VARIOUSINSIGHTFUL,FUN,ANDVEXINGQUOTATIONS

AssembledbyAlexanderCarpenter fortheEdificationandConsternationofHimself,hisFriends,andInnocentBystanders

AnEverAccumulatingCollectionof

THESTATE,particularlyCHINA...............................................................................................3 EDUCATIONandRELIGION...................................................................................................14 BUSINESS,ECONOMICS,andPOLITICS..............................................................................40 CORPORATIONS......................................................................................................................123 POLITY.......................................................................................................................................154 SELF.............................................................................................................................................210 SCIENCEandGNOSIS.............................................................................................................243 ENVIRONMENT.......................................................................................................................293 HEYOKA.....................................................................................................................................315 TRAVEL......................................................................................................................................344 LANGUAGEandSPEECH......................................................................................................347 PROHIBITION...........................................................................................................................365 LIBERTYandRESTRAINTOFTHESTATE..........................................................................371 THEGOLDENRULE...............................................................................................................405 ITSLIKE................................................................................................................................409 POLITYLISTS............................................................................................................................415 UNPLACED...............................................................................................................................421 QUOTABLE...............................................................................................................................444
Control/CommandFtoSearchonKeywordsofyourchoice OtherCategoriesforFutureOrganization(orsearch): HISTORY REALPOLITIK WEALTH TIME LOVE COURAGE TRUTH&ETHICS POPULATION REALITY PROBLEM ART LAW CONSCIOUSNESS WRITING LIGHT&DARKNESS BODY POWER SECURITY MODELING

PROOF

SANITY FEAR BEAUTY ACTION HEALTH

WIT WISDOM HUMOR TYRANNY

Notabene,apocryphalmeansIthinksomebodymadeitup,oversummarizedit,tookitoutof context,orprojectedhisowninterpretationsintoit.Thisisdistinguishedfromreattribution,mis attribution,oroutrightappropriation(akaplagiarism).

AlexanderCarpenter
CompilationandOriginalCreationCopyright19842013AllRightsReservedInAllMedia AllcopyrightedmaterialincludedunderFairUse alexander@nmci.com 1January2013

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THE STATE, particularly CHINA

Peoplehavefriends;nationshaveinterests. CharlesdeGaulle Governmentshaveinterests,notprinciples.(paraphrased) CardinalRichelieu(alsoattributedtoHenryKissinger) OnelearnssoonenoughthatonlyafoolunderstandstheChinesequickly. ArthurMiller,AmericanPlaywright,inTheAtlanticMonthly Generallyspeaking,ChinesehateBuddhistmonksandnuns;theyhateMoslems,andtheyhate Christians.ButtheydonothateTaoistpriests.Whoeverunderstandsthereasonforthishas understoodhalfofChina. LuXun,ChineseWriter Theprincipalfunctionofmoderngovernmentistokeeppeopleapart.or Keepingcitizensaparthasbecomethefirstmaximofmodernpolitics. JeanJacquesRousseau(17121778) Themorelaws,thelessjustice. MarcusTulliusCicero,DeOfficiis,44B.C. Corruptissimarepublicae,plurimaeleges. (Themorecorruptthestate,themorelawsithas.) CorneliusTacitus(55117AD),______________ AnoldChinesesaidhehadheardthatwhenempiresweredoomedtheyhadmanylaws. FriedrichNietzsche,TheWilltoPower(PosthumousNotebooks),1901 Whenyoubreakthebiglaws,youdonotgetfreedom;youdonotevengetanarchy.Yougetthe smalllaws.

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G.K.Chesterton Thatgovernmentgovernsbestwhichgovernsleast. HenryDavidThoreau,CivilDisobedience(resonantofJefferson?) Themorerestrictionsandprohibitionsthereare,thepoorerthepeoplebecome.Thesharperthe peoplesweaponsare,themorenationalconfusionincreases.Themoreskillartisansrequire,the morebizarretheirproductsare. LaoTzu,TaoTeChing ThePeopleisthatpartoftheStatethatdoesntknowwhatitwants.Thepeoplesmovement andactionwouldbeelemental,voidofreason,violentandterrible,ifnotregulated. GeorgWilhelmFriedrichHegel,ElementsofaPhilosophyofRight,1821,301and303 ThePeopleisagreatbeast. AlexanderHamilton,AmericanStatesman Howcanyougovernanationthathas246differentkindsofcheese? Countriescancopewithasurprisingamountofbadgovernment. CharlesdeGaulle Manyofus[Chinese]whohavebeentoforeigncountriestostudyandworkagreethatwecan performmuchmoreefficientlyandproductivelyabroadthaninChina...Foreignersarenomore intelligentthanweChinese.Why,then,cantweproducefirstratework?Thereasonsforour inabilitytodevelopourpotentialliewithinoursocialsystem...Chineseintellectuallife,material civilization,moralfiber,andgovernmentareindirestraits...Thetruthisthateveryaspectofthe Chineseworldneedstobemodernized...Chinesecultureisnotjustbackwardinaparticular respectbutprimitiveinanoverallsense... FangLizhi,ChineseScientist,inTheAtlanticMonthly,May1988 MusicalinnovationisfullofdangertotheState,forwhenmodesofmusicchange,thelawsofthe Statealwayschangewiththem. TheleadersoftheState...maybeallowedtolieforthegoodoftheState.

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Plato(428347B.C.) Therearethreekindsofintelligencehuman,animal,andmilitary. AldousHuxley,PointCounterPoint Ainvejaeaarmadosincompetentes. (Jealousyistheweaponoftheincompetent.) BrazilianSaying Quemtemdois,sempretemum. Quemtemum,naotemningem. (Hewhohastwo[women],alwayshasone. Hewhohasone,hasnone.) AnotherBrazilianSaying TheLaw,initsmajesticequality,forbidstherichaswellasthepoortosleepunderbridges,tobeg inthestreets,andtostealbread. JacquesAnatoleFrancois,LeLysRouge Ofallthepreposterousassumptionsofhumanityoverhumanity,nothingexceedsmostofthe criticismsmadeonthehabitsofthepoorbythewellhoused,wellwarmedandwellfed. HermanMelville Lawsaregenerallyfoundtobenetsofsuchatexture,asthelittlecreepthrough,thegreatbreak through,andthemiddlesizedarealoneentangledin. WilliamShenstone(17141763),EssaysonMen,Manners,andThings;OnPolitics Lawsarespiderwebs;theyholdtheweakanddelicatewhoarecaughtintheirmeshes,butare torninpiecesbytherichandpowerful. Anacharsis,1stCenturyB.C.ScythianPhilosopher JohnStuartMillsaidthattyrannymakespeoplecynical. Hedidntrealizethattherewouldberepublicstomakethemsilent. LuXun,ChineseWriter

