The Greater Good
Soup Talk - The Greater Good
By: ERIN N. SIMON
Inspired, In-Spirit Publishing 2015
America is a country built on the premise of Capitalism. Where was Capitalism conceived? In a very intriguing principle. The economy is what drives capitalism, right? Well, Economists are known as "actors" which I find to be quite interesting. Utilizing the term "actor" will help you to OVERSTAND what our country is made of.
The term actors, puts me in the mindset, of them separating themselves from the events actually going on. It conceives in my mind, the idea of manipulation. There is no transparency within acting, as the person is taking this role so seriously, you are unable to see where the real person begins and the actor ends. Are these the people determining the pathway of our economy? When you separate yourself in such a way from the world you live, does that make nefarious decisions easier to execute? Is this truly the pattern of the world in which we live? Can we change this pattern? Yes, we can, but first we have to understand the fundamentals of the pattern in which the world works.
Adam Smith was one of the first economist. He has a very interesting quote. In his quote he is referencing the "individual" in his personal pursuits.
"He (the individual) generally, indeed, neither intends to promote public interests, nor knows how much he is promoting it. By…directing that industry in such a manner as its produce may be of greatest value, he intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. Nor, is it always the worst case for society that it was no part of it. By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it." - Adam Smith, 1776
All in all, in the pursuit of our own selfish endeavors, we are often able to help society. The idea of wealth and fame become incentives in establishing what society is able to use for the good of everyman, however the very ideology bothers me.
My text book study gives an example of when prisoners were taken to Australia from England. It is said, that the conditions were that worse of the slaves (I don’t buy that, but whatever). Many of them died. No one on board cared because they were paid prior to leaving for Australia. Many people had taken up the cause for the mistreated prisoners, but to no avail. Finally, England decided to pay for each prisoner, delivered ALIVE to Australia. All of a sudden, the mortality rate decreased. Very few died prior to landing in the Great Down Under. Why, because the Captain and crew, who before had no respect for life and the mistreatment of others, now respects the idea that they won't get paid unless the passengers live.
What if we adopted that ideology in modern times? The police Officer, pulling you over for a traffic stop, doesn’t receive a paycheck, if you are killed. Or how about, he won't receive credit for his work, if he doesn’t find a way to bring you in alive…I bet "ALL LIVES" would matter then. If, an incentive is provided to man, to do the right thing, then and only then, does the right thing happen.
Man is inherently selfish. It is my belief, that we are born into families, to teach us how to be less selfish. Although many of those lessons seem to go untaught. We as a society, in the information age, need to re-teach ourselves selflessness. Can we not pursue an endeavor to our own selfless end? Can we not find a way to reach out and touch others? Can we not find a purposeful way to contribute to society and the lives of others within the pursuit of our personal endeavors? Sometimes, it may not be money that is needed. Time is an even more precious commodity, than money. Words of encouragement go a long way. Going out of our way for someone else and lending them our talents.
How can we pursue our endeavors without becoming actors? How can we, in a transparent manner interact with others and contribute, ON PURPOSE, (Not by accident) to the greater good?
Ask yourselves these questions today. How does my craft, endeavor, dream, vision, aspiration, move us collectively toward a GREATER GOOD? How can I separate myself from the world and not conform to its pattern of selfishness and greed?
First, tell yourself the truth about your endeavor. Then, build upon it. Seek ways to better foster a contribution to society and to your community within that endeavor. Seek out those who need encouragement. Offer help, advice, and even your time. There are a plethora of ways you can better yourself and your endeavor. If you can think of other ways, please comment below.
As Always
Be Blessed and Continue to Bless Others,
ERIN N. SIMON
ERIN N. SIMON is a writer, blogger, and visionary in raising the conscious level within the African American Community. One of her passions is to create a Black Media that truly matters, is promotable, and shared with as many people as possible. In 2013, She and her husband started Inspired, In-Spirit Ministries where they have a real estate arm in Detroit Michigan. They have recently started a Publishing Company called Inspired, In-Spirit Publishing which have three published books on their shelves; Interruption: Shae's Search, Interruption: Interlude & The Series Finale Interruption: Alter Ego. Her husband has a company known as GS Investments in which financial freedom is gained one investment at a time. She currently resides in Florida with her husband and three handsome sons...
