Since when the inequalities of wealth and income are back into the heart of the economic debate, economists confront each other on the two major themes of egoism and altruism. Is it the unbridled individualism that characterizes individuals, all centred on their personal interests, whereas attributes such as philanthropy, generosity, and selflessness belong to the joint actions of the humanity in a spirit of solidarity? Or, on the contrary, individuals are selfless, while solipsists are organized groups bearers of special interests in which is fragmented and torn apart what we call "community"? This dilemma does not have an unequivocal answer. In the course of events the pendulum swings, and not in a uniform manner, between the one and the other of the two hypotheses. To move the pendulum in the direction of altruism, individuals and their collective representatives should learn how to start and operate at its full potential the multiplier of regard, engine of social progress and economic development.
