[OT: non-math, non-fun] * Henry Baker <hbaker1@pipeline.com> [Jun 05. 2012 14:40]:
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But then I am reminded that upwards of 33% of the East Germans willingly spied on the other 67% (probably the 33%, too!), and for apparently _no money, or any other consideration_ !
Except possibly: - being allowed to study (or a decent job) - not landing in jail because something was cooked up beforehand - getting a phone - getting a bathroom in one's flat (as opposed to the one shared with the whole house) - getting a decent flat at all - getting good medical treatment - everything above applied to one's children / partner / close friend
This sort of behavior _has_ to be genetic; else how else could such behavior be so widespread?
Erm, no. Check North Korea (expecially what happens in those camps) to see what people (regardless of genes) can do to each other. Alternatively, read about every war we do know more about than plain nothing. Reports from humanitarian organisations (amnesty international or similar) tend to be quite instructive. In peace times dictatorships tend to bring out the worst as well. Compared to what's going on right now(*) in several places in the world living in the GDR was hardly the worst one can think of. (*) and likely at each point in history.
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Gruesse aus Deutschland, jj ;^)