‘Every element in a civilisation is, in the last analysis, the contribution of...’
Individuals who still need recognition by another,
Whether captains of their destiny, or toadies to Big Brother:
Even the captain, self-presenting, his private thoughts would smother
In their beds - like Big Brother.¹
‘Every element in a civilisation is, in the last analysis, the contribution of...’
Machiavellian manipulators, not empathic helpers:
Without ideological burdens, they’re utilitarian achievers -
How they evaluate the needs and potentialities of others,
These empathic self-helpers! ²
‘Every element in a civilisation is, in the last analysis, the contribution of...’
Us with the power to get things done,
Mac stuffing the faces every one,
Lest they grow to Twenty-one, -
While millions have none! ³
¹ To gain social approval, the individual will crush his own individuality, deny who he is or his feelings, follow the party line etc.
² Utilitarianism teaches that the criterion for right conduct should be the usefulness of its consequences.
In modern society utility value is assessed not by people with an interest in helping others (empathic helpers) but by opportunists wishing to create or exploit a market for labour, goods or services.
³ The 20th century was full of bland, standardized products marketed for uniform tastes, eg burgers.