which was published in 1992, from Duane J. Oldsen. It has a fascinating look at the two major systems of morality that we find in the world. Commercial Morality and Guardian (Political) Morality. Or what I like to call Makers vs Takers. The two are complimentary (neither does well without the other) and yet stand in opposition to each other. Things get really nasty when the spheres of influence are mixed without consideration for consequences. Let me start with a couple of references. First The Wiki which provides a short look at the major points. Second is this pdf which is much more detailed with many excerpts from the book. However, I must caution that it is somewhat hard to read due to the many typos.
I want to start first with a table of contrasting moral precepts. Which I have modified slightly from the wiki to make the contrasts a little clearer.
Moral Precepts for Systems of Survival
| Guardian System | Commercial System |
| Shun trading | Shun force |
| Take | Earn |
| Be obedient and disciplined | Be efficient |
| Adhere to tradition | Be open to inventiveness and novelty |
| Respect hierarchy | Use initiative and enterprise |
| Be loyal | Come to voluntary agreements |
| Take vengeance | Respect contracts |
| Deceive for the sake of the task | Dissent for the sake of the task |
| Make rich use of leisure | Be industrious |
| Be ostentatious | Be thrifty |
| Dispense largess | Invest for productive purposes |
| Be exclusive | Collaborate easily with strangers and aliens |
| Show fortitude | Promote comfort and convenience |
| Be fatalistic | Be optimistic |
| Treasure honor | Be honest |
I think the commercial class is rather self explanatory but the political class needs some explanation.
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