Yeah, man, and IT is one of the SEVEN DEADLY SINS. According to Roman Catholic theology, the seven deadly sins are the seven behaviours or feelings that inspire further sin. They are typically ordered as: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. GLAD TO see sloth as last. Guessing you have to be bloated with pride to be greedy. The word has a creepy sound to it. Greed as in evil. Hey, let's stick with this for later conversation.
I find it incredible how the same man, today’s personification of Gordon Gekko at the highest level, also embodies the other six deadly sins. It truly is remarkable.
I’m always up for further conversation—we both know that how we learn and clarify our perspectives. I appreciate you to no end Gary—you continue to show up here in this space at incredibly high levels.
"Here’s what I know: to overcome an addiction, you first have to name it."
Kert, as a movie lover, I find it fascinating how you skillfully use movies and movie quotes to illustrate deeper truths. With all the crazy that is happening right now, my brain often needs a little help connecting the dots. Your writing does that, and the humor allows for breath and space to take it all in.
There was one Catholic high school in my vicinity as I was growing up; it would have taken a half hour to get to. In retrospect, I’m a little surprised and fascinated my mom especially didn’t push for me to attend it. Had that happened, of course it would have changed the entire trajectory of my life. Maybe as far as me having to learn and use Latin myself for an almost day job. Scary how close I was to entering Seminary. “Jesu Fucking Christo!”
America is surely the epitome of greed, yet some of its greatest works of literature scream out against greed. Melville’s Moby Dick (1851). Dreiser’s American Tragedy (1925). Miller’s Death of a Salesman (1949). These are 3 that leap to mind. The brightest minds have known and warned. Yet, as you say, it is an addiction. (Heck, America was literally founded on greed: searching for ‘opportunity’, the European pirates stole the land from its native peoples.) of note, Melville also gave us Typee, based on his own travels. It is a brilliant glimpse into what true fulfilment could be. And how great its loss can be.
I get so excited when rational and deep thinkers show up to make comments. I love what you’ve brought to this, Brenda. There’s irony here, right? You bring into the conversation profound works of literature at the same time those in power here are banning and censoring any form of art, especially literature, that pushes against their ideology. Only small minds feel threatened by the ideas of another. I need to look up Melville’s Typee as I’m not familiar with it. Thank you for the reference.
My pleasure! Typee is great, I hope you’ll like it. Indeed, small minds! One of my favourite quotes is from the French philosopher Alain: ‘Nothing is more dangerous than an idea when it is the only one you have.’
Having recently finished Serviceberry, I am thinking about the "Darrens" and the perpetual greedy extractive "productivity".
When I finished reading something clicked for me which I've been wanting to write about, but as yet I have been busy with earthly offline projects! For now I'll say it's about social applications of permaculture principles - how we can interact in new emerging systems. Symbiotically. Of of those principles is "apply self-regulation and accept feedback". What if we all lived within the carrying capacity of our ecosystems? And what if we all compassionately faced our mistakes when we take too much?
So lastly, I'll drop a phrase from Peter McCoy, a mycologist - "survival of the symbiotic" is the true nature of nature.
Okay, mic drop moment there! I Love that!!! “Survival of the symbiotic.” I’m following permacultural, sustainable, and organic principles on the land I steward—so I understand exactly what you are talking about. In practicing as well a “no till” philosophy in our yard and garden plots, we are cultivating a rich network of microbial and mycrorrhizal networks. The land just feels healthier with every passing year we do this—our 7th here on this on this land, the previous “owners” used pesticides and herbicides in abundance; this year, after bringing in 50 yards of organic compost over our years, this has been the quickest our vegetation has come into fullness following a winter.
You’re right but unfortunately there’s not much that can be done about it. The oligarchs own the country. When Gates started a foundation to give his money away the conspiracy theorists from the greedy right vilified him as if he violated a code. I suppose younger generations can help by teaching their children not to reach for the pot of gold and instead seek fulfillment in what they love to do. But cynical me says it’s the same rich families that will continue their cultural tradition of greed.
