Even more accurately: society is benefited by constantly exploring (and exercising) multiple different survival strategies (capitalism, collectivism, religion…) at the same time. These various strategies are inevitably in tension, producing tons of overall unhappiness.
Like an octopus spreading its tentacles, trying to explore every crevice of its environment, but sometimes accidentally bumping two or more tentacles together. Sure, the tentacles won’t destroy each other but that’s not the point: In this metaphor, we are merely the cells on the surface. Our suffering is just part of the whole organism trying to balance exploration with self-preservation.
They are making the point that society is actually harmed by self-doubting individuals, as corporations ≠ society.
Even more accurately: society is benefited by constantly exploring (and exercising) multiple different survival strategies (capitalism, collectivism, religion…) at the same time. These various strategies are inevitably in tension, producing tons of overall unhappiness.
Like an octopus spreading its tentacles, trying to explore every crevice of its environment, but sometimes accidentally bumping two or more tentacles together. Sure, the tentacles won’t destroy each other but that’s not the point: In this metaphor, we are merely the cells on the surface. Our suffering is just part of the whole organism trying to balance exploration with self-preservation.
Is there a drug we can give billionaires so they can think that we are all connected like that?
No, but you could achieve similar effect by giving me a few billion $.