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Authoritariangovernment,requiredtospeak,issilent. Representativegovernment,requiredtospeak,lieswithimpunity. NapoleonBonaparte Inadictatorship,censorshipisused;inademocracy,manipulation. RyszardKapuscinski,journalist,LeMondediplomatique(Paris),August1999 Notyrantspowercancomparewiththatofapoorwretchreadytokillhimself. EmilCioran,Romanianpoliticalphilosopher(19111995) Ajokeisanepitaphforahopethathasdied. FriedrichWilhelmNietzsche(18441900) Historyneverrepeatsitself;manalwaysdoes. Voltaire ...itcomestopassthatthesameevilsandinconveniencestakeplaceinallagesofhistory. NiccoloMachiavelli(15691527),Discourses(II?) Hethatwillnotapplynewremediesmustexpectnewevils;fortimeisthegreatestinnovator. FrancisBacon,OfInnovations Ofcourse,whetherwearemassacredbyourownpeopleoraremassacredbyforeignersdoesnot amountexactlytothesamething.Thus,forinstance,ifamanslapshisownfacehewillnotfeel insulted;whereasifsomeoneelseslapshimhewillfeelangry.However,whenamanisso cretinousthathewillslaphisownface,hefullydeservestobeslappedbyanypasserby. LuXun,ChineseWriter Idontknowwhatyoumeanbyglory,Alicesaid.HumptyDumptysmiledcontemptuously. OfcourseyoudonttillItellyou.Imeanttheresaniceknockdownargumentforyou! Butglorydoesntmeananiceknockdownargument,Aliceobjected. WhenIuseaword,HumptyDumptysaid,inratherascornfultone,itmeansjustwhatIchoose ittomeanneithermorenorless. Thequestionis,saidAlice,whetheryoucanmakewordsmeansomanydifferentthings. Thequestionis,saidHumptyDumpty,whichistobemasterthatsall.

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LewisCarroll,ThroughtheLookingGlass Whencleverfellowsbegintopraisesomeonebeheawealthyoldman,anactress,ortheirboss itisnaturallyinthehopetoderivesomebenefitfromthisactivity.Yetfortheordinarypeople, themainpurposeofallsycophancyissimplytowardoffcatastrophes.Consider,forinstance,the variousgodsthatareworshippedinChinaninetimesoutoften,theyaremaleficpowers... Simplyspeaking,inChina,whoeveristheobjectofacultmustbeaverydubiouscharacter. LuXun,ChineseWriter HistoryinChinaislikeanoldmansmemory.Thedistantpastisoftenmorevividthanthe present,anditsstoriesarepolished,exaggerated,anddistortedbymanytellings.TheChinese havealwayslookedtotheirancestorsfortheirsenseofdirectionandofdutyinlife.Theyhaveno epicsandfewcreationstories,onlyhistory,fullofmoralexamplestobedrawnonandevaluated afreshineverygeneration.ForhistorytotheChineseisnotanobjectiveaccountofthepast.Itisan endlessmoralitytaleinwhichthecharactersmustbeexplicitvillainsandheroes,theirvirtuesand vicesmadeconstantlyrelevanttothepresentdaysconcerns. AlasdairClayre,TheHeartoftheDragon WhentheChinesesuspectsomeoneofbeingapotentialtroublemaker,theyalwaysresorttooneof twomethods:theycrushhim,ortheyhoisthimonapedestal. LuXun,ChineseWriter Abigmanhasnotimereallytodoanythingbutjustsitandbebig. F.ScottFitzgerald Once,Iremember,wecameuponamanofwaranchoredoffthe[African]coast...Itappearsthe Frenchhadoneoftheirwarsgoingonthereabouts...Intheemptyimmensityofearth,sky,and water,thereshewas,incomprehensible,firingintoacontinent. JosephConrad,HeartofDarkness Weletourselvesbeturnedalltooeasilyintoslaves.Andtheworstisthatoncewehavebecome slaves,wederivemuchsatisfactionfromit. LuXun,ChineseWriter Beforetherevolutionwewereslaves.Andnowwearetheslavesofformerslaves.

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LuXun,ChineseWriter Chinaisstillaworldapart,forallthesuperficialcomingstogetherannouncedinrecentyearsby politiciansandthemedia.Aworldwherechildrenpayforthesinsoftheirparents;truthmeans nothingcomparedwithritual;meritgiveswaytoconnections;revengeisawayoflife;andthe greatesttransgressionistostepoutoflinefromthetribe. RossTerrill,AustralianJournalist TheChinesearenotaverycivilizedpeople. JiangQing,failedShanghaiactress,widowofChairmanMao,vindictivestagedirector oftheCulturalRevolution,wouldbeEmpressofChina,and(perhaps)suicide. TheSouthgateofthecourtsisopen. Withrightonyoursidebutnomoney,donotgoinside. ChineseSaying HeavenishighandtheEmperorfaraway. AnotherChineseSaying SitStumpWaitRabbit. YetAnotherChineseSaying ThewholeatmosphereinChinanow[1987]isverybad.Thereisnomoralityorreligion,or,for thatmatter,anyoneinchargeofourmoraleducation.Formerly,thePartydidthistosomeextent, butnowbeliefinthePartyandMarxismhasliterallycollapsed.Whenyouaskyoungpeoplewhat theybelievein,theytellyouthattheydontknow.Theyhavelostconfidenceincontemporary Chineseculture.Theyhavenothingtobeproudof.Exceptforthoseyoungpeoplewhoarestill idealisticbecausetheyhavestartedtoturntodemocracy,thereisaculturalandpoliticalvacuum. FangLizhi,ChineseScientist,inTheAtlanticMonthly,May1988 ThatMarxismnolongerhasanyworthisatruththatcannotbedenied...Itisathingofthepast usefultounderstandproblemsofthelastcentury,butnotthoseoftoday...InChinathe CommunistPartyhasneverhadanysuccess.Overthelastthirtyyearsithasproducednopositive results...Thatiswhythedesireforareformationissostrong,whyfaithintheParty,especially amongyoungpeople,hasdisappeared...InChinathePartywantsnotonlytomanagepoliticsbut tohaveeverythingunderitscontrolaswell,includingthewaypeoplethinkandlive...Tocreatea realeconomicdemocracyinChinathePartymustdiminishthispoliticalcontrolpreciselywhat

