That's describing capitalism, where profit maximization is systemically required for one to fulfill their role at "the top" and monopoly is the best way to increase profits.

Historically, "greed" was not the main characteristic of the ruling class. They did not exist under capitalism. Money itself often meant little. Land, a military, prestige, yes. But money fir money's sake was officially frowned upon and generally left to the clergy to handle the hypocrisy.

[–] Wrufieotnak 1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

Greed was meant not only as greed for money but greed for power in general. Money itself is worthless, only its substitution for power is why it's important in the first place.

[–] TheOubliette@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 week ago

Under capitalism, profit maximization is necessary for the company you own to survive. You cannot be a "nice capitalist", at least not for long. A person that is nice will have to conform their behavior to maximize profits anyways.

This dynamic does not exist in other systems, where your class membership makes you a relentless recursive tool of the market.