[DollarGuru]

It's worth considering that it is human nature but in the context of the society it is based in.

The boundaries of human nature in regards to capitalism are very different across societies/ nations.

An example of this is the difference between the US and Europe. US capitalism is much more unrestrained, ruthless, and uncaring compare to Europe.

In the US the business is treated in higher regard and respect than the people compared to Europe. Of course Europe does this to some extent but it is more limited than the US.

The US would do well to take a leaf out of Europe's book.

[vonmoltke]

> In the US the business is treated in higher regard and respect than the people compared to Europe.

I don't understand what this means. What "people" are you referring to? What is the context for "higher regard"?

[DollarGuru]

People as in the average citizens. Higher regard being that the business has less control over the benefits of your life in Europe compare to the US.

Good affordable healthcare is standard many European countries. In the US it depends on your employer.

Minimum holiday entitlement in Europe is far more generous that in the US where again it is down to the business.

Maternity and paternity leave is better in Europe. In the US it depends on the business and your position in the comapny whether you get reasonable leave.

Unemployment benefits are more humane in many European countries. I have heard that in the US they will contact your last employer and whether you get unemployment benefits depends on what the employer says. While there are some limits in this regard in Europe your Ex employer's word doesn't hold as much weight.

I'm sure there are more examples I could come up with as well.

A small minority live fantastic lives in the US because the US has taken the idea of meritocracy and dialled it up to 11. The floor of the have-nots is much lower in the US in comparison to Europe because businesses have a wider degree of discretion in how they treat and reward employees. The person on the shop floor gets 1 week a year holiday while the regional manager gets 5 weeks a year.

Of course businesses in Europe have some discretion in the upper limits to the benefits they offer their employees but they are still restraint in the lower limits.

These differences I suspect are exactly why the GDP per capita is lower in European countries than in the US. Take Germany for example, an economic powerhouse and the 3rd largest global exporter. Impressive for a nation of just 83 million.

The US has a PPP GDP per capita about $10,000 higher than Germany I find it very difficult to believe the US is $10,000 more productive than Germany. The US just puts more value in wealth creation (business) at the expense of the people.

Europe has it's flaws in some of these things as well (e.g zero hour contracts) however it does better by the people more so than the US.