Ιnterest Μachines

In our present times, Western civilization and rationalism have shaped humanity in a way that everything is measured and calculated with precision. Rationalism, which emphasizes logic and science, has led to impressive advancements in technology, the sciences, and social structures. However, this obsession with measurement and quantity often sidelined the qualitative values and virtues essential to human existence. As a product of Western civilization and rationalism, humanity has gained much in terms of material progress but often loses touch with the virtues that add depth and meaning to life.

 "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry offers significant lessons regarding the value of virtues. The character of the businessman who counts the stars illustrates how greed and the need for possession can distance us from the true essence of life. As the Little Prince says, "Grown-ups love numbers. When you talk to them about a new friend, they never ask you the essential things." This observation highlights how we often overlook real values and virtues for the sake of quantitative measurement. The Little Prince, through his search and encounters, reminds us that "What is essential is invisible to the eye. Only with the heart can one see rightly." This phrase underscores the importance of empathy and inner vision often missing in a world dominated by logic and science.

At the same time, the establishment of humans as machines of self-interest has deeply rooted itself in our society. This perception stems from the dominance of capitalism and individualism, which reinforce the view that self-interest is the primary driving force of human behaviour. From the time of Thomas Hobbes, who described man as "homo homini lupus" (man is a wolf to man), to Adam Smith, who promoted the concept of the "invisible hand" of the market, the idea that people act primarily for their own benefit has been deeply ingrained in Western thought.

The establishment of humans as machines of self-interest has significant implications not only for the economy but also for society. In a capitalist system, businesses and workers are encouraged to maximize their profits and productivity. This approach can lead to economic growth and material prosperity but often at the expense of social justice, equality, and environmental sustainability. From an ethical and philosophical perspective, reducing humans to machines of self-interest raises serious issues. Kant argued that people should be treated as ends in themselves and not as means to an end. When human relationships and values are sacrificed for personal gain, society loses its humanity and the virtues that make it functional and just.

The effects of this perception are evident all around us. In the business world, many companies pursue profit maximization at the expense of workers, society, and the environment. In politics, decisions are often driven by political cost and personal gain rather than the common good. In human relationships, friendships and partnerships dissolve when interests conflict. While recognizing self-interest is important for understanding human behaviour, it is equally crucial to seek balance. Developing a society that incorporates the virtues of empathy, cooperation, and solidarity can lead to a more just and sustainable world. People are not merely machines of self-interest but possess a deeper moral dimension that must be recognized and cultivated. While the pursuit of self-interest is useful and not inherently condemnable, it should not be our sole perspective. To create a truly humane society, we must invest in values and virtues that transcend individual interest and promote a more balanced and fair approach to human behaviour and social relations.