Zero-sum game and equivalent exchange

Cassandre 2022-03-21 09:02:20

one,

It is a zero-sum game for individuals: there is no gain without loss, and there is no gain without loss. The world is inherently unfair, from birth, race, class, wealth. When resources are limited, you need to deprive others of things, so there are classes and wars, etc.

Think of "Conspiracy and Love":

Prime Minister: (strongly suppresses his anger) Humph! —You must be forced to know where your happiness lies. A lot of other people have worked so hard to get to the position that you can't climb up to, and you're just as confused as you are playing. You became a cadet sergeant at twelve and a major at twenty. These are the results I fought for before the duke. You will take off your military uniform in the future and enter the Ministry. The duke has already mentioned the privy advisors--envoys abroad--special favors or something. Does it not inspire and fascinate you that a bright future is unfolding before your eyes - a smooth road leading to the Duke's throne - to a symbol of power as valuable as power itself? Ferdinand: No, because my understanding of greatness and happiness is not quite the same as yours—your happiness is seldom not expressed in destruction. Jealousy, fear, and resentment are the miserable mirrors in which great princes smile. —Tears, curses, and despair are terrible feasts for the blessed and praised by all; and when they rise up drunkenly, it is time to stagger to the throne of God to be judged, and it is forever! —My ideal of happiness is contentment and self-restraint. All my wishes are buried in my heart.

two,

But for the whole, it is an equivalent exchange. It is impossible to generate energy and quality out of thin air. The gain of A comes from the loss of B. Is common prosperity possible? Make the cake bigger and divide it evenly? I don't think it's very good. Human nature is inherently evil, and desires are unlimited. As long as the speed of development is not as fast as the speed of consumption, it is impossible for everyone to be happy and equal. Malthus

Hmm, it's a little sad all of a sudden, but seeing such excellent works as steel making and so on, I feel that there is a glimmer of light even in the changing world and in the undercurrent.

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Extended Reading

Fullmetal Alchemist quotes

  • [after blowing open wall of Lab 5]

    Scar: Full Metal Alchemist! Take your brother and get out of here!

    Edward Elric: I don't need your help!

    Scar: Maybe not, but your younger brother needs you.

    Edward Elric: Let's go!

  • Number 48, Slicer: Older Broher: No, you don't understand. You must destroy us.

    Slicer: Young Brother: He's right. You must destroy us. There is nothing for the defeated but death that is our rule.

    Edward Elric: I'm not killing anyone. That's not what I do.

    Number 48, Slicer: Older Broher: You're too kind with your words. Calling us anyone, not anything. As if we could still be called human in this twisted state. I didn't say kill, I said destroy. Destroy these thing's we've become.

    Edward Elric: To do that, I'd have to admit you weren't human. And for me to do that, I'd have to admit the same of my brother and I can't do that.

    Number 48, Slicer: Older Broher: He's your brother.