This is one area where I believe the belief in a judgmental, supernatural being might be of some positive use.
I have a rather mechanistic view of human activity.
The capitalist system we have, among others, constitutes a positive feedback loop in which money and power serve to attract money and power. Positive feedback systems diverge until the measured parameter (in this case wealth vs poverty) hits some limit, IOTW goes to the rails.
For capitalism, limiting factors include a squeamishness to view suffering of the poor and some progressive pressures to limit wealth accumulation.
The most successful capitalists are readily able to suppress and ignore the former. These are sociopaths and very wealthy.
Because they can use their wealth to corrupt the political system, they are generally only internally constrained.
Belief that they will be punished in an afterlife helps curb their excesses.
It doesn't have to be true.
I have a rather mechanistic view of human activity.
The capitalist system we have, among others, constitutes a positive feedback loop in which money and power serve to attract money and power. Positive feedback systems diverge until the measured parameter (in this case wealth vs poverty) hits some limit, IOTW goes to the rails.
For capitalism, limiting factors include a squeamishness to view suffering of the poor and some progressive pressures to limit wealth accumulation.
The most successful capitalists are readily able to suppress and ignore the former. These are sociopaths and very wealthy.
Because they can use their wealth to corrupt the political system, they are generally only internally constrained.
Belief that they will be punished in an afterlife helps curb their excesses.
It doesn't have to be true.
So how, exactly, does God know that She's NOT a brain in a vat? 
