Fairness and Greed

AARON HASS Ph.D.

FAIRNESS BECOMES A MOVING TARGET WHEN GREED INTERFERES.  WHY do we become greedy? Because we are terrified of not getting enough, of not having enough. Greed is not pretty. We don't aspire to be greedy.

A friend of mine is an investment banker. He puts deals together, finding buyers for sellers. He often begins the process by asking the seller what he wants for his business. After a careful assessment of the assets and liabilities of the company, they arrive at what would be a fair price that the seller could feel good about. Over the years, my friend has recounted numerous tales of a seller being given his price,

closing the deal, and then experiencing remorse. Did I miscalculate? he frets. Did I cave in too early? Could I have gotten more? It is  to lose sight of what is fair when we view the world as an untnrstux _I adversary. or a place here I need to squeeze out as much I can for myself regardless of any other consideration. Fames and Wealth

THE LAST six MONTHS OF BULLETINS FROM BAY LAUREL ELEMENTARY

School have included a request: Because of the potential danger to children (particularly the younger ones), please do not park your car in the circular driveway of the campus when you arrive for pickup; cars must he parked on the street. Six pleas, six monthly reminders. Yet invariably, when I come for my son, Nathan, I see cars in that circular driveway, driven by individuals who received the same six entreaties as I did. Apparently, these drivers believe that the rule should not apply to them as it does to everyone else, Why aren`t these norms and dads bothered by the unfairness of their behavior? I think it has to do with money, I live in a mostly well-to-do neighborhood where people are used to buying whatever convex- niece they desire. Parking on the street \could be a slight income- niece, and these parents are not used to going out of their way. Convenience, therefore, has become expected as an inalienable right. I’m sure that these affluent dads and moms are not even aware of their unfairness, as they pass all those cars parked where they were supposed to be, Feelings of entitlement obscure our sense of fairness.