Anarchocapitalism in Somalia (in Portuguese)

[gusl]

In an attempt to be fair to the statists:

Anarchocapitalism in Somalia (in Portuguese)

It's a semi-cliché that "socialism can't work in our species", that it might work if our species were more altruistic or law-abiding (conforming), "ant colonies are socialistic", etc. However, such a system seems to work well for Norway. Sure, they have tons of oil. (tangential link: Harvard prof says oil, not Islam is the curse of the Middle East)
Another anecdote I've heard is that in remote gas stations in Norway, there wouldn't be anybody to help you, so they left the cash register open for you to help yourself to your change. This was way before they had surveillance cameras. This must indicate either a lack of selfishness or a universal obedience of the law.

P J O'Rourke, a CATO-affiliate writer of funny books, wrote a chapter about Sweden ("Good Socialism") in his book "Eat the Rich" (fun, easy read with some good points). He said it was a land devoid of crazy people, but that despite the comfort, its future didn't look very bright, since they are under serious debt, and people aren't motivated to work. But is that really true?

Comments

[sofaking-par.livejournal.com]

Yes, its true. When I lived there, I knew more twenty somethings working the system to not work. Also I've never seen so many city employees drunk or napping in my life, which includes stints in communist countries.

[agnosticessence.livejournal.com]

Norway also has the advantage of being Western European, that is, the U.S. has protected their borders and property rights for the past six decades.

ANT colonies and all the cells my body are socialist!

[brer-vole.livejournal.com]

Ant's are interesting special case. The reason "socialism" works is related to the extreme closeness of their genetic relationship - much in the way that all the cells of my body are "socialist". Dawkin's has shown that there isn't any altruism in the ant colony and that rationally each ant's genes are best propagated if your sibling or something lives. Dying to save the colony is benefit you. An ant colony is more like a single organism than it is a society.

Re: ANT colonies and all the cells my body are socialist!

[gustavolacerda.livejournal.com]

Hang on. From what you said, it would make sense for ants to be altruistic. Sure, the genes are *always* selfish.

I was about to post that I would like to see a study about altruism and genetic heterogeneity. Do species where individuals are similar behave more altruistically? Do people in small villages behave more altruistically (since your neighbours are more likely to share one's genes)?

What about adaptations? Do individuals adapt to their environment and be altruistic or selfish depending on where they are and who they are dealing with? This may have interesting implications regarding racism.

[ernunnos.livejournal.com]

Sweden now has a lower per capita income than any state in the union, Georgia and Arkansas included.

Re:

[gustavolacerda.livejournal.com]

Maybe *median*, not mean income is what they're interested in. Lots of rich people probably left Sweden, probably lowering the mean by a lot.

[thinkpalmtrees.livejournal.com]

Oi... I added you as well. I like your links and discussions, e po... Recife! Logico...

[gustavolacerda.livejournal.com]

Hey! I lived in Boston last year, mas não tinha nenhum amigo brasileiro.