In this case, I’m referring to the notion that we all make minor sacrifices in our daily interactions in service of a “greater good” for everyone.
“Following the rules” would be a simplified version of what I’m talking about, I suppose. But also keeping an awareness/attitude about "How will my choices affect the people around me in this moment? “Common courtesy”, “situational awareness”, etc…
I don’t know that it’s a “new” phenomenon by any means, I just seem to have an increasing (subjective) awareness of it’s decline of late.
I think a large number of people grow up to be inconsiderate and just aren’t educated with basic manners. I see people littering the street, playing loud music at night which may disturb others etc.
But if you speak of a “greater good” then the problem is a lot of people don’t understand or just fail to agree upon what that means. I spoke to someone about my work with open source and free software and the person just said “oh, but that’s just to make yourself look good”, as if its some sort of check list that “look I’m charitable” and not an objectively better choice in most situations.
At that point I’d be like why the fuck would I want this selfish thick skulled ass to have anything good? And ironically become selfish.
No one wants to come to terms easily either. Most people seem to think you’re attacking their beliefs, even when asking really basic questions.