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Greed

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Greed is called a selfish desire to obtain money, wealth, food, material possessions or any other entity more than one legitimately needs. Greed is listed as one of the Catholic seven deadly sins, usually by the synonym of avarice. A basic desire to increase one's wealth is generally considered acceptable in Western culture, and simple want is not considered greed. Instead, most believe that there are varying degrees to the pursuit of material wealth, with greed being the most extreme form, with one desiring things simply for the purpose of having them. Greed may entail acquiring material possessions at the expense of another person's welfare (for example, a father buying himself a new car rather than fix the roof of his family's home) or otherwise reflect flawed priorities.

When greed entails the covetousness of another person's attributes, the term envy is used. When greed is applied to the subject of the excessive consumption of food or drink the term gluttony is often used, another of the Catholic seven deadly sins. Greed is sometimes represented by the frog.

Proponents of ultra-capitalism, including Objectivists, argue that greed should not be considered a negative trait and should instead be embraced, as they claim it is the emotion on which the capitalist economic system is based. Critics have argued this definition confuses greed with self interest, which can be more benign.

A woodcut by Ugo da Carpi, is entitled "Hercules Chasing Avarice from the Temple of the Muses." [1]

Buddhism

Buddhists believe greed is based on incorrectly connecting material wealth with happiness. This is caused by a view that exaggerates the positive aspects of an object.

See also

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