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Systems Of Survival




  First Jane
  Title Systems of Survival
  Publisher Random House, Inc
  Date 1992
  Id ISBN 0-394-55079-X



DESCRIPTION

In the preface, Jacobs explains, “This book explores the morals and values that underpin viable working life. Like the other animals, we find and pick up what we can use, and appropriate territories. But unlike the other animals, we also trade and produce for trade. Because we possess these two radically ways of dealing with our needs, we also have two radically different systems of morals and values – both systems valid and necessary.”''ibid.'' p. xi.

The book is written in a form of a platonic dialogue where the characters discover and explore the principles that make up each of the two syndromes, as they are called. Jacobs explains that there are many other moral precepts that are shared by both systems and aren’t discussed at any length.

One system is the Guardian Moral Syndrome and contains 15 precepts, like “Shun Trading,” and “Adhere to Tradition.” This system arose primarily to satisfy the needs of organizing and managing territories. It became the code for warriors, governments, religions, and some private organizations.

The other system is the Commercial Moral Syndrome and also is made of 15 principles like, “Shun Force,” and “Compete.” It came into being to support human activities around trade and the production of goods.