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itfears...ThehardrealityisthatthereisnowaynowtogettheChineseCommunistPartyoutof power.Totrytoreplacethem,oreventopersuadethemtoadoptsomeotherpoliticalsystem,is impossible. FangLizhi,ChineseScientist,inTheAtlanticMonthly,May1988 IstherenooneIcantrust? No,youareaKing. AlexandreDumas,TheManintheIronMask YoumayrapeHistory,solongasyoumakeherpregnant. AlexandreDumas Therearenocannibalsinthatcountrysincethelocalauthoritiesatethelastones. AlexandreVialatte Partymembersshouldnotbemeasuredbynarrowstandardsofpetitbourgeoissnobbery. SometimesascoundrelisusefultoourPartypreciselybecauseheisascoundrel. NickolaiLenin Therearepeoplewhoknoweverythingexceptwhattheyaretold. Astolphe,MarquisdeCustine(17901857) Oppressedpeoplealwaysdeservetheirfate.Tyrannyisachievedbyawholenation; itisnottheaccomplishmentofasingleindividual. Astolphe,MarquisdeCustine(17901857),LettresdeRussie,1839 Althoughbedbugsareunpleasantwhentheysuckyourblood,atleasttheybiteyouwithouta word,whichisquitestraightforwardandfrank.Mosquitoesaredifferent.Ofcourse,theirmethod ofpiercingtheskinmaybeconsideredfairlythoroughgoing;butbeforebitingtheyinsiston makingalongspeech,whichisirritating.Iftheyareexpoundingallthereasonsthatmakeitright forthemtofeedonhumanblood,thatisevenmoreirritating.IamgladIdonotknowtheir language. LuXun,ChineseWriter

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Themosthorriblethingisnotagovernmentthatstagespublicexecutions,butagovernmentthat secretlydisposesofitsvictims. LuXun,ChineseWriter ...ifacity,whichfromitsoriginhasenjoyedlibertybuthasofitselfbecomecorrupt,hasdifficulties indevisinggoodlawsforthemaintenanceofliberty,itisnottobewonderedatifacitythathad itsoriginsinservitudefindsitnotonlydifficult,butactuallyimpossible,evertoorganizea governmentthatwillsecureitslibertyandtranquility. NiccoloMachiavelli,Discourses,1,XLIX Ifaprincetreatshissubjectsashishandsandfeet,theywilltreathimastheirbellyandheart.Ifhe treatsthemashishorsesandhounds,theywilltreathimasastranger.Ifhetreatsthemlikemud andweedsunderfoot,theywilltreathimasanenemy. Mencius,independentphilosopheranddiscipleofConfucius Whereagreatproportionofthepeoplearesufferedtolanguishinhelplessmisery,thatcountry mustbeillpolicedandwretchedlygoverned:adecentprovisionforthepooristhetruetestof civilization.Gentlemenofeducation,heobserved,wereprettymuchthesameinallcountries;the conditionofthelowerorders,thepoorespecially,wasthetruemarkofnationaldiscrimination. JamesBoswell,TheLifeofSamuelJohnson Atestofapeopleishowitbehavestowardtheold.Itiseasytolovechildren.Eventyrantsand dictatorsmakeapointofbeingfondofchildren.Buttheaffectionandcarefortheold,the incurable,thehelplessarethetruegoldminesofaculture. PolishbornRabbiAbrahamJoshuaHeschel Thebestindextoapersonscharacteris (a)howhetreatspeoplewhocantdohimanygood,and (b)howhetreatspeoplewhocantfightback. AbigailvanBuren,USadvicecolumnist(1918) Thetestofourprogressisnotwhetherweaddmoretotheabundanceofthosewhohavemuch;it iswhetherweprovideenoughforthosewhohavetoolittle. FranklinDelanoRoosevelt,SecondInauguralAddress TheartsofPoweranditsminionsarethesameinallcountriesandinallages.Itmarksitsvictim;

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denouncesit;andexcitesthepublicodiumandthepublichatred,toconcealitsownabusesand encroachments. HenryClay,1834 Itisnotourparttomasterallthetidesoftheworld,buttodowhatisinusforthesuccorofthe yearswhereinweareset,uprootingtheevilinthefieldsthatweknow,sothatthosewhocome afterusmayhaveacleanearthtotill.Whatweathertheyshallhaveisnotourstorule. J.R.R.Tolkien TheSovietswillnotattackyouintheGermanPlains:Theywillhypnotizeyourmindandsoul withthatmenace.Theywillthenbefreetocarryoutastrategyofsuccessivewiderange encirclementsofEurope. Thefirstring,throughAngolaandMozambique,willthreatenyoursupplylineswiththeEastern Hemisphere. Asecondringwillthenbeestablished,foreclosingtheWestfromtheEthiopianhighplateau, Aden,andAfghanistan,andpossiblyIranandthePersianGulf.YourinfluenceonIndiawillbe reducedveryclosetozero;Pakistanwillfinditselfinadifficultsituation. Whilecashinginonallthat,theSovietleaderswillbegintoconstructathirdencirclingring.This timetheywillaimatputtingundertheircontroltheBalkanPeninsulaandtheEastern Mediterranean.Ifthathappens,theWestasweknowitwillbefinished. ShortlybeforethathappensyouwillwitnessanimprovementinSovietChineserelations:slow andcautious,butirresistible.YouwillrememberthatweneverlikedStalin,butneitherdidwe objecttohispactwithHitler.Thesurvivalofhispeopleisthefirstresponsibilityofaleader.Later on,thestrugglemayberesumedunderbetterconditions. PeoplesRepublicofChinaPremierZhouEnLaitoNATOvisitorsatthebeginningof theSeventies;quotedbyRobertoDucciinTheAtlanticMonthly,February1985 IthinktheimportantthingtonoteisthatinAmerica,thoseontherightcandothingsthoseonthe leftcanonlytalkabout....NoonecouldquestionmyantiCommunistcredentials. RichardMilhousNixon,AmericanPresident,inreferencetohis OpeningofChinain1972 Ifanambassadorisanhonestmansentabroadtolieforhiscountry,astatesmanisamanwholies fromthecomfortofhome.

