Have you noticed how everything seems commercial these days? Are we not living in a commercial society? If not, then what kind of society are we in? Visit any financial institution, the so-called "Engine of Money," for a service and observe what you find. Even in non-financial institutions, the result is the same.
Upon entering, you are greeted by a receptionist with a smile. Is that smile genuine or is it a commercial facade? How much are we paying for that commercial smile, and is it worth it? Do we exist in a world where authenticity is overshadowed by commercial interests? I'm not entirely against commercial society, but I'm not fully in favor of it either. In a commercial society, everyone depends on others and is compelled to perform and please others for commercial gain.
What often happens in such a society is a constant tug-of-war where individuals either drag others down or are dragged themselves.
It is undeniable that we rely on each other to fill commercial gaps. Historically, scholars have revisited the debate between Rousseau and Adam Smith, discovering that their views on commercial society were not as diametrically opposed as once thought.
Commercial society offers undeniable advantages: economic growth and innovation, employment opportunities, consumer choice and quality, wealth creation and improved living standards, and economic flexibility and resilience.
However, these benefits come with significant drawbacks: consumerism and environmental impact, income inequality, social and cultural impacts, and exploitation and ethical concerns.
No discussion of commercial society would be complete without mentioning Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer. His political philosophy influenced the Age of Enlightenment across Europe, the French Revolution, and modern political, economic, and educational thought.
Rousseau consistently argued that commercial society impedes true freedom by making us dependent on others and on endless desires beyond our control. He believed that commercial society deprives individuals of their freedom, time, desires, and dreams.
Interestingly, Rousseau and his work "Emile" suggest that an elite class can still find freedom within a commercial society. If commercial society is truly beneficial, shouldn't freedom be attainable for all, not just the elite? Commercial society revolves around labor, markets, products, and prices. The term commercial society also refers to the complex web of relationships and behaviors that emerged during the rapid evolution of labor and goods markets, rising living standards, and shifting class relations in 17th and 18th century Europe.
Adam Smith, the father of economics, argued in "The Wealth of Nations" (1776) that commercial society arises when the division of labor is fully established, compelling highly specialized workers to sell and barter their surplus labor in an increasingly complex marketplace: “every man thus lives by exchanging, or becomes in some measure a merchant.” Despite its benefits, commercial society is rejected by some, including Rousseau, who believed it strips individuals of their freedom. Emile notes that commercial society does not immediately present itself as disenchanted, but beneath the surface, it fosters economic growth, innovation, and improved living standards while presenting significant challenges such as income inequality, environmental degradation, and ethical concerns.
Balancing these aspects is crucial for sustainable and equitable development. While commercial society drives progress and innovation, it also necessitates careful consideration of its broader impacts to ensure that its benefits do not come at the expense of individual freedom and ethical integrity.
The ongoing dialogue between proponents and critics of commercial society highlights the need for a nuanced approach to its development and governance.
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