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Originally Posted by smooth
how do you reconcile this statement with all known models of the advent of society?
That is, isn't it in one's best interest to preserve the social context he or she exists within (unless you are arguing returning to a state of "nature" would someone be in one's best interest)?
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It depends on if an individual is made to feel the full (or a significant amount) of the ills they do. For instance, in most cases it's best for businesses to pollute-they do not face the full burden of pollution. It's not about maintaining status quo, it's about finding the point where your own wellbeing is best maximized. Often, that might necessitate having to do some minimum of good for society. But you still are looking toward your best interest, not toward society's. It's incidental that in some situations your intrests coincide with those of society.