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Originally Posted by JohnR  All I can say to that is, I am all for the perpetual growth of industry with a social conscience. I am all for the unrestrained growth of medical science, space exploration, green industry, computer science, and the arts. |
That's not what capitalism is about.. Well, not for most people. As Mistake #2 points out, people are waaay to focused on money! Ask investors if they care about any of the stuff you just mentioned. Company valuations have absolutely nothing to do with such things.
In fact, some of the greatest achievements in our history were terrible investments (airlines, automobiles,...)! Best investments are the ones that stall growth for everyone except for the company in the lead. Why do you think we have the patent system? Isn't that an offspring of capitalism? Last I checked, nature doesn't stifle growth like that.
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Originally Posted by JohnR If it weren't for some of the major corporations we wouldn't have the philanthropy that we now have to help deal with those problems you speak of. |
And now you are sounding too desperate! Philanthropy is a human activity. It would exist whether corporations exist or not.
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Originally Posted by JohnR Think Gates and Buffett as examples. The list is endless. Taking the good with the bad, on balance I think capitalism is working. Don't confuse capitalism with politics. |
I am not talking about individuals who have no investors to report to regarding what they do with their own money. I am talking about corporations. Corporations and investors measure success with one metric: revenue (or profits if you prefer to look at the bottom line). Everything else happens
despite this metric.
Growing revenue perpetually is a different activity than growing the value output of a company. Of course, they are tied to each other until companies start commiting Mistake #2 which happens all too often.
Btw, if you think capitalism is working, I urge you to try to start a company to do good in the world. See how many VCs, banks or other individuals who might be capable of funding your project are interested in the philanthropic aspect of your business plan..