Adam Smith said our economy is based on self-interest, which seemingly relegates equity, equality, and altruism to symbolic social cries.
The story goes that material reality (foundational) allows contradictory wishes and dreams (philosophical/ideological) to ride atop it. Our economy encourages the symbolic virtues as a distraction and abundant energy source.
Yet, let’s consider that cooperation and collaboration maintain functional economies. Virtues of trust and loyalty (beyond self-interest or reason) are the foundation upon which parasitic, disruptive economies establish themselves. In this reversal, the parasite has convinced us it is the host, and every man must be for themself.