Ask HN: Is the world a positive sum game for the earth, not just humans?

1 point

6 years ago

I have observed the distinction pretty clearly, several times, that the world is usally divided into two parts, humans and everything else (including other animals and nature). Even sustainability is defined in these terms: "In the 21st century, it (sustainability) refers generally to the capacity for the biosphere and human civilization to coexist." From wikipedias introduction to that article.^[1]

I also have read a little bit about zero-sum bias (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero-sum_thinking), and also read about it being intuitive, but not rational, especially as pointed out by economists. An article is highlighed are here https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/5CyuxotJ5XkeXXbZK/one-reason-why-capitalism-is-much-maligned

I seem to understand, in very simplistic terms, that it's the ability to create and think, that what gives rises to win-win games. And in general, it's better to have a win-win attitude, than a win-lose or the worst, have a lose-lose attitude.

But my question here is, all these discussions are pertaining to humans. Humans have become beter off than they were 50 years ago. But, with respect to what I start the discussion, sustainability, is it that nature is becoming worse of overall, for the humans to become better off ? Or it's a positive sum game for whole of earth ?

I would be really greateful for the thoughts of the HN community on this idea.

[1]: https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Sustainability

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