[bufbupa]

I don't think your assertion necessarily holds. There are several schools of philosophy that assert that selfishness is the highest moral standard. If I were selfish enough I should realize that being cooperative with my fellow man was the best way to get more for myself in life. Recognizing that the pie can be grown allows one to align their personal greed with the common good. I don't go to work every day out of the goodness of my heart (some perceived moral standard), but to provide a better life for me and my family.

Take for example all the technological progress of the modern era. Little of that would be possible if we didn't have massive, stable, cooperative societies. Any rational, selfish agent should recognize this and not resort to hunger games. This is also the reason capitalism seems generally more productive than communism. Instead of trying to fight or rewrite human nature, its more productive align incentives such that we can harness it.

[the_arun]

Good argument! But logically doesn't line up. The sense of community itself is opposite of selfishness. If a person is selfish they don't think about community. Capitalism mixed with right amount of socialism (or vice versa) thrives! IMHO, being greedy for doing good to others & self (community) - is great! But greedy for only self growth at the cost of anything is dangerous & the success from it is short term. Then the person next to you doesn't think about any morale - thereby destroying the concept of community.