Primitive aversion to exchange stems from fear of deception and self-loss.
Evidence
Ethnology teaches us about the astonishing arbitrariness, vacillation, and incongruities which characterize concepts of value in primitive cultures the moment their people are concerned with anything more than the most pressing daily necessities. Now there is no doubt that this phenomenon is caused by—in any event, is connected with—another phenomenon, the primitive man’s aversion to economic exchange. Several grounds for this aversion have been asserted. Since primitive man lacks an objective and generally accepted measure of value, he must constantly be afraid of being deceived when trading. Since any product of labor is brought forth by himself and for himself, he externalizes a part of his personality with it and may be giving the evil powers some control over him. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 262
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Rational exchange presupposes detachment that impulsive minds cannot achieve — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 253; The exchange sphere masks exploitative production relations and produces the illusion of isolated individuals; Perspective shifts can transform fear into relief. — Leo Tolstoy, A Confession, 221
Related
Broader Connections
- The exchange sphere masks exploitative production relations and produces the illusion of isolated individuals
#expands(0.60) - Perspective shifts can transform fear into relief.
#complicates(0.35) — Leo Tolstoy, A Confession, 221