(C) Daily Kos
This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered.
. . . . . . . . . .
How They Poison the Roots to Kill the Tree [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2025-06-07
Why We Need Social Contracts — and Why They Often Go Wrong
I. Motivations and the development of the social contract
People can’t survive alone. But when they live together, there are constant opportunities for conflict—over food, space, property, or power. To avoid tearing themselves apart, humans throughout history have found ways to cooperate, starting with the family and building outward.
A classic Chinese story tells of a father whose sons always fought. He gave each of them a stick and asked them to break it—they did easily. Then he tied the sticks into a bundle. This time, none could break it. His lesson was simple: united, they’re strong; divided, they fall.
Real peace doesn't come from governments handing down rules. It starts in small, lived interactions—between spouses, among siblings, within families—when people realize that conflict weakens them, especially when outside threats loom.
As families form larger groups—clans, tribes, nations—they create more formal ways to manage conflict: rules, rituals, leadership roles. But successful societies always rest on an unspoken agreement: *“I won’t harm you if you don’t try to harm me.”* This basic social contract lets people live in peace without constant punishment or surveillance.
Problems arise when:
◉ people pursue personal gain without considering the harm to others,
◉ grudges and property disputes escalate,
◉ or some members become exploiters—parasites or even predators.
In every society today, three layers exist:
1. People who live by mutual respect and restraint.
2. Those who exploit the system while pretending to belong.
3. And a dangerous few who prey on everyone else.
We don’t need to be ruled by fear or violence. We can build societies that choose cooperation over domination. But we must recognize the difference between those who help build peace and those who try to break it.
II What Keeps Society from Falling Apart?
Science now tells us that humans are born with both selfish impulses and cooperative instincts. Babies express anger when they’re frustrated, but they also show a natural desire to help others. From early on, they can be guided to feel empathy—especially when adults encourage them to consider how their actions affect others.
Across cultures, people have invented rituals and habits that help keep the peace. Bowing, apologizing, or stepping aside politely all serve to avoid unnecessary conflict. Fairness is deeply rooted too—people feel uncomfortable when others don't do their share.
But being human also means juggling personal interests against group needs. Some people avoid civic duties, cheat on taxes, or even steal from their own communities. If this behavior spreads, it undermines trust—and entire societies can unravel. When that happens, crime networks grow, institutions weaken, and violence spreads, as seen in places like Haiti.
To prevent this, strong societies teach moral awareness. They nurture conscience, empathy, and the Golden Rule—“treat others the way you want to be treated.” They also avoid extreme inequality and conditions that might produce predators or parasites who exploit others.
Finally, everyone must chip in. Public goods—like clean water, safe streets, and working infrastructure—aren’t free. If you benefit from them, you need to pay your share. A fair and thriving society is one where cooperation isn’t just a rule—it’s a way of life.
[END]
---
[1] Url:
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/6/7/2326581/-How-They-Poison-the-Roots-to-Kill-the-Tree?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=more_community&pm_medium=web
Published and (C) by Daily Kos
Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified.
via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds:
gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/
