The Millennia-Long Battle Between Position and Morality

A while ago, I had a deep conversation with a friend about our perspectives on life. He firmly believes in the principle of “survival of the fittest.” In his view, everything in life—whether in work, relationships, or broader society—is ultimately determined by one’s position. Morality, in his opinion, is just a tool, useful only when it aligns with one’s interests. If it conflicts with one’s position, then it is nothing more than an impractical ideal.

I don’t entirely disagree. After all, we live in a world where power dynamics shape outcomes, and self-interest is an undeniable force. But does this mean human society should be entirely dictated by it? I refuse to believe so. While self-interest is a fundamental law of survival, it is not the sole determinant of human civilization. If people operated solely based on positions and interests, then how did morality come into being? Why do acts of kindness, justice, and self-sacrifice resonate so deeply with us?

Looking at history, it’s easy to see that those who excel in power struggles often dominate in the short term. But the people who truly leave a lasting mark are not just those who played the game well but those who upheld principles beyond mere self-interest. A purely interest-driven society may be efficient, but it is also cold, fragile, and devoid of trust. Without moral constraints, relationships become purely transactional, and once interests shift, alliances crumble. In contrast, morality fosters long-term stability. A world guided solely by self-interest is not one in which people can genuinely thrive—it is one where they must constantly guard against each other.

That’s why I believe morality is not just a hollow concept but a strategic advantage in itself. Kindness, sincerity, and a sense of responsibility may seem trivial in the face of power struggles, but they have the potential to change people’s hearts, to create bonds of trust that transcend mere transactions. Even a small act of goodwill can trigger a ripple effect, shaping individuals, communities, and even the broader course of society.

I am not rejecting realism. I understand that navigating the world requires strategy and a clear understanding of power. But I also believe that the highest wisdom is not just mastering the rules of the game—it is knowing when and how to reshape them. We do not have to accept a world where warmth is seen as weakness and morality as naïveté. A society that leaves room for kindness is one where more people have the opportunity to pursue happiness, not just as a privilege of the powerful but as a shared right of all.

The choice is ours: Do we resign ourselves to a world dictated by power and self-interest, or do we dare to build a society where morality and rationality reinforce each other?