This Could Be Our Future: A Manifesto for a More Generous World

Imagine waking up each day in a world where the choices you make, the institutions you trust, and the very culture around you are quietly but firmly guided by a single, powerful force. This force is not a law passed by governments, nor a visible hand in the market, but a hidden default — an invisible current pulling us all in one direction. That force is financial maximization, the belief that the right decision is always the one that makes the most money. Financial maximization is the unseen ruler of modern society, shaping everything from business to politics, from education to healthcare.

We don’t often see this force because it feels like common sense, like the natural order of things. But it is a relatively new idea, and it has become so deeply embedded that it feels like an iron cage from which we cannot escape. This cage is reinforced by laws, cultural norms, and economic incentives, making it seem inevitable and eternal.

To understand this better, consider the 'no-left-turn rule' in retail. Businesses position themselves on the right side of the street because drivers overwhelmingly prefer right turns—they are faster, safer, and easier. This simple fact shapes the landscape of commerce, dictating where coffee shops and grocery stores appear based on the flow of traffic. This is an example of a hidden default: a subtle, often unnoticed influence that directs our behavior and decisions.

Similarly, financial maximization operates as a hidden default in our lives. It dictates that the rational choice is always the one that yields the greatest financial return. This has led to a world where the worth of a decision is measured solely by its monetary gain, ignoring other values like community, fairness, or sustainability.

But what if this default is not the only way? What if it is a construct that can be changed? Understanding the power of hidden defaults is the first step toward imagining a different future, one where money is important but not the only value that matters. Recognizing financial maximization as a hidden default allows us to question its dominance and opens the door to new possibilities.

As we continue, we will explore how this force came to be, how it shapes our world, and most importantly, how we might begin to break free from its grip to create a more generous and balanced society.

Now, let’s delve deeper into the origins and social consequences of this dominant mindset and see how it has shaped our culture and institutions.