I don’t disagree with you at all John. And I’m grateful for your comment. It might take the rest of us to come up with our own definition of wealth, band together to support each other, and then stop playing “their” game (but always attempt to call out their true motivations). I worry about that “younger generation.” They have been taught by the older generation. So they look at AI, TikTok, and celebrity and see those as easy paths toward money. As interconnected as most things are with a capitalistic mindset, it won’t be easy. But it might be easier than we think. I’m trying to find that balance while still needing things like health care—as I watch health care company and big pharma CEO’s rake in billions while I worry about my co-pays. I swear I need to start a commune on some equatorial island paradise—and then drink a lot of green smoothies.
So much more could be said about all of this (and has and is!). But like you’ve stated, I’m past the point where I feel justice and equitability could prevail such that wage and earnings gaps would shrink. Those at that 1% know how money works and they know how to exploit greed so they’ll just continue to make more of it. But I’ve stopped calling them rich. I may start calling them ugly. “Some people are so poor, all they have is money.”
Here in the U.S, soon as a politician suggests helping the middle and lower class, half the country freaks and screams "commie!"
I think it's because many are a combination of uneducated and paranoid.
I believe in a free market economy as long as it's a fair free market economy and I'm okay with equaling the playing field even if it means me paying more in taxes.
We are of like mind! Interesting thing is, unless you yourself are a billionaire (DOUBT IT! But meant as no offense!), I’m not convinced for the vast majority of us, that having a more just, equitable, and compassionate system of social services would mean an increase in our taxes. I’d like to see the lay of the land after the top 5% of “the wealthy” are required to pay their fair share of taxes that also takes into full account monies “hidden” way if offshore, taxfree, or other “exempted” corporations. You are so correct when you say the playing field is intentionally skewed their direction—with little hope of repair and leveling.
Yeah, man, and IT is one of the SEVEN DEADLY SINS. According to Roman Catholic theology, the seven deadly sins are the seven behaviours or feelings that inspire further sin. They are typically ordered as: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. GLAD TO see sloth as last. Guessing you have to be bloated with pride to be greedy. The word has a creepy sound to it. Greed as in evil. Hey, let's stick with this for later conversation.
I find it incredible how the same man, today’s personification of Gordon Gekko at the highest level, also embodies the other six deadly sins. It truly is remarkable.
I’m always up for further conversation—we both know that how we learn and clarify our perspectives. I appreciate you to no end Gary—you continue to show up here in this space at incredibly high levels.
"Here’s what I know: to overcome an addiction, you first have to name it."
Kert, as a movie lover, I find it fascinating how you skillfully use movies and movie quotes to illustrate deeper truths. With all the crazy that is happening right now, my brain often needs a little help connecting the dots. Your writing does that, and the humor allows for breath and space to take it all in.
I know more Latin than I thought. And now with Leo XIV, might be learning more. As always, Paulette, you’re a gem, a true gem.
Ha ha! I took two years of Latin in Catholic High School. I remember that I actually enjoyed it, but don't ask me now!
There was one Catholic high school in my vicinity as I was growing up; it would have taken a half hour to get to. In retrospect, I’m a little surprised and fascinated my mom especially didn’t push for me to attend it. Had that happened, of course it would have changed the entire trajectory of my life. Maybe as far as me having to learn and use Latin myself for an almost day job. Scary how close I was to entering Seminary. “Jesu Fucking Christo!”
Fascinating, Kert. The different paths our lives take.
America is surely the epitome of greed, yet some of its greatest works of literature scream out against greed. Melville’s Moby Dick (1851). Dreiser’s American Tragedy (1925). Miller’s Death of a Salesman (1949). These are 3 that leap to mind. The brightest minds have known and warned. Yet, as you say, it is an addiction. (Heck, America was literally founded on greed: searching for ‘opportunity’, the European pirates stole the land from its native peoples.) of note, Melville also gave us Typee, based on his own travels. It is a brilliant glimpse into what true fulfilment could be. And how great its loss can be.
Thanks, Kert, for a timely reminder.
