Thanks for the link to Individualism True or False, it's a great essay that ties in so well with this article,
This quote below was particularly relevant,
De Tocqueville and Lord Acton speak with one voice on this subject. “Democracy and socialism,” De Tocqueville wrote, “have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude (violence).”
I also came across another of your articles from almost 2 years ago that ties in so wonderfully with this article about the line between good and evil
When I was in college, I read the Gulag Archipelago while I was studying molecular biology. The professors would always push evolutionary theory with their opinions. I asked questions and they would shoot me down…as don’t you dare question us. Some of my grades suffered because of my inquiries but reading Solzhenitsyn gave me a calming effect to continue on and not be frustrated. I was definitely a contrarian.
Beautiful piece Barry that really highlights to me the importance of cultivating conditions for benevolence in a family, community and society to override or subdue the evil/yetzer hara that resides in each of us. This links nicely to my favourite topics of relationality and navigating interpersonal narcissism. Thank you!
This is powerful and highly relevant to the predicament we find ourselves in. I hadn't heard the Sowell quote before and it is stark.
My one quibble here is with the following statement: "When unconstrained ideology triumphs over rights and morality, we quickly discover how fast evil triumphs over good."
I looked up the definition of ideology and saw the following: "a system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy."
It seems to me that the problem is not so much with "unconstrained ideology", but unconstrained BAD ideology. That we need sound ideology to protect ourselves against bad ideas. This is not to say that any group possesses an understanding that is perfect and complete. But we do need to rely upon ideas that have been well thought out and demonstrated over time.
Thank you, Barry. What a relief it is when someone untangles a troubling knot in my mind that I can’t quite put my finger on. This resonates so deeply.
Beautifully written and much distilled wisdom, thank you !
One of my favorite Solzhenitsyn quotes.
Thanks for the link to Individualism True or False, it's a great essay that ties in so well with this article,
This quote below was particularly relevant,
De Tocqueville and Lord Acton speak with one voice on this subject. “Democracy and socialism,” De Tocqueville wrote, “have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude (violence).”
I also came across another of your articles from almost 2 years ago that ties in so wonderfully with this article about the line between good and evil
https://www.aier.org/article/the-threat-to-liberty-is-coming-from-inside-the-house/
When I was in college, I read the Gulag Archipelago while I was studying molecular biology. The professors would always push evolutionary theory with their opinions. I asked questions and they would shoot me down…as don’t you dare question us. Some of my grades suffered because of my inquiries but reading Solzhenitsyn gave me a calming effect to continue on and not be frustrated. I was definitely a contrarian.
Beautiful piece Barry that really highlights to me the importance of cultivating conditions for benevolence in a family, community and society to override or subdue the evil/yetzer hara that resides in each of us. This links nicely to my favourite topics of relationality and navigating interpersonal narcissism. Thank you!
This is powerful and highly relevant to the predicament we find ourselves in. I hadn't heard the Sowell quote before and it is stark.
My one quibble here is with the following statement: "When unconstrained ideology triumphs over rights and morality, we quickly discover how fast evil triumphs over good."
I looked up the definition of ideology and saw the following: "a system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy."
It seems to me that the problem is not so much with "unconstrained ideology", but unconstrained BAD ideology. That we need sound ideology to protect ourselves against bad ideas. This is not to say that any group possesses an understanding that is perfect and complete. But we do need to rely upon ideas that have been well thought out and demonstrated over time.
Thank you, Barry. What a relief it is when someone untangles a troubling knot in my mind that I can’t quite put my finger on. This resonates so deeply.
So wise and true.
What a beautiful piece! I reread the Gulag Archipelago last year. I knew it was time.