Also, I’d argue, because reality isn’t a zero-sum game. We simply earn more by working together and helping each other, and so more altruistic societies are more resilient. Over time this might average out into morally better societies winning out more than they lose out
A lot also depends on what the society does. If it’s only resource extraction, you give people a pick axe and whip them until they start digging. If you want people to do science and engineering, you have to take care of people or you’ll have subpar results.
Also, I’d argue, because reality isn’t a zero-sum game. We simply earn more by working together and helping each other, and so more altruistic societies are more resilient. Over time this might average out into morally better societies winning out more than they lose out
That doesn’t mean they can’t lose out, though
A lot also depends on what the society does. If it’s only resource extraction, you give people a pick axe and whip them until they start digging. If you want people to do science and engineering, you have to take care of people or you’ll have subpar results.