportunity and a better life. The socialist/ capitalist cocktail is by far the most drinkable.

We had a St. Patrick’s Day dinner with friends who are marvelously altruistic. One couple has completely taken over the affairs of a neighbor who is failing. Another teaches Chineese immigrants English and two guests are very active in the Soroptimist Organization.Another guest works hard on affordable housing. They are un-compensated and working for free is bad business. There is no monetary ROI. They are a bunch of damned SOCIALISTS and thank heaven that they are.

As all of us age we better hope that these socialists -ALTRUISTS- are near and dear to us. They will advocate for medical care, bring us food and ease our pain. Let’s not weaponize a word that means so much. Set me up a nice cocktail mixed with capitalist and socialist liquors. They blend together well.