Hacker News Reader

Comment by SpaceManNabs | Hacker News Reader

That is not enough to most people. And if it is enough for others, then it is probably because they were fortunate enough to fall back on something better.

View on HN

> That is not enough to most people.

You absolutely nail the most profound pathology of our time. Being a decent, honest, smart, hardworking person is just "not enough" any more. We've created a normatively criminal society.

Was it ever? Ancient texts are full of complaints that people have become immoral, unlike in the Golden Age, which was conveniently long ago.

Of course. We've always had criminals. And as you say, throughout history people have complained about it. All I'm saying is that today people positively celebrate it, and - according to the parent poster - we now demand criminality as a necessity for "success".

Just looking at capitals of many countries, lots of monuments (statues, etc.) are dedicated to conquerors that were basically celebrated for successfully killing, subjugating and stealling from the others.

There are still people that have success without anything criminal.

> Being a decent, honest, smart, hardworking person is just "not enough" any more.

Indeed. People want to be able to own a home and/or raise a family, too.

> own a home and/or raise a family

Agreed. And any system that cannot furnish these human basics to decent, honest, smart, hardworking people neither has nor deserves a future. Any criminality people have ought to be directed at that system rather than ones fellows.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com