The Costs of Success

Bryson's post got me thinking about the balance between economic success and ethics. In class the question was brought up if South Africa benefited from colonialism. Of course it did! South Africa leads Sub-Saharan Africa as the political and economic hegemon of the region. From the educational system and the government, to thriving business ties and a united infrastructure, South Africa was shaped by European influence. But at what costs?

Apartheid was a system that worked politically and economically. It is clear that South Africa was more organized then than now. Yet the ethical costs were devastating. Now, South Africa is more equal and ethical, but the government and economy have suffered. There is definitely a delicate balance of ethics and success. Most if not all great powers throughout history were made great on the back of oppression. But is success worth the ethical costs?