[jstummbillig]

What a strange thing to say. Why would they? Do you have their interest at heart? Do you have the average persons interest at heart? Again: Why would you? That's by definition not how interests work. And that is roughly fine (albeit a kinder universe would be nice).

[saghm]

Even if I have no one's best interest but my own at heart, I can't do anywhere close to as much damage to society at large as a trillion dollar corporation. Also, corporations aren't people, and it's silly to compare individuals to massive organizations.

[jstummbillig]

That is not the point though? I am not saying that there are no issues with big corps and their interests. Theirs not being yours is just not one of them.

[saghm]

"An entity with a larger pool of cash than many countries and mutual influence with the government, which everyone agrees should have our best interests" not having our best interest is definitely something I'd consider an interest.

[jstummbillig]

Why?

Them not having your best interests at heart does not make them an adversary. Just like you not having the best interests of your grocer or work place or most other humans on the planet at heart does not make you an adversary.

[antonvs]

> That's by definition not how interests work.

It can be. For example, see "enlightened self interest" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlightened_self-interest), a concept that the companies in question seem to discard in favor of short-term profits.

The Golden Rule "do unto others" is an example of this concept, and it answers your question "why would you?"

> And that is roughly fine (albeit a kinder universe would be nice).

You're confusing the status quo with what must be. It's possible for people to have a sane interpretation of self-interest. We should do a better job of reeducating and/or removing from society the people who don't seem capable of that.

[RC_ITR]

>Why would you?

Because the fundamental building block of society (which we are losing rapidly) is some amount of care for your fellow person.

Your comment is a great example of how we Prisoner's Dilemma'ed ourselves into a world of isolation and decaying institutions.

[afavour]

I'd argue that society ensures (or should ensure) that we, collectively, do have the average person's interest at heart. The problem is when billionaires like these effectively decide to opt out of society. Stop paying taxes, bend the political system to their will.

Even if you think of them as the most selfish people possible, billionaires ought to have the average person's interest at heart. Because once the country is full of average people who are unhappy with their lives it typically doesn't work out well for those with power.