1 March 2009

Yes, I am still working on this one - I think it particularly significant these days: are we going to be realistic or are we going to live a fantasy; that's different from pragmatism.  I submit that pragmatism is tactical; a choice between reality and fantasy is strategic.  

Philosophers for millenia have been debating whether "human nature" (some even object to use of the term) is basically good or basically bad.  My own take (and this is also refuted) is that human nature (as all animals) is neither, but motivated by self interest and preservation.  When push comes to shove it's me for me and us for us (but beware of us).  I have already addressed the dichotomy that most people don't really know what's best for me - long term - but surrender to what's best for me short term.

Our history is replete with conflict; why?  See above.  Samuel Huntington talked of cultural fault lines as conflict potentials; George Friedman suggests the same from a geopolitical viewpoint.  Already I have read refutation of Huntington; Friedman is yet to come.  Based on what?  I really didn't understand the refutation, so I can't say.

But what's interesting to me, and argue if you will - and you will - is that the two sides of the conflict are much like those associated with the Christian religion: love thy neighbor or don't.  Now, there is strong opposition to Christian religion these days (other than from Muslims) and the opposition is the side that espouses love thy neighbor; presumably they have bought the message but rejected the vehicle.

We need to talk more, share more, believe in each other more, and be brothers.  In a word I call this fantasy.  Talk?  Sure.  But buy the message?  Uh uh.  Diplomacy is all about gaining advantage - and very little about truth and honesty.  What national leader is going to sell his constituency down the river for a promise?  What national leader will take advantage of any advantage he/she might have?  Reality versus fantasy.

A popular position nowadays is to despise nationalism; we must all live together peacefully.  Right.  It does not work that way.  Nationalism is merely an extension of tribalism - or family.  Take care of your own.  Should we do what's best for all?  Maybe, if we knew, or could agree on what that is - fantasy.  Reality?  Watch your back and don't trust anyone. 

There are people in this world who have little respect for truth and honesty and view those that put it forth as weak.  There are some who take pride in duplicity.  So we should talk more, give more, love more, believe more, accept more and all will become fine?  That is not reality.  Should it be?  Probably, but to assume that it is is fantasy.  Why are we beset by those who insist on living fantasy?  Because it makes us feel good - for now.

I have one word for it - naivte.  And an opinion about it: avoid it!