Quote:
Originally Posted by shovelquest
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no plz i want edgelord AI friendo's so bad.
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You’ve heard it before: some self-assured type smirks and says, “Oh, it’s not a zero-sum game,” like they’ve just unlocked the secrets of the universe. They’ll tell you the pie can grow, that everyone can win, and that you’re just too cynical to see it. Sounds nice—uplifting, even. But here’s the rub: when someone leans hard on “not zero sum,” they’re often dodging reality, peddling optimism, or quietly stacking the deck in their favor. Don’t trust ‘em.
First off, they’re usually glossing over the messy truth. Sure, the pie can grow—innovation and trade prove that—but it doesn’t always, and it sure as hell doesn’t grow evenly. When a tech bro says, “We’re all better off with this app,” they’re not mentioning the gig workers scraping by or the competitors they crushed. The “not zero sum” line conveniently skips who’s still losing, even if the total pot gets bigger. It’s a feel-good dodge that ignores the body count.
Second, it’s a power play dressed as wisdom. By insisting “we can all win,” they’re subtly shifting the blame. If you’re not thriving in their “rising tide,” well, that’s on you—stop being so negative! It’s a slick way to dismiss inequality or exploitation without ever addressing it. Politicians and CEOs love this trick: “Don’t fight over scraps, folks—the system’s fine!” Meanwhile, they’re pocketing the lion’s share of that supposedly infinite pie.
Lastly, it’s smug and slippery. Dropping “not a zero-sum game” sounds enlightened, but it’s often just jargon to avoid the hard stuff. If they can’t explain who’s winning, how much, and why the losers don’t count, they’re not arguing—they’re preaching. It’s a phrase that lets sneaky Petes sound noble while they sidestep accountability.
So, when someone’s quick to say “it’s not zero sum,” watch your back. They might just be selling you a rosy lie—or worse, picking your pocket while you clap for their optimism. Distrust that sanctimonious little phrase—it’s a favorite of the slickest con artists.