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CharlesKrauthammer,TimeEssayWhyWeMustContainChina,31July1995 AStatesmanisadeadpolitician.WeneedmoreStatesmen. Unattributed Fromalltheseindignities,suchastheverybeastsofthefieldwouldnotendure,youcandeliver yourselfifyoutry,notbytakingaction,butmerelybywillingtobefree.Resolvetoservenomore, andyouareatoncefreed.Idonotaskthatyouplaceyourhandsuponthetyranttotopplehim over,butmerelythatyousupporthimnolonger;thenyouwillbeholdhim,likeagreatcolossus whosepedestalhasbeenpulledaway,fallofhisownweightandbreakintopieces. EtiennedelaBoetie,DiscourseonVoluntaryServitude Thestateisthegreatfictitiousentitybywhicheveryoneexpectstoliveattheexpenseofeveryone else. FredericBastiat,TheState,inSelectedEssaysonPoliticalEconomy,page144 Tofightandconquerinallyourbattlesisnotsupremeexcellence.Supremeexcellenceconsistsin breakingtheenemysresistancewithoutfighting. SunTzu,TheArtofWar,490BCE Ineithercasethereisnoguaranteethatthisrulingclassorrulingbodyrepresentthebestmindof thenationoritsnoblestaimsoritshighestinstincts.Nothingofthekindcanbeassertedofthe modernpoliticianinanypartoftheworld;hedoesnotrepresentthesoulofapeopleorits aspirations.Whathedoesrepresentisalltheaveragepettiness,selfishness,egoism,selfdeception thatisabouthimandtheseherepresentswellenoughaswellasagreatdealofmental incompetenceandmoralconventionality,timidityandpretence.Greatissuesoftencometohimfor decision,buthedoesnotdealwiththemgreatly;highwordsandnobleideasareonhislips,but theybecomerapidlytheclaptrapofaparty.Thediseaseandfalsehoodofmodernpoliticallifeis patentineverycountryoftheworldandonlythehypnotisedacquiescenceofall,eventhe intellectualclasses,inthegreatorganisedsham,cloaksandprolongsthemalady,theacquiescence thatmenyieldtoeverythingthatishabitualandmakesthepresentatmosphereoftheirlives.Yetit isbysuchmindsthatthegoodofallhastobedecided,tosuchhandsthatithastobeentrusted,to suchanagencycallingitselftheStatethattheindividualisbeingmoreandmorecalleduponto giveupthegovernmentofhisactivities.Asamatteroffact,itisinnowaythelargestgoodofall thatisthussecured,butagreatdealoforganisedblunderingandevilwithacertainamountof goodwhichmakesforrealprogress,becauseNaturemovesforwardalwaysinthemidstofall stumblingsandsecuresheraimsintheendmoreofteninspiteofmansimperfectmentalitythan byitsmeans.

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SriAurobindo,TheHumanCycle;TheIdealofHumanUnity TheInadequacyoftheState Idea,pg.278 Nostateiseverdestroyedexceptthroughthoseavertableconditionsthatmankinddreadsto contemplate.Yetnationsprefertoperishratherthanmasterthesinglelessontaughtbythe washingawayofthosethathavegonebeforethem.Intheirindifference,andinthevalorof ignorance,theydepart,togetherwiththeirmonumentsandtheirconstitutions. HomerLea,TheValorofIgnorance,1902 Itisalsointheinterestsofatyranttokeephispeoplepoor,sothattheymaynotbeabletoafford thecostofprotectingthemselvesbyarmsandbesooccupiedwiththeirdailytasksthattheyhave notimeforrebellion. Aristotle,Politics(J.Sinclairtranslation,1962,page226) Popularrevoltagainstaruthless,experiencedmoderndictatorship,whichenjoysamonopolyover weaponsandcommunications,...issimplynotapossibilityinthemodernage. GeorgeF.Kennan Weneednotdeceiveourselvesthatwecanaffordtodaytheluxuryofaltruismandworld benefaction....Weshouldceasetotalkaboutvagueandunrealobjectivessuchashumanrights,the raisingofthelivingstandards,anddemocratization.Thedayisnotfaroffwhenwearegoingto havetodealinstraightpowerconcepts.Thelesswearethenhamperedbyidealisticslogans,the better. GeorgeF.Kennan,headofU.S.StateDepartmentPolicyPlanningStaff,1948 Therearetwofundamentallyopposedmeanswherebyman,requiringsustenance,isimpelledto obtainthenecessarymeansforsatisfyinghisdesires.Theseareworkandrobbery,onesownlabor andtheforcibleappropriationofthelaborofothers Iproposeinthefollowingdiscussiontocallonesownlaborandtheequivalentexchangeofones ownlaborforthelaborofothers,theeconomicmeansforthesatisfactionofneeds,whilethe unrequitedappropriationofthelaborofotherswillbecalledthepoliticalmeans. FranzOppenheimer(18641943),TheState:ItsHistoryandDevelopmentViewed Sociologically,1908,ChapterII Stateswhichareabouttodeclineappearmostbrilliantandpowerfuljustbeforeithappens,asa gutteringcandleflaresbrightlybeforebeingextinguished.

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AbdalRahmanIbnMohammad(IbnKhaldun)(13321406)

EDUCATION and RELIGION

Whatwecalleducationandcultureisforthemostpartnothingbutthesubstitutionofreadingfor experience,ofliteratureforlife,ofobsoletefictionsforcontemporaryexperience. GeorgeBernardShaw Cultureisthetransferofinformationbybehavioralmeans,mostparticularlybytheprocessof teachingandlearning. JohnBonner,Biologist Educationis...hangingarounduntilyouvecaughton. RobertFrost Dontletschoolgetinthewayofyoureducation. MarkTwain,AmericanHumorist Thosewhocan,do. Thosewhocant,teach. GeorgeBernardShaw Thosewhocan,do. Thosewhocant,teach. Thosewhocantteach,teacheducation. AnonymousEducator(avariationseenattributedtoCalvinCalverley) Amanoughttoreadjustasinclinationleadshim; forwhathereadsasataskwilldohimlittlegood. Dr.SamuelJohnson(17091784) Thepurposeofeducationisnottomakemenintocarpenters,buttomakecarpentersmen. W.E.B.DuBois

