Video -- But Let Me Explain...

[rianofski]

[The video feed clicks on to show someone who is, apparently, very in need of explaining something.]

I have only ever done what I've had to do, to protect my own interests. If I've been selfish, that's because human beings are inherently selfish, inherently absorbed in their own problems, their own wellbeing, their own survival. I don't perceive self interest to be a negative quality. Indeed, it's one of the only qualities that we all share.

[A pause, as though he's not quite sure why he's explaining all of this, or what's spurred him to do so, but then he goes on.]

I've been called a titan of industry. I've built my own city. I've seen it thrive, and I've also seen the cracks begin to show. I've done everything in my power to sustain the ideals of the free market, of free will, and yet...

[A sigh.]

I have my critics, as does any man. But allow me to explain: morality is entirely relative, and rest assured, I can explain -- and justify without question -- any of my actions, whether it be in this city or at home. Can any of you say the same?

Comments

[deadmanbusiness]

It's funny how many people don't realize morality is relative.

[Pfft. They're agreeing on something.]

[rianofski]

They're taught to believe there is a set of universal morals that applies to everyone. Many never look beyond that teaching.

I always think that icon is a fish tank for some reason

[deadmanbusiness]

That's because they all - well not all but a great deal of them - follow the same religion which preaches that. Or offshoots of it.

But even then they don't realize that all the different offshoots have different ideas of how to interpret the morals they preach.

Re: TV screen, fish tank, same idea, really

[rianofski]

Nor do they realize how unspeakably ludicrous religion is, in general.

Something to stare at while your mind goes blank

[deadmanbusiness]

Religion does have its purposes.

[He gets a bit defensive here, of course. He has his own religion... cult... thing.]

[rianofski]

As a tool of control, perhaps. A way to coerce the masses into doing what "god" wants, when really those running the religion are brainwashing these individuals to do what the government wants, what the church wants.

[deadmanbusiness]

[Theo was raised in a Theocracy.]

Well... yes. That's the point. Mortals are there to worship the god and give them power. In return the god takes care of them and makes sure that they have what they need to live a successful life. They make sure the rains come and aren't to overwhelming of the land, that the harvests are good, that they're protected from other countries, that their souls don't get lost after they die.

[rianofski]

This is, of course, assuming that gods are real. In my world, and, I'd hazard a guess, in most worlds, that's simply not the case.

[deadmanbusiness]

Or in your world it's not the case.

[And since now they're getting onto that tired old rag, Theo changes the subject.]

You built your own city?

[rianofski]

I did. There was no adequate city in the world for people like me, so I built my own.

[deadmanbusiness]

Your own kingdom to rule.

[rianofski]

[He almost visibly bristles at the suggestion.]

Hardly. I'm no king.

[deadmanbusiness]

Your own city then? Magistrate?

[rianofski]

I prefer to consider myself a business owner. A CEO, if you will.

[deadmanbusiness]

So you own the city and run it?

[rianofski]

Precisely. Of course, one can hardly run a city alone.

[deadmanbusiness]

Of course not. You've got all the public works that need to be looked after.

[rianofski]

In a manner of speaking, yes, although my city does run very much like a company in many ways -- there aren't exactly 'public works.'

[deadmanbusiness]

I'm assuming you do have sewers and streets and a fire department, right?

[favoritetraitor]

A titan of industry? Really? We really must talk sometime.

[rianofski]

Of course. A city couldn't run without those things.

[rianofski]

I'm always open to conversation, especially conversation regarding industry.

[deadmanbusiness]

So who does run them?

[rianofski]

Various private companies. My company, Ryan Industries, is undoubtedly the most significant of these, but there are, of course, others. The free market thrives on healthy competition, after all.

[deadmanbusiness]

Undoubtedly. It is your city after all.

And sure it feeds on healthy competition until everything gets eaten up by one particular company or a few large ones.