Human nature.

I think that to be able to confront this idea that capitalism is a result of human nature effectively we have to recognize that human nature like everything else contains within itself contradictions. That it contains within itself the potential for war and slaughter and selfishness. But that it also contains within itself the potential for solidarity, common collective action and the greatest kindness. The problem is that capitalism bases itself on developing and exploiting the negative sides of our potential. If we are to convince people of the potential for socialism we have to recognize that the human is not "perfect" but that the problem is what the system does to develop the most negative traits that we have. Capitalism rewards selfishness, cruelty, individualism, and punishes kindness and solidarity.

This country here is inundated with magazines about how to have good relationships and good sex. We are all familiar with them, certain clothes, certain perfumes, certain cars, certain positions, these are what we have to buy and learn if we are to have good relationships and good sex. There was a study conducted last year in 37 different countries asking people what they wanted most in a sexual partner. The answer was kindness. This reflects a powerful progressive instinct with us. Now where are the magazines explaining this. They do not exist. Partly because the capitalists who produce the magazines cannot bottle and sell kindness. And partly because kindness is a dangerous idea for these swine to push. It is a short step from kindness to solidarity. The idea that everybody should have a decent life is inherent within kindness. Capitalism cannot afford this. So kindness is out.

Sean