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IamalwaysdoingwhatIcannotdoyet,inordertolearnhowtodoit. VincentvanGogh Irespectfaith,butdoubtiswhatgetsyouaneducation. WilsonMizner Asarule,thephilosopherisakindofmongrelbeing,acrossbetweenscientistandpoet,enviousof both. GustaveFlaubert,lettertoLouiseColet,1846 Whereisthelifewehavelostinliving? Whereisthewisdomwehavelostinknowledge? Whereistheknowledgewehavelostininformation? T.S.Eliot,TheRock Whateverthedetailwithwhichyoucramyourstudents,thechancesoftheirmeetinginafterlife exactlythatdetailisalmostinfinitesimal;andiftheydomeetit,theywillprobablyhaveforgotten whatyoutaughtthemaboutit.Thereallyusefultrainingyieldsacomprehensionofafewgeneral principleswithathoroughgroundinginthewaytheyapplytoavarietyofconcretedetails.In subsequentpracticethestudentswillhaveforgottenyourparticulardetails;buttheywill rememberbyanunconsciouscommonsensehowtoapplyprinciplestoimmediatecircumstance. AlfredNorthWhitehead,TheAimsofEducationandOtherEssays Themoreabstractthetruthyouwanttoteachthemoreyoumustseducethesensestoit. FriedrichWilhelmNietzsche(18441900),BeyondGoodandEvil Itisofteneasierforourchildrentoobtainagunthanitistofindagoodschool. JoycelynElders,U.S.SecretaryofEducation Maybethatsbecausegunsaresoldataprofit,whileschoolsareprovidedbythegovernment. DavidBoaz Iwouldratherliveinasocietywhichtreatedchildrenasadultsthanonewhichtreatedadultsas children.

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Lizard Youteachkidshowtosucceedwhentheysuccessfullyfoiltheeducationalsystem. ArloGuthrie AgeneralStateeducationisamerecontrivanceformoldingpeopletobeexactlylikeoneanother; andasthemoldinwhichitcaststhemisthatwhichpleasesthedominantpowerinthe government,whetherthisbeamonarch,anaristocracy,oramajorityoftheexistinggeneration;in proportionasitisefficientandsuccessful,itestablishesadespotismoverthemind,leadingbya naturaltendencytooneoverthebody. JohnStuartMill(18061873),1859 Outsidetheclassrooms,thegenuine,livinginstitutionsofculturechurches,associations, museums,artists,tribes,cultsarehiptousingmodernmediatoadvancetheirmission.Onlythe diehardacademicslashedlikeCaptainAhabtothewhitewhaleofpoliticalandcultural correctnessaresinkingtoirrelevancyunderthewaveofanimplacabletechnologyrevolution. LewisJ.Perelman OneoftheprimarymeansofimmobilizingtheAmericanpeoplepoliticallytodayistoholdthem inastateofconfusioninwhichanythingcanbebelievedandnothingcanbeknownnothingof significance,thatis. E.MartinSchotzandVincentSalandria,HistoryWillNotAbsolveUs:OrwellianControl, PublicDenial,andtheMurderofPresidentKennedy Agnotologyisthestudyofculturallyinducedignoranceordoubt,particularlythepublicationof inaccurateormisleadingscientificdata.TheneologismwascoinedbyRobertN.Proctor,a StanfordUniversityprofessorspecializinginthehistoryofscienceandtechnology.More generally,thetermalsohighlightstheincreasinglycommonconditionwheremoreknowledgeofa subjectleavesonemoreuncertainthanbefore. AprimeexampleofthedeliberateproductionofignorancecitedbyProctoristhetobacco industry'sconspiracytomanufacturedoubtaboutthecancerrisksoftobaccouse.Underthe bannerofscience,theindustryproducedresearchabouteverythingexcepttobaccohazardsto exploitpublicuncertainty.Someoftherootcausesforculturallyinducedignorancearemedia neglect,corporateorgovernmentalsecrecyandsuppression,documentdestruction,andmyriad formsofinherentoravoidableculturopoliticalselectivity,inattention,andforgetfulness. Agnotologyalsofocusesonhowandwhydiverseformsofknowledgedonotcometobe,orare ignoredordelayed.Forexample,knowledgeaboutplatetectonicswasdelayedforatleasta

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decadebecausekeyevidencewasclassifiedmilitaryinformationrelatedtounderseaswarfare. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnotology Mostoflearninginuseisofnogreatuse. BenjaminFranklin Whatthebestandwisestparentwantsforhischildmustbewhatthecommunitywantsforallof itschildren.Anyotheridealforourschoolsisnarrowandunlovely;itdestroysourdemocracy. Thechildrenwhoknowhowtothinkforthemselvesspoiltheharmonyofthecollectivesociety thatiscoming,whereeveryonewouldbeinterdependent.(1899) Independentselfreliantpeoplewouldbeacounterproductiveanachronisminthecollective societyofthefuturewherepeoplewillbedefinedbytheirassociations.(1896) Thereisnosuchthingasthelibertyoreffectivepowerofanindividual,group,orclass,exceptin relationtotheliberties,theeffectivepowers,ofotherindividuals,groupsorclasses. JohnDewey,educationalphilosopher,proponentofmodernpublicschools Ourschoolshavebeenscientificallydesignedtopreventovereducationfromhappening.The averageAmerican[shouldbe]contentwiththeirhumbleroleinlife,becausetheyrenottempted tothinkaboutanyotherrole. U.S.CommissionerofEducation,WilliamT.Harris,1889 [Schoolsshouldbefactories]inwhichrawproducts,children,aretobeshapedandformedinto finishedproducts...manufacturedlikenails,andthespecificationsformanufacturingwillcome fromgovernmentandindustry. ElwoodCubberly(thefutureDeanofEducationatStanford),inhis 1905dissertationforColumbiaTeachersCollege Inourdreams...peopleyieldthemselveswithperfectdocilitytoourmoldinghands.Thepresent educationalconventions[intellectualandcharactereducation]fadefromourminds,and unhamperedbytraditionweworkourowngoodwilluponagratefulandresponsivefolk.We shallnottrytomakethesepeopleoranyoftheirchildrenintophilosophersormenoflearningor menofscience.Wehavenottoraiseupfromamongthemauthors,educators,poetsormenof letters.Weshallnotsearchforembryogreatartists,painters,musicians,norlawyers,doctors, preachers,politicians,statesmen,ofwhomwehaveamplesupply.Thetaskwesetbeforeourselves isverysimple...wewillorganizechildren...andteachthemtodoinaperfectwaythethingstheir

