I don't think my point came across as intended, and was probably not the best example either. Just to be clear.. I ignore homeless people all the time and do not see it as a reflection on my character.
Most people that you meet with the ability to help you with your venture will do so - they will give you feedback, make intros, etc - often without the need for anything explicit in return. Its human nature, and what I would consider a norm for moral character. I think most people would say that given the resources, they would help anyone they could - everyone has a need for basic altruism.
However, when you introduce the need to capitalize on this same activity, it requires a change in behavior. My point was that, the same guy who would help you out for no reason as a norm, the minute he starts doing the same thing for money he does not have the luxury to help you in the same way any more. Now he has to make a business out of it and be efficient.
That is what I was trying to illustrate. This ability to be altruistic inherently declines when you have to take on the same role to make profit. The ability to treat someone well 1) 'who can do you no good' or 2) 'who can not fight back' changes when the bottom line is profit. It does change the nature of our character, and I think that is inherent to the nature of succeeding in a free market.
Most people that you meet with the ability to help you with your venture will do so - they will give you feedback, make intros, etc - often without the need for anything explicit in return. Its human nature, and what I would consider a norm for moral character. I think most people would say that given the resources, they would help anyone they could - everyone has a need for basic altruism.
However, when you introduce the need to capitalize on this same activity, it requires a change in behavior. My point was that, the same guy who would help you out for no reason as a norm, the minute he starts doing the same thing for money he does not have the luxury to help you in the same way any more. Now he has to make a business out of it and be efficient.
That is what I was trying to illustrate. This ability to be altruistic inherently declines when you have to take on the same role to make profit. The ability to treat someone well 1) 'who can do you no good' or 2) 'who can not fight back' changes when the bottom line is profit. It does change the nature of our character, and I think that is inherent to the nature of succeeding in a free market.