Really, it's an amazing thing. I was watching Return of the King, and thinking about how warlike they were back in the Middle Ages. What with big walls, big swords, etc.
The thing is, I doubt that we're really all that different. Sure, we have centralized control over the means of violence. But I think it's also that capitalism allows a good outlet for our competitive needs. Instead of bashing it someones skull, those of us who want to feel like Achilles just strive to make more money, or play better football.
What's particularly amazing about it, at least to me, is that in essence you're still serving other people. So for instance, in a football game, where you get to through some sweaty troglodyte to the ground, you're doing it for the entertainment of the masses. When a business man "crushes" the competition, they generally do it by providing some amazing service at a much cheaper price then their competitors. If you get right down to it, it's like competitive butlering.
I guess it's just the layers of between the front-men who beg and scrape in customer service, and the former football captains who run the company who make it seem like war. That and all the hostile takeovers, lying, cheating, and embezzling...
Speaking of stealing, if anyone wants an example of the fruitfulness of letting copyright expire into the public domain, they should take a look at A Christmas Carole. That sucker has been repurposed over and over so many times, from the Simpsons to Scrooged, and made so many people so much money. Funny how Christmas seems to bring out public domain works (coincidence? Spirit of giving?); think about It's a Wonderful Life and christmas caroles.
In conclusion, we should all remember to set up firewalls to protect our home networks. You can never be too safe.
Posted by John on December 21, 2003
Tags: Blog
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