• nickwitha_k (he/him)
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    57 months ago

    That’s more a survivorship bias. People with anti-social issues have an easier time maximizing the profitability of their financial ventures.

    I think that we’re actual nearly in agreement. To clarify, when I say “anti-social mental illnesses”, I don’t necessarily mean Anti-Social Personality Disorder (not discounting it either but, it’s likely more complex than just that and it’s a topic that I am not aware of seeing much study because those afflicted are considered models of “success”). Rather, I mean that these individuals are exhibiting behaviors that are knowingly detrimental to the society and the human species for individual gain (most often gain that could be greater and more sustainable without anti-social behavior).

    Also, please note that I’m not trying to say “mental illness” is the cause of all of the world’s wrongs. Myself and just about everyone that I am close to have some form of mental illness and/or neurodivergence and I can guarantee that we’re not the cause (nor have we heard of a secret society called The Stonecutters /s).

    • @UnderpantsWeevil
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      47 months ago

      Rather, I mean that these individuals are exhibiting behaviors that are knowingly detrimental to the society and the human species for individual gain

      If you want to get really anthropological and take a long lens view, this is a process of speciation. Humans as accidental super-predators give rise to the Homo Capitalismi, an apex predator who annihilates the parent species in the same way humans annihilated millions of other species.

      Also, please note that I’m not trying to say “mental illness” is the cause of all of the world’s wrongs.

      Fair enough. I’ve heard more than a few folks suggest the medicalization of the market mechanic, wherein we can have our free markets if we just get all the CEOs on enough mood altering chemicals. Glad you’re not on that track.

      Myself and just about everyone that I am close to have some form of mental illness and/or neurodivergence and I can guarantee that we’re not the cause (nor have we heard of a secret society called The Stonecutters /s).

      A shame, really. Their music slaps.

      • nickwitha_k (he/him)
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        27 months ago

        If you want to get really anthropological and take a long lens view, this is a process of speciation. Humans as accidental super-predators give rise to the Homo Capitalismi, an apex predator who annihilates the parent species in the same way humans annihilated millions of other species.

        That is an interesting and incredibly dystopic suggestion. Could make for excellent satirical fiction. For reality, definitely an awful thought. Should the hypothetical H. capitalismi be anything but an evolutionary dead end, either a “cross-species” caste system would be required (those at the top tend to make up for lack of tangible skills with money) or major leaps in technology necessary to realize transhumanist visions. Such technologies are, barring major leaps, are unlikely to be available within any current lifetimes.

        Fair enough. I’ve heard more than a few folks suggest the medicalization of the market mechanic, wherein we can have our free markets if we just get all the CEOs on enough mood altering chemicals. Glad you’re not on that track.

        Indeed. I also want to be extra clear due to “mental illness” being the latest favorite scapegoat for things like mass shootings. My thoughts are more that understanding better why some individuals act in such anti-social ways could lead to potential rehabilitation but, more importantly, equitable social organization that is more resilient in the face of such forces.