Comment by tavavex
6 days ago
I don't think business should be about just profit and sales, but your point is that it isn't about it right now, which I disagree with. It's not about us choosing to socially support or allow the narcissists to exist. The whole system that's set up here is self-reinforcing. The most greedy, selfish and cruel are empowered to rule over everyone else, because the only things that are rewarded with power and influence are gaining more money. Some people who run businesses with purpose and integrity still exist, but year after year they're getting slowly pushed out, until they will eventually occupy only the most fringe margins of economics and all the air is taken up by the narcissistic giants. In that sense, in 2026 business ventures are all about making as much money as possible and nothing else. Game theory-wise, anyone caving to their morals is playing business wrong and will lose, because that's how the game was constructed. As far as I can see, there is nothing you and I can do.
> I don't think business should be about just profit and sales, but your point is that it isn't about it right now
It both is about it and isn't about it right now, depending on who you ask.
> anyone caving to their morals is playing business wrong and will lose
You are one of the individuals who thinks it is about profit and sales. I'm recommending that you change your mindset.
If we change the culture, we might be able to change who's in control.
Anyone who thinks business is primarily about P&L should be considered mentally ill.
> You are one of the individuals who thinks it is about profit and sales. I'm recommending that you change your mindset.
I think you're severely misreading what I'm saying. I would never do or condone any of the abusive acts that modern businesses have largely sunk to. I'm just saying that the fact that our system has rewarded the biggest profit-chasers is completely obvious and will not change regardless of what my mindset is. Said profit-chasers are now integrated so deep into everything that it will take far more than regular people like us changing the culture. They don't care about culture, they already own everything and can do whatever they want.
I understand what you're saying, this is the part I disagree with:
> I'm just saying that the fact that our system has rewarded the biggest profit-chasers is completely obvious and will not change regardless of what my mindset is.
Specifically the "will not change" part.
It's our system, and we do have the power to change it. First we have to change the way we talk about it. Stop calling them "winners" and stop calling those who follow a moral compass "losers." Call the entrepreneur-types what they are: sad, selfish individuals who deserve no power in our society. They're not winning at anything -- they're dragging our entire society down with them and making all of us losers.
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