Success in a Capitalist Society
Capitalism is great — to a certain extent. Focusing too much on “market freedom” can lead to the oppression. Look at the Kader fire. Unrestricted globalization and neo-liberalism can lead to corporations so invested in competition that they fail to care for basic human rights. However this can be left for another discussion.
So how do I think success in a capitalist society is created?
I believe through a marketable idea, and the ability to persuade. Being able to take advantage of the market by serving people’s psychological needs is the best way to make money. Look at Snapchat and Instagram. Instant gratification. The world now is more connected than ever, and with social media, there are countless ways of temporarily filling the void of our insecurities. The “like” culture on instagaram is so widely used as a measure of self-worth that it becomes an addiction in and of itself. The idea of getting people addicted to certain apps or ‘marketable ideas’ through knowledge of the human psyche is a recipe for financial success. Therefore, one can argue that with a creative mind and knowledge of how the brain works and what humans crave the most in an increasingly ‘connected’ society, one can generate a marketable idea with immense potential.
All that’s left then is convincing investors that your idea can generate profit.
Therefore, if: [marketable idea = knowledge of human psyche + creative mind] AND [marketable idea + ability to convince = $$], then, [knowledge of human psyche + creative mind + ability to convince = $$].
Is a psychology degree really useless then?
Can we say then, that understanding the human mind can lead to financial success in a capitalist society?
