The Seeds of Self-Destruction

The seeds of self-preservation and self-improvement are, of necessity, born into every one of us. If we use this impetus to create, to invent, to improve on what has gone before, collaborating with those around us, then civilization will advance to the benefit of all.

But if the desire for self-aggrandizement is exercised at the expense of others, if we seek to gain wealth, not through our own creative labours alone but by exploiting and dispossessing others, by expropriating the work and wealth of others, the more aggressive will become richer while others grow poorer, and conflict, confrontation, violence and ultimately war will result.

We need Laws. We need laws which fairly and justly apportion demands upon, and uses of natural resources while respecting the requirements of good husbandry. We need laws to ensure honesty and fair dealings in commerce and industry. And we need laws to protect individuals from murder, theft, exploitation and oppression. This, in theory, should give us peace and prosperity, as human talents are put to the collaborative advancement of civilization.

It sounds simple enough. But so far it has never happened. Why? Because those who have already achieved positions of wealth and power either become, or exert a powerful influence over lawmakers, who in turn produce laws which suit their own personal or perceived class interests. Conflict and confrontation remain as the background to our political and social relationships.