THE MORALS OF THE OPEN AND OF THE CLOSED SOCIETY
The transition from a closed society, which emphasizes direct relationships and known needs, to an open society with a market economy leads to significant moral changes. In an open society, producers are motivated by potential profits rather than by understanding individual needs. This creates a new moral perspective that focuses on general rules of action rather than specific goals.
In open societies, investing in efficient production techniques is prioritized over direct aid to the poor. Groups that embraced this attitude thrived, leading to a belief that pursuing personal ambitions can benefit society as a whole. This is sometimes misinterpreted as a conflict between selfishness and altruism, but aiming for profit can actually result in broader positive impacts, as market dynamics can help those in need, even if they are strangers to the producers.
However, these moral views originated in urban centers and contrast with the instinctual beliefs that come from tribal societies. As moral obligations expand to include larger groups, the specific duties toward individuals diminish, creating a sense of emptiness for many people.
Efforts to revert to tribal morals or socialism often arise from a desire for visible acts of kindness that resonate with older instincts. Many feelings of alienation are not rooted in new moral insights but stem from a disconnect with the established rules of an open society. Longing for an intuitive, small community can lead to totalitarianism when the complexities of larger societies are addressed with simplistic tribal values. The key challenge is balancing ingrained emotional needs with the rational rules necessary for the functioning of an open society.
The transition from a closed society, which emphasizes direct relationships and known needs, to an open society with a market economy leads to significant moral changes. In an open society, producers are motivated by potential profits rather than by understanding individual needs. This creates a new moral perspective that focuses on general rules of action rather than specific goals.
In open societies, investing in efficient production techniques is prioritized over direct aid to the poor. Groups that embraced this attitude thrived, leading to a belief that pursuing personal ambitions can benefit society as a whole. This is sometimes misinterpreted as a conflict between selfishness and altruism, but aiming for profit can actually result in broader positive impacts, as market dynamics can help those in need, even if they are strangers to the producers.
However, these moral views originated in urban centers and contrast with the instinctual beliefs that come from tribal societies. As moral obligations expand to include larger groups, the specific duties toward individuals diminish, creating a sense of emptiness for many people.
Efforts to revert to tribal morals or socialism often arise from a desire for visible acts of kindness that resonate with older instincts. Many feelings of alienation are not rooted in new moral insights but stem from a disconnect with the established rules of an open society. Longing for an intuitive, small community can lead to totalitarianism when the complexities of larger societies are addressed with simplistic tribal values. The key challenge is balancing ingrained emotional needs with the rational rules necessary for the functioning of an open society.