This is the rule - with the notable exceptions being the people that that society lionizes as “good” or “empathetic” or “kind.” For example MLK, Fred Rogers, Steve Irwin, Bob Ross etc…. these are people whose avatars demonstrate relational capabilities that transcend transactional.

In day to interactions with people in modern industrial society, 99% of the interaction is transactional by default. However if you look around you’ll notice that again the plurality of relationships are transactional at their root.

This is in contrast to transcendental relationships, like the achievable ideal relationship between parent and child, between siblings or romantic partners.

This is especially true for people who got into a position of power via “climbing the ladder”

The ladder in this case is made up of other people that you step on in order to get to the next rung in the ladder.

Transactionalism is ultimately the foundational basis for capitalism and our existing social order globally, and unfortunately also the root of all evil.