The idea that capitalists are “greedy” is interesting. I’ve only actually seen cartoon top-hat type greed among crony capitalists. I.e. it’s a feature of “socialism for corporations” economies. The freer the market the more the players are driven by things other than greed.
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These may be no better than greed (eg power, cruelty, sociopathy, revenge...), but point is, greed is not actually a good drive to have for capitalist success. It compromises your ability to compete intelligently. It’s a second-rate motive for second-rate business minds.
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Like Frank Underwood notes, choosing money over power (or almost any of the dark drives) is the mark of a loser.
If socialists want to really defeat capitalists they should start by recognizing that greed ain’t the driver of their toughest adversaries.
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3rd rate capitalists think they’re winning if they’re sitting on lots of cash
2nd rate capitalists think they’re winning if they’re sitting on lots of cheap debt
1st rate capitalists know they can only win if they’re solving for value money doesn’t even “see” yet
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Regular person mindset; investment banking mindset; silicon valley mindset?
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Exactly, and non-crony capitalism distinguishes "capital" from "wealth" -- the former creates/ is reinvested/ *produces* (goods, services, jobs, and yes wealth too) -- this simple distinction was an eye-opening insight for me
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But isn't this greed - i.e. the accrual of excess resources - just applied to more abstract concepts wealth? Or is your point that "follow the money" won't get you all the way there?
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For #2, I would have said ...if they
can access funds at a high valuation
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