SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- True-believers might argue that a capitalist's pursuit of maximized profit is, by its nature, a noble one, and likely to create benefits for the greater social good.
Unfortunately, today, the pursuits of personal, financial rewards and broader, societal betterment are too often mutually exclusive.
The reason, perhaps, is that man is inclined to pursue money -- subconsciously or not -- rather than what is virtuous and just.
That's why the decision by Craig Newmark, Craigslist founder and ace customer service representative, and the San Francisco classified company's president, Jim Buckmaster, to focus less on profit maximization and more on serving their customers is so incredibly refreshing.
Their noble stance gives entrepreneurs from San Francisco a great name. Despite the many unfortunate examples of greed, Internet entrepreneurs aren't all about getting rich quick and cashing out. At an entrepreneur's roots is a vision to provide a service that helps alleviate a pain point. The money thing always muddied the waters down the road.
The attitude at Craigslist is a nice reminder of how entrepreneurs' ideals can still remain intact, no matter how odd they may seem in a world that worships money.
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