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fathersandmothersaredoinginanimperfectway. RockefellerEducationBoard Thaterroneousassumptionistotheeffectthattheaimofpubliceducationistofilltheyoungof thespecieswithknowledgeandawakentheirintelligence,andsomakethemfittodischargethe dutiesofcitizenshipinanenlightenedandindependentmanner.Nothingcouldbefurtherfrom thetruth.Theaimofpubliceducationisnottospreadenlightenmentatall,itissimplytoreduceas manyindividualsaspossibletothesamesafelevel,tobreedandtrainastandardizedcitizenry,to putdowndissentandoriginality.ThatisitsaimintheUnitedStates,whateverthepretensionsof politicians,pedagoguesandothersuchmountebanks,andthatisitsaimeverywhereelse. H.L.Mencken Universaleducationisthemostcorrodinganddisintegratingpoisonthatliberalismhasever inventedforitsowndestruction. AdolfHitler(apocryphal) Unlesstheeducationalprocessincludesateachlevelofmaturitysomecontinuingcontactwith thosefieldsinwhichvaluejudgementsareofprimeimportance,itmustfallfarshortoftheideal. Thestudentinhighschool,incollege,andingraduateschoolmustbeconcerned,inpartatleast, withthewordsrightandwronginboththeethicalandmathematicalsense. JamesB.Conant,PresidentofHarvardUniversity,charginga committeetodesigntheGeneralEducationcurriculum,ca.1943 Wearenowatapointwherewemusteducateourchildreninwhatnooneknewyesterday,and prepareourschoolsforwhatnooneknowsyet. MargaretMead Discoveriesofanygreatmomentinmathematicsandotherdisciplines,oncetheyarediscovered, areseentobeextremelysimpleandobvious,andmakeeverybody,includingtheirdiscoverer, appearfoolishfornothavingdiscoveredthembefore....Unfortunately,wefindsystemsof educationtodaywhichhavedepartedsofarfromtheplaintruth,thattheynowteachustobe proudofwhatweknowandashamedofignorance...[thisputs]upaneffectivebarrieragainstany advanceuponwhatisalreadyknown,sinceitmakesoneashamedtolookbeyondthebonds imposedbyonesignorance. GeorgeSpencerBrown,LawsofForm,fromAppendix1 Intimesofchange,learnersinherittheearth,whilethelearnedfindthemselvesbeautifully

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equippedtodealwithaworldthatnolongerexists. EricHoffer Ifwecanrecognizethatchangeanduncertaintyarebasicprinciples,wecangreetthefutureand thetransformationweareundergoingwiththeunderstandingthatwedonotknowenoughtobe pessimistic. HazelHenderson Thewholeproblemwiththeworldisthatfoolsandfanaticsarealwayssocertainofthemselves, butwiserpeoplesofullofdoubts. BertrandRussell Ignorancemorefrequentlybegetsconfidencethandoesknowledge. CharlesDarwin(18091882),1871 Allgreattruthsbeginasblasphemies. GeorgeBernardShaw Itisthecustomaryfateofnewtruthstobeginasheresiesandendassuperstitions. ThomasHuxley,TheComingofAgeoftheOriginofSpecies,xii Alltruthpassesthroughthreestages.First,itisridiculed;second,itisviolentlyopposed;and third,itisacceptedasselfevident. ArthurSchopenhauer(17881860) Ifyouwouldbearealseekeraftertruth,youmustatleastonceinyourlifedoubt,asfaras possible,allthings. RenDescartes(15961650),DiscoursdelaMthode,1637 Donotseekilluminationunlessyouseekitasamanwhosehairisonfireseeksapond. SriRamakrishna Thesafestplaceinanycrisisisalwaysthehardtruths.

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DonBeck Imfortruth,nomatterwhotellsit.Imforjustice,nomatterwhoitisfororagainst.Imahuman beingfirstandforemost,andassuchIamforwhoeverandwhateverbenefitshumanityasa whole. MalcolmX Truthissoughtforitsownsake.Andthosewhoareengageduponthequestforanythingforits ownsakearenotinterestedinotherthings.Findingthetruthisdifficult,andtheroadtoitis rough. IbnalHaytham(9651039) Allfixedsetpatternsareincapableofadaptabilityorpliability.Thetruthisoutsideofallfixed patterns. BruceLee Thetruthwillsetyoufree,butnotuntilitisfinishedwithyou. DavidFosterWallace Agenuinefirsthandreligiousexperience...isboundtobeaheterodoxytoitswitnesses,the prophetappearingasamerelonelymadman.Ifhisdoctrineprovescontagiousenoughtospread toanyothers,itbecomesadefiniteandlabeledheresy.Butthenifitthenstillprovecontagious enoughtotriumphoverpersecution,itbecomesitselfanorthodoxy;andwhenareligionhas becomeanorthodoxy,itsdayofinwardnessisover;thespringisdry;thefaithfulliveatasecond handexclusivelyandstonetheprophetsintheirturn. TheGodwhomsciencerecognizesmustbeaGodofuniversallawsexclusively,aGodwhodoesa wholesale,notaretail,business.Hecannotaccommodatehisprocessestotheconvenienceof individuals. WilliamJames,TheVarietiesofReligiousExperience,1902 Icontendthatwearebothatheists.Ijustbelieveinonefewergodthanyoudo.Whenyou understandwhyyoudismissalltheotherpossiblegods,youwillunderstandwhyIdismissyours. StephenRoberts,Australianhistorian,died1971 Inaway,theworldviewofthepartyimposeditselfmostsuccessfullyonthepeopleincapableof understandingit.Theycouldbemadetoacceptthemostflagrantviolationsofreality,because