I get so excited when rational and deep thinkers show up to make comments. I love what you’ve brought to this, Brenda. There’s irony here, right? You bring into the conversation profound works of literature at the same time those in power here are banning and censoring any form of art, especially literature, that pushes against their ideology. Only small minds feel threatened by the ideas of another. I need to look up Melville’s Typee as I’m not familiar with it. Thank you for the reference.
My pleasure! Typee is great, I hope you’ll like it. Indeed, small minds! One of my favourite quotes is from the French philosopher Alain: ‘Nothing is more dangerous than an idea when it is the only one you have.’
That explains an entire current political movement. And back, we are, to greed.
Having recently finished Serviceberry, I am thinking about the "Darrens" and the perpetual greedy extractive "productivity".
When I finished reading something clicked for me which I've been wanting to write about, but as yet I have been busy with earthly offline projects! For now I'll say it's about social applications of permaculture principles - how we can interact in new emerging systems. Symbiotically. Of of those principles is "apply self-regulation and accept feedback". What if we all lived within the carrying capacity of our ecosystems? And what if we all compassionately faced our mistakes when we take too much?
So lastly, I'll drop a phrase from Peter McCoy, a mycologist - "survival of the symbiotic" is the true nature of nature.
Okay, mic drop moment there! I Love that!!! “Survival of the symbiotic.” I’m following permacultural, sustainable, and organic principles on the land I steward—so I understand exactly what you are talking about. In practicing as well a “no till” philosophy in our yard and garden plots, we are cultivating a rich network of microbial and mycrorrhizal networks. The land just feels healthier with every passing year we do this—our 7th here on this on this land, the previous “owners” used pesticides and herbicides in abundance; this year, after bringing in 50 yards of organic compost over our years, this has been the quickest our vegetation has come into fullness following a winter.
You’re right but unfortunately there’s not much that can be done about it. The oligarchs own the country. When Gates started a foundation to give his money away the conspiracy theorists from the greedy right vilified him as if he violated a code. I suppose younger generations can help by teaching their children not to reach for the pot of gold and instead seek fulfillment in what they love to do. But cynical me says it’s the same rich families that will continue their cultural tradition of greed.
I don’t disagree with you at all John. And I’m grateful for your comment. It might take the rest of us to come up with our own definition of wealth, band together to support each other, and then stop playing “their” game (but always attempt to call out their true motivations). I worry about that “younger generation.” They have been taught by the older generation. So they look at AI, TikTok, and celebrity and see those as easy paths toward money. As interconnected as most things are with a capitalistic mindset, it won’t be easy. But it might be easier than we think. I’m trying to find that balance while still needing things like health care—as I watch health care company and big pharma CEO’s rake in billions while I worry about my co-pays. I swear I need to start a commune on some equatorial island paradise—and then drink a lot of green smoothies.
So much more could be said about all of this (and has and is!). But like you’ve stated, I’m past the point where I feel justice and equitability could prevail such that wage and earnings gaps would shrink. Those at that 1% know how money works and they know how to exploit greed so they’ll just continue to make more of it. But I’ve stopped calling them rich. I may start calling them ugly. “Some people are so poor, all they have is money.”
Here in the U.S, soon as a politician suggests helping the middle and lower class, half the country freaks and screams "commie!"
I think it's because many are a combination of uneducated and paranoid.
I believe in a free market economy as long as it's a fair free market economy and I'm okay with equaling the playing field even if it means me paying more in taxes.
We are of like mind! Interesting thing is, unless you yourself are a billionaire (DOUBT IT! But meant as no offense!), I’m not convinced for the vast majority of us, that having a more just, equitable, and compassionate system of social services would mean an increase in our taxes. I’d like to see the lay of the land after the top 5% of “the wealthy” are required to pay their fair share of taxes that also takes into full account monies “hidden” way if offshore, taxfree, or other “exempted” corporations. You are so correct when you say the playing field is intentionally skewed their direction—with little hope of repair and leveling.
They pay their fair share into PACs so they expect a seat at the king’s banquet.
I would cut their taxes only if they meet criteria such as investing in American industry and fair wages and benefits for the American worker.
We’re taking a stand,
it's a virtuous, valiant stance.
Against greed. For love.
It’s one thing to sin.
But deadly sins hurt us all.
Go…and greed no more.