Interesting thesis. But from my own experience, being raised in Russia (then-Soviet Union) I have witnessed just the selflessness of the majority of Soviet people. Sure, Socialism — as thought by theorists — was not really realized in USSR, it was neither incorporated in another countries, like China (best sample for brutal capitalism with some socialist decorations). But I witness amounts of selfish people in capitalist countries I’m living in (Germany, Japan, France). Way more than in USSR, back in time. (Now, as Russia becomes more capitalist, it changes, though).

The reason for it is the money as main focus in the capitalist countries. In USSR it was neither the issue nor the topic— nobody had money, actually. And so nobody cared. But (that’s why) everybody helped each other out. [Sure, selfish people were rather in the Party circles or in Administration, but they were just minority]. It wasn’t poverty though, just people went to museum or theater instead into the shopping mall. And they rather went to the long forest expeditions (with 0-budget) instead of, say, world travel. They rather read world literature books than DIY instructions “How to become rich in 10 steps” or stock price lists.

In capitalist countries like Germany or Japan people are caring more about themselves. Consumerism society becomes more and more anonymous, cold and hostile. Capitalism makes people selfish, imho. Because inter-human care is minimized to the profit urging interactions and efficiency of relationships (“time is money”).

I don’t say, Socialism is the solution. I just say, Capitalism isn’t one.