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theyneverfullygraspedtheenormityofwhatwasdemandedofthem,andwerenotsufficiently interestedinpubliceventstonoticewhatwashappening.Bylackofunderstanding,theyremained sane.Theysimplyswallowedeverything,andwhattheyswalloweddidthemnoharm,becauseit leftnoresiduebehind,justlikeagrainofcornwillpassundigestedthroughthebodyofabird...As hewatchedtheeyelessfacewiththejawmovingrapidlyupanddown,Winstonhadacurious feelingthatthiswasnotarealhumanbeingbutsomekindofdummy.Itwasnotthemansbrain thatwasspeaking;itwashislarynx.Thestuffcomingoutofhimconsistedofwords,butitwasnot speechinthetruesense:itwasanoiseutteredinunconsciousness,likethequackingofaduck... Thewholeclimateofthoughtwillbedifferent.Infacttherewillbenothought,asweunderstandit now.Orthodoxymeansnotthinkingnotneedingtothink.Orthodoxyisunconsciousness. GeorgeOrwell,NineteenEightyfour,1949 Intheoldestreligion,everythingwasalive,notsupernaturally,butnaturallyalive.Therewere onlydeeperanddeeperstreamsoflife,vibrationsoflife,moreandmorevast. D.H.Lawrence Wemustrememberthatanthropologyisinitsinfancy,inspiteoftheheavendescendedpreceptof antiquityandthecopybookpentameterlineofPope.InstinctstillmovesinusasitdidinCainand thoserelativesofhiswhohewasafraidwouldlynchhim.Lawcomestousfromasetof marauderswhocasedthemselvesiniron,andthepossessionstheyhadwonbyconquestinedicts aslittlehumanintheirfeaturesasthebarredvisorsthatcoveredtheirfaces.PoorfantasticDr. RobertKnox[aScottishracetheorist]wasstillgroaningin1850overthebattleofHastings;not quiteinaptly,itmaybe.Ourmostwidelyacceptedtheologiesowetheirdogmastoafewmajority votespassedbymenwhowouldhavehangedourgrandmothersaswitchesandburnedour ministersasheretics. OliverWendellHolmes,Jr.,inTheAtlanticMonthly,April1875 Aneducationalmethodthatshallhavelibertyasitsbasismustintervenetohelpthechildtoa conquestofliberty.Thatistosay,histrainingmustbesuchasshallhelphimtodiminishasmuch aspossiblethesocialbondswhichlimithisactivity. MariaMontessori(18701952) Theprogressoffreedomdependsmoreuponthemaintenanceofpeace,thespreadofcommerce, andthediffusionofeducation,thanuponthelaborsofcabinetsandforeignoffices. RichardCobden(18041865) Mygrandmotherwantedmetohaveaneducation,soshekeptmeoutofschool.

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MargaretMead Sciencewithoutreligionislame. Religionwithoutscienceisblind. AlbertEinstein Visionwithoutactionisadaydream. Actionwithoutvisionisanightmare. JapaneseProverb Wherethereisnovision,thepeopleperish.(KingJames) Wherethereisnovision,thepeopleareunrestrained.(NewAmericanStandard) Bible,Proverbs29:18 History,Ibelieve,furnishesnoexampleofapriestriddenpeoplemaintainingafreecivil government.Thismarksthelowestgradeofignorance,ofwhichtheirpoliticalaswellasreligious leaderswillalwaysavailthemselvesfortheirownpurpose. ThomasJefferson,lettertoAlexandervonHumboldt,6December1813 [Thenaturalrighttobefreeofthedebtsofapreviousgenerationis]asalutarycurbonthespiritof warandindebtment,which,sincethemoderntheoryoftheperpetuationofdebt,hasdrenchedthe earthwithblood,andcrusheditsinhabitantsunderburdenseveraccumulating. ThomasJefferson,lettertoJohnWaylesEppes,1813 Youfinditdifficultthathe(theRoshYeshivahinBaghdad)hasunleashedhistongueagainst you...Therewasnoneedforyoutoask,Whataboutfearofheaven?Forgreatpeoplelikehim, fearofheavenmeansavoidingthemoregrosssinsasthegeneralpublicseesthem,buttheydonot thinkthatmoralrectitudeisoneofourreligiousduties,noraretheyascarefulasregardswhat theysayasthetrulyGodfearingare.Mostclericsinapositionofpowerloseallfearofheaven whensomethingaffectstheirholdonpower. Rambam,aTorahsagesaidtohavelivedafterthebiblicalperiod,inalettertohis student,YosefbenYehudahibnShamun Thereisnoinstitutionmorecorruptiblethanapriestking. AlexanderCarpenter,American

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Thedesiretoruleisthemotherofheresies. St.JohnChrysostom EverydaypeoplearestrayingawayfromthechurchandgoingbacktoGod. LennyBruce,circa1960 Preachthegospelatalltimes.Ifnecessary,usewords. SaintFrancisofAssisi,Apocrypha Injuryofthegodsistheconcernofthegods. Tacitus,Roman Heavendoesnotspeak. Mencius,ChineseSage Ignoranceisthemotheroftruepiety. HenryCole ThatHeresiesshouldarise,wehavetheprophesieofChrist;butthatoldonesshouldbeabolished, weholdnoprediction. ThomasBrowne,ReligioMedici,I,8,1642 Godmusthavelovedthepeopleinpower,forhemadethemsoveryliketheirownimageofhim. KennethPatchen YoucansafelyassumeyouvecreatedGodinyourownimagewhenitturnsoutthatGodhatesall thesamepeopleyoudo. AnneLamott Allnationalinstitutionsofchurches,whetherJewish,Christian,orTurkish,appeartomenoother thanhumaninventionssetuptoterrifyandenslavemankind,andmonopolizepowerandprofit. ThomasPaine

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NeithercanIbelievethattheindividualsurvivesthedeathofhisbody,althoughfeeblesouls harborsuchthoughtsthroughfearorridiculousegotism. AlbertEinstein Nocredencewhateveristobegiventotheopinionthatthedemonsactasmessengersand interpretersbetweenthegodsandmentocarryallpetitionsfromustothegodsandtobringback tousthehelpofthegods.Onthecontrary,wemustbelievethemtobespiritsmosteagertoinflict harm,utterlyalienfromrighteousness,swollenwithpride,palewithenvy,subtleindeceit Augustine,TheCityofGod,VIII,22 ThetheologianmayindulgethepleasingtaskofdescribingReligionasshedescendedfrom Heaven,arrayedinhernativepurity.Amoremelancholydutyisimposedonthehistorian.He mustdiscovertheinevitablemixtureoferrorandcorruptionwhichshecontractedinalong residenceuponEarth,amongaweakanddegenerateraceofbeings. EdwardGibbon,TheDeclineandFalloftheRomanEmpire,XV Wonderisthebasisofworship. ThomasCarlyle,SartorResartus,183334 Imaintainthatthecosmicreligiousfeelingisthestrongestandnoblestmotiveforscientific research. AlbertEinstein,IdeasandOpinions,1954 Dowe,holdingthatthegodsexist,deceiveourselveswithinsubstantialdreamsandlies,while randomcarelesschanceandchangealonecontroltheworld? Euripides,Hecuba Populartheologyisamassiveinconsistencyderivedfromignorance.TheGodsexistbecause natureherselfhasimprintedaconceptionofthemonthemindsofmen. Cicero,DeNaturaDeorum,I,16 Allbiblesorsacredcodeshavebeenthecausesofthefollowingerrors: Thatmanhastworealexistingprinciples:viz:abody&asoul. Thatenergy,calledevil,isalonefromthebody;&thatreason,calledgood,isalone fromthesoul.

