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> better, morally, than optimizing ad revenue

This wanting to be "better morally" than your fellow citizens is a disease. It seems to be one of the root problems afflicting Americans these days.

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Who says it has to seen as rising above others, rather than simply living up to your own ideals?

Is it wrong to have standards just because some people won't meet them?

The fact some people get off on perceived superiority is a separate issue, and not one that will be quashed by treating all work as morally equivalent.

Why is that bad? Do you think it's worth reflecting on why it bothers you?

Because it gives you permission to see (a large percentage of) your fellow human beings as evil, and yourself as superior. I think it's worth reflecting on why it doesn't bother you. There is nothing evil about someone who works in advertising so they can support their family.

This is an absurd defeatist argument. Having morals and standards does not mean you want to feel superior. This is a surefire way to make sure we all lose moral compass, guiding principles and refuse to excel.

Whose morals? There is no universal moral truth although Western countries may agree on a core set to the point its universal, but morals changes over time pretty significantly so when OP says “morals” what they really mean is “how I think the world should be”.

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