Chapter 1: The Game of Morality

"Honey..." My wife's voice echoes from the other side of the house.

"Just three more minutes," I reply, glancing at the game clock during my Rocket League tournament. This quick-paced car soccer offers me a fleeting dopamine rush amidst the chaos of modern capitalism.

Her tone hints at annoyance.

Oh no, we won! That means another seven-minute match awaits. I can’t leave my teammates hanging now that we’re in the semi-finals. Each victory comes with a trivial reward—decorative items for my digital vehicle and a small badge next to my name proclaiming "Season 15 Tournament Winner" with a shiny platinum cup. Admittedly, I take pride in that little trophy.

From certain viewpoints, I ought to pause the tournament and check in with my wife, even if her request isn’t urgent. After all, I owe nothing to these online strangers. However, I feel a sense of obligation, a social contract I entered when I logged in. In a casual match, I could have left without consequence, as another player or an AI could easily take my spot. But tournaments require commitment; if I bail, my three-player team becomes two. I agreed to finish what I started, even if the consequences are minimal. Nobody will remember my name, and I could easily change it. My sense of accountability is purely personal and moral.

Just like our physical senses, our moral perceptions can be refined. Though most people possess some level of moral intuition, the depth varies widely. Non-functional sociopaths lack this sense entirely, while functional ones learn and maintain it through effort and study.

Admittedly, I find my moral perspective somewhat distant. I can assess fairness dispassionately but struggle with personal relationships. I suspect my partners might concur.

Often, the evil we perceive in the world stems from a limited viewpoint—either our own or that of the wrongdoer. Most individuals don’t view themselves as villains; they aim to act righteously, even when their actions are morally questionable. The most compelling antagonists in my Dungeons & Dragons campaigns are those who genuinely believe in their noble cause while harboring corruption.

Capitalists, in the traditional sense of "owners of capital," seldom recognize their wrongdoings when they undermine unions, mistreat workers, or inflate prices. Their limited perspective allows them to see only the benefits to their immediate circle rather than the broader impact on thousands of unseen workers.

Dictators, too, often lack awareness of their evil deeds. Take Putin, for instance; he genuinely believes the absurd propaganda about Nazis and the manipulated elections both domestically and in occupied territories. Saddam Hussein might have believed he was righting historical wrongs, justifying his brutal actions against his own people. The people in their circles affirm their beliefs, further narrowing their vision.

A lot of motivated reasoning exists in these scenarios. Capitalism is hailed as beneficial due to improved living standards in capitalist nations. Thus, any actions taken in pursuit of profit are often rationalized as ultimately good for society, even when they harm workers. Similarly, some view Ukrainians as "evil Nazis" simply for resisting Russian domination, ignoring the deeper context of the conflict.

This narrow perspective allows for justification of almost any action in the name of capitalism or against perceived enemies. When the focus is limited, consequences become secondary.

Although studies indicate better living standards in capitalist countries with strong union representation, this reality often goes unnoticed by those at the top. Influential figures like Bezos and Musk remain disconnected from the harsh conditions faced by workers.

I often wish there were a way to quantify someone's moral sense, as it would be a useful tool for selecting leaders. Politicians like Nancy Reagan and Dick Cheney illustrate how personal circumstances can reshape one’s moral perspective. Reagan’s shifts on issues like gay rights and drug sentencing occurred only when they affected her personally, highlighting a narrow moral compass.

Similarly, conservatives often advocate for policies that serve their interests without recognizing the broader impact on society. Their limited social circles contribute to a lack of empathy for those outside their experience.

In contrast, individuals from diverse backgrounds tend to develop broader perspectives. Urban living and education expose people to various viewpoints, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of societal needs. An educated business owner might prioritize fair wages to promote loyalty and morale, benefiting both employees and shareholders over the long term.

Yet, moral perspective is just one facet of understanding; recognizing the complexity of issues is crucial. For instance, while many liberals advocate for peace, they sometimes overlook the long-term consequences of their demands, as seen in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Focusing solely on immediate actions can lead to misguided perceptions of right and wrong.

Conversely, some far-left ideologies advocate for communism as the solution to capitalism's failings, disregarding historical realities of communist systems. The allure of equality overshadows the complexities and hardships experienced in those regimes.

Both sides of the political spectrum fall prey to similar pitfalls. Conservatives may insist on tax cuts as a universal remedy, despite evidence suggesting otherwise, while liberals may champion causes without fully grasping their implications.

Travel and exposure to diverse experiences can broaden the perspectives of those with narrow moral views. Military service often challenges prejudiced mindsets, fostering understanding across different social classes.

For liberals, engaging with experts in relevant fields can temper youthful idealism with practical wisdom. Learning from those who have real-world experience, rather than solely from academia, can lead to more informed perspectives on complex issues.

Ultimately, everything is intertwined, and the implications of our choices extend further than we might realize. Approach decisions thoughtfully, consider multiple viewpoints, and reflect on both historical and future contexts.

In conclusion, that’s my two cents. If you find my insights valuable, consider supporting my work on BuyMeACoffee.

Chapter 2: The Philosophical Exploration of Evil

The first video, "Luke Russell - Being Evil: A Philosophical Perspective," delves into the complexities of moral philosophy and the nature of evil, exploring various viewpoints that challenge conventional understandings of morality.

The second video, "Demonstealer (Feat Romain Goulon & Arran McSporran) - The Perspective Of Evil," offers a deep dive into the various interpretations of evil through a musical lens, highlighting the emotional and psychological aspects of the concept.