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Libertarian vs. Socialism. Or Individualism vs. Pluralism.

The question is, which one of these doctrines has better long term sustainability?

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    Doctrine of human motivation, and its long term prospect.

    Nowhere these two distinct doctrines are tested more then through the lenses of late Prof. Abraham Maslow's famous publication “Hierarchical of Needs”.
    1) Physiological; 2) Security Needs; 3) Social Needs; 4) Self Esteem; 5) Self Actualizations.

    Both doctrines have their own take on human motivation, as means to maximize economic output. One believes that, these goals are achieved through deprivation, while the other supports the satisfaction of same needs.

    The Individualist's core is focused on the individual's rights, which most often, seem to override the overall interest of the rest of society. Human motivation is realized to its full potential - they content, when people are hungry, thirty, need of shelter, basic health care, and greed as legitimate motivations - Then, they will work harder to earn the necessary means to satisfy these needs. Its result are evidenced through the remarkable economic achievement and high standard of living is U.S.

    This may explain the reason for Libertarian's objections to minimum wage, and most government provided goods and services to individuals, such as welfare, basic Health care & education, etc. Or the formation of groups (Labor unions, and government involvement) which may affect these objectives.

    Pluralistic societies (as practiced in Europe, and other industrialized nations), support the other doctrine. It is only when individual's basic needs are satisfied, only then – they claim, he / she can concentrate on other obligations, such as jobs, schools, family, etc. Its results also are evidenced through the remarkable high standard of living in Europe, Japan, S. Korea, Singapore, Israel, etc.

    Here also, it may explain the reasons for democrats vehement support for minimum wage, government provided basic needs and services to individuals, such as welfare, Universal Health care, basic education, etc.

    I am not discussing the effect of current economic crises because, both US & EU countries are experiencing the same downturn – therefore they cancel each other out.

    Reference: Abraham Maslow's Hirarchical of Needs:


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