It seems almost commonplace at this day in age, hearing reports of countless corporations winning record profits. Corporations have become something of an unstoppable force in society today and their profit balloons seem to be swelling to cartoonish sizes that just refuse to pop. Aristotle is correct in his statement, "No bound to riches has been fixed for man." However, this big money mentality was not the philosophy he strove to impress upon people.
This time it is West Coast-based financial monster Wells Fargo that is cashing in with a reported $3.2 billion earning. This doubles their mark recored one year ago. To Aristotle, riches encompass more than solely monetary means. One could attain wealth through service to others or honing a craft, learning to play an instrument or raising a family. Activities such as the preceding, according to Aristotle, would fulfill one's life with the fruits of their labor. Taking part in such activity is part of Aristotle's "art of acquisition", a bringing forth of riches to a person or community. With this in mind, should Wells Fargo or any other corporation be subject to distribute a portion of their monetary wealth to other, less fortunate groups with the hopes of attaining profit other than in monetary form sometime in return? Should Wells Fargo be sending aid to the Haitian government right now to fulfill what Aristotle might deem a mandatory humanitarian duty? This may be an unrealistic expectation and an infringement on the rights of corporate America. Because of this, Aristotle's philosophy on acquisition of wealth should be buried in the past.
Source: http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/21/news/companies/wells_fargo/?postversion=2009102112
Monday, January 18, 2010
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