Paper 71
Development of the State
6. The Profit Motive
71:6.1Present-day profit-motivated economics is doomed unless profit motives can be augmented by service motives. Ruthless competition based on narrow-minded self-interest is ultimately destructive of even those things which it seeks to maintain. Exclusive and self-serving profit motivation is incompatible with Christian ideals—much more incompatible with the teachings of Jesus.
- competition › based on narrow self-interest ultimately destroys what it seeks to maintain
- Jesus › teachings › exclusive profit motivation incompatible with
- profit › profit motive › doomed unless augmented by service motives
- profit › profit motive › self-serving; incompatible with teachings of Jesus
- selfishness › narrow-minded self-interest ultimately destructive of what it seeks to maintain
71:6.2In economics, profit motivation is to service motivation what fear is to love in religion. But the profit motive must not be suddenly destroyed or removed; it keeps many otherwise slothful mortals hard at work. It is not necessary, however, that this social energy arouser be forever selfish in its objectives.
71:6.3The profit motive of economic activities is altogether base and wholly unworthy of an advanced order of society; nevertheless, it is an indispensable factor throughout the earlier phases of civilization. Profit motivation must not be taken away from men until they have firmly possessed themselves of superior types of nonprofit motives for economic striving and social serving—the transcendent urges of superlative wisdom, intriguing brotherhood, and excellency of spiritual attainment.