17th August 2007, 12:59 AM
Great Rumbler Wrote:And how are the ideals like in Rapture supposed to work? How do you make sure that everyone gets what they worked for? Okay, let's set up a system to ensure that no one is cheated of what they are owed and no one gains what they haven't earned. BAM! Government. Society. Then it all falls apart.
Rapture most likely fell apart because a small group comprised of the strongest citizens attempted to seize control. Or, the weak saw the writing on the wall and fought for control before the former could happen. Some people wanted tons of genetic enhancements, some didn't want any and just wanted to be left alone. Conflict was inevitable.
People aren't robots. They want things they can't have, their self-interested, they cheat and lie and steal to get what they want, and some of them are just completely insane. Nothing can change that and any system based on the assumption that people can and will act logically, whether for their own benefit or for the benefit of everyone, at all times is ultimately doomed to failure.
I have no idea what the story of Bioshock is. I'm just saying I agree with the idea that people should get what they earn. Easy way to do that? Cut out the middle man. It's not like it's a hard thing. Our own society works like that already, for the most part.
Also, when genetic engineering that gives us grand super powers actually becomes viable (though NOTHING like this of course), I do not want it made illegal, ever. I've heard some parents actually complain about the idea of genetically engineered geniuses because those who don't do that will have kids at a disadvantage. YES YOU WILL! You made your choice and I respect that but don't expect everyone else to dumb themselves down just so you don't have a hard time. Yeah, and I'll sell my computer so the amish guys don't feel left behind. Right! SAME THING.
"On two occasions, I have been asked [by members of Parliament], 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question." ~ Charles Babbage (1791-1871)