Jane Jacobs on the Two Contrasting Systems of Survival
Description
Described in a book by Jane Jacobs, Systems of Survival:
- 1. Systems dependent on the control of monetary resources
- The 'Commercial Moral Syndrome': 'shun force, respect contracts, be open to innovation'.
vs
- 2. Systems dependent on violence
- The 'Guardian Moral Syndrome': "shun trading, respect hierarchy, loyalty, and obedience to tradition."
Characteristics
Moral Syndrome A Moral Syndrome B
shun force shun trading voluntary agreement exert prowess be honest be obedient and disciplined collaborate adhere to tradition compete respect hierarchy respect contracts be loyal use initiative and enterprise take vengeance open to inventiveness and novelty deceive for the sake of the task be efficient make rich use of leisure promote comfort and convenience be ostentatious dissent for the sake of the task dispense largesse invest for productive purposes be exclusive be industrious show fortitude be thrifty be fatalistic be optimistic treasure honor
Source: [1]
Discussion
From the book review of 'Systems of Survival' by Peter J. Boettke:
"The book is an extended argument amongst the group on the implications of Kate’s “discovery.” The book contains a very subtle argument concerning the tension between moral syndrome A (commercial) and moral syndrome B (guardian). The guardian syndrome is the source of much of the stagnation and oppression in the world. However, it is also essential in some areas. Without a proper guardian infrastructure, for example, the commercial moral syndrome could be threatened. Jacobs, though, realizes that commercial life has ways to “police” itself—the discipline of repeated dealings or the historical development of commercial contract law outside of official state channels (such as the law merchant). Jacobs is particularly sharp in her analysis of hybrids of the commercial and guardian syndromes—such as the mafia and the state socialist systems of the former Eastern Bloc.
...
One thing Jacobs is looking for in her search of moral systems is cosmopolitanism. Which syndrome encourages cosmopolitan tolerance of alternative life-styles, beliefs, races, etc.? Her connection of cosmopolitanism and commercial life reminds one of Mises’ statements in Liberalism or Nock’s in his wonderful essay “On Doing the Right Thing.” This is something many on the conservative right in America simply don’t understand. Tolerance does not mean acceptance, but it does mean openness to new ideas and cultures, a willingness to live and let live, and, as Jacobs listed in her syndromes, it values “dissent for the sake of the task.” Commercial life flourishes within an environment that is characterized by liberal tolerance and cosmopolitan virtue, but not within an environment of provincial values bound by tradition. Provincialism can exist within cosmopolitanism, but whenever traditional values assert superiority over cosmopolitanism, innovation is stifled and commercial life stagnates. Liberalism is the only social philosophy that can constrain guardianship within its appropriate limits and unleash the productive and progressive force of commerce."