It seems the purpose of utilitarianism and most of modern economics and philosophy is this:

Raise the collective well-being of all humans.

I think this is a good goal, but what does this even mean?

What is “well-being”? Is it tied to physiological health and wellness, or is it tied to material wealth, and having lots of possessions?

Let me make the claim that the problem of modern capitalist philosophy and utilitarian thinking is that “quality of life” is tied to material and consumer goods, not physical and physiological/mental wellness, thriving, and health. 

Why is this?

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The capitalist ethos

It seems the backbone of modern capitalism is to continually produce more goods, and to get more people to consume and purchase these goods.

How do we bait people into doing this? Well, promise happiness via obtaining a big house, fancy car, fancy electronics, clothes, and having a bunch of money.

In modern times, wealth is a virtue. Hard work and to continually do toilsome labor is a virtue.

To “not do anything” is seen as a sin. Sloth is a sin. Anything we do which isn’t “productive” and doesn’t help us produce money is seen as a sin. Perhaps this comes from the “Protestant work ethic”, but this is certainly a modern notion.

Which makes me wonder — what were more ancient and heroic virtues?

Ancient virtues

I reread the Iliad, and found my heroes in the ancient Greeks. Ajax, Ulysses, Achilles, Hector, and the bunch.

The thing which was interesting:

The ancient Greeks didn’t really prize material wealth all too much. They cared more for eternal fame, courage, physical strength, and bravery in war and battle. Material wealth (land, cattle, slaves, women, gold) were just seem as bonuses.

You have the control!

And this is why I like ancient virtues: they seem more related to your character, your courage, your personal bravery. These are things you can control.

What can’t you control? You cannot control whether you succeed or not (Hector is seem as valiant as Achilles, yet Hector loses the favor of the gods and thus gets killed by Achilles). You cannot control how lady fate turns her hand. You cannot control the duration of your life (only the gods dictate this in the Iliad).

What’s the difference between gods and humans?

Another fascinating thing: there isn’t much difference between gods and humans, except the gods live longer (never die). Gods can feel pain, have human emotions (jealousy, anger, feel pity). The heroes of the Iliad are also described as “godlike”. So according to ancient Greeks, the humans and gods weren’t that different. The gods of the ancient Greeks were simply an avatar of the heroic visions of ancient (human) Greeks.

In other words, to become “godlike” was within the capacity of the Ancient Greek humans. To become godlike meant you had godlike virtues, physical strength, valor, and courage.

Back to petty modern virtues

Modern virtues: patience, humility, being rich in dollar bills, hard working and industrious, ability to function highly with little sleep. Becoming rich and performing charity, but also not being too frugal and being able to spend some of your material wealth on yourself.

The Silicon Valley dream of the individual: save $10 million in the bank, own a (few) nice cars, own a nice house, no longer need to work for a living, in order to travel, see the world, pursue creative hobbies, drink fine wine, own the best electronics, eat really good food, see really beautiful landscapes, etc.

What I aspire towards

My virtues:

A life of constant experimentation, discovering new philosophical truths, avoiding boredom, constantly having something I’m curious about, innovating in my artistry, sharing with others, and utilizing my life to further my personal self evolution to the apex.

What I like is that my virtues aren’t related much to the physical world. Not so much focus on physical trophies or totems. More towards the metaphysical — courage, curiosity, creative productivity, empowering myself and others.

Ideas

Some ideas:

1. Read more ancient literature, philosophy, and when possible — consume the culture of the ancient Greeks. I think the ancient Greeks have has the highest culture thus far.
2. Better to be insane, irrational, and exuberant than to be “rational”, prudent, and humble.
3. Never stop fighting for more. More knowledge, more wisdom, more truthiness, and more achievement.

FIGHT ON!
ERIC