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ThatGodwilltormentmanineternityforfollowinghisenergies. Butthefollowingcontrariestothesearetrue: Manhasnobodydistinctfromhissoul;forthatcalledbodyisaportionofsoul discernedbythefivesenses,thechiefinletsofsoulinthisage. Energyistheonlylife,andisfromthebody;andreasonistheboundoroutward circumfrenceofenergy. Energyiseternaldelight. WilliamBlake,TheMarriageofHeavenandHell,1790 Religionisaparamountcontributortohumanmisery.Itisnotmerelytheopiumofthemasses,it isthecyanide. Ofcourse,religionsomnipresentdefendersareswifttopointoutthecomfortitprovidesthesick, theweary,andthedisappointed.Yes,trueenough.ButtheDeitydoesnotdawdleinthecomfort zone.IfoneyearnstoseethefaceoftheDivine,onemustbreakoutoftheaquarium,escapethe fishfarm,togoswimupwildcataracts,diveindeepfjords.Onemustexplorethelabyrinthofthe reef,theshadowsoflilypads.Howlimiting,howinsultingtothinkofGodasabenevolent warden,anabsenteehatcherymanagerwhoimprisonsusinthecomfortofartificialpools, whereintermediariessprinkleourrestrictivewaterswithsanitizedflakesofprocessednutriment. AlongingfortheDivineisintrinsicinHomosapiens.(Forallweknow,itisintrinsicinsquirrels, dandelions,anddiamondrings,aswell.)WeapproachtheDivinebyenlargingoursoulsand lightingupourbrains.Toexpeditethosetwothingsmaybethemissionofourexistence. Wellandgood.Butsuchactivityrunscountertotheaspirationsofcommerceandpolitics.Politics isthescienceofdomination,andpersonsintheprocessofenlargementandilluminationare notoriouslydifficulttocontrol.Therefore,toprotectitsvestedinterests,politicsusurpedreligiona verylongtimeago.Kingsboughtoffpriestswithlandandadornments.Together,theydrainedthe shadypondsandreplacedthemwithfishtanks.Thewallsofthetankswereconstructedof ignoranceandsuperstition,heldtogetherwithfear.Theycalledthetankssynagoguesor churchesormosques. Afterthetankswereinplace,nobodytalkedmuchaboutsoulanymore.Instead,theytalkedabout spirit.Soulishotandheavy.Spiritiscool,abstract,detached.Soulisconnectedtotheearthandits waters.Spiritisconnectedtotheskyanditsgasses.Outofthegassesspringsfire.Firepower.Ithas beenobservedthatthelogicalextensionofallpoliticsiswar.Oncereligionbecamepolitical,the exerciseofit,too,couldbesaidtoleadsoonerorlatertowar.Warishell.Thus,religiousbelief propelsusstraighttohell.Historyunwaveringlysupportsthisview.(Eachmodernreligionhas boastedthatitanditaloneisonspeakingtermswiththeDeity,anditsadherentshavebeenquite willingtodieorkilltosupportitspresumptuousclaims.)

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Noteverysiltybayoucouldbedrained,ofcourse.Thesoulfishthatbubbledandsnappedinthe fewremainingpondsweretaggedmystics.Theywereregardedasmavericks,exoticand inferior.Iftheysplashedtoohigh,theywerethoughttobethreateningandinneedof extermination.Thefearfulfoundersofthetanks,nowpsychologicallydependentuponaddictive spiritflakes,hadforgottenthatonceuponatimethey,too,hadbeenmystical. Religionisnothingbutinstitutionalizedmysticism.Thecatchis,mysticismdoesnotlenditselfto institutionalization.Themomentweattempttoorganizemysticism,wedestroyitsessence. Religion,then,ismysticisminwhichthemysticalhasbeenkilled.Or,atleastdiminished.Not onlyisreligiondivisiveandoppressive,itisalsoadenialofallthatisdivineinpeople;itisa suffocationofthesoul.(pages167and168) ReligionwasanimproperresponsetotheDivine.ReligionwasanattempttopindowntheDivine. TheDivinewaseternallyinflux,forevermoving,shiftingshape.Thatwasitsnature.Itwas absolute,trueenough,absolutelymobile.Absolutelytranscendent.Absolutelyflexible.Absolutely impersonal.Ithaditsgodandgoddessaspects,butitwasultimatelynomoremaleorfemalethan itwasstarorscrewdriver.Itwasthesumofallthosethings,butthatsumcouldneverbechalked onaslate.TheDivinewasbeyonddescription,beyondknowing,beyondcomprehension.Tosay thattheDivinewasCreationdividedbyDestructionwasascloseasonecouldcometodefinition. Butthepunyofsoul,thedullofwit,werentcontentwiththat.Theywantedtohangafaceonthe Divine.Theywentsofarastoattributepettyhumanemotions(anger,jealousy,etc.)toit,not stoppingtorealizethatifGodwereabeing,evenasupremebeing,ourprayerswouldhavebored himtodeathlongago. TheDivinewasexpansive,butreligionwasreductive.ReligionattemptedtoreducetheDivinetoa knowablequantitywithwhichmortalsmightefficientlydeal,topigeonholeitonceandforallso weneverhadtoreevaluateit.Withhammersofcantandspikesofdogma,wecrucifiedand crucifiedagain,tryingtonailtoourstationaryaltarsthemigratorylightoftheworld. Thus,sincereligionborefalsewitnesstotheDivine,religionwasblasphemy.Andonceitentered intoitsunholyalliancewithpolitics,itbecamethemostdangerousandrepressiveforcethatthe worldhaseverknown.(page407and408) TomRobbins,SkinnyLegsandAll,1990 Oncehe[Roderigo Borgia]becamePopeAlexanderVI,Vaticanparties,alreadywild,grewwilder. Theywerecostly,buthecouldaffordthelifestyleofaRenaissanceprince;asvicechancellorofthe RomanChurch,hehadamassedenormouswealth.Asguestsapproachedthepapalpalace,they wereexcitedbythespectacleoflivingstatues:naked,gildedyoungmenandwomeninerotic poses.FlagsboretheBorgiaarms,which,appropriately,portrayedaredbullrampantonafieldof gold.Everyfetehadatheme.One,knowntoRomansastheBalletoftheChestnuts,washeldon October30,1501.TheindefatigableBurcharddescribesitinhisDiarium.Afterthebanquetdishes hadbeenclearedaway,thecitysfiftymostbeautifulwhoresdancedwiththeguests,firstclothed,

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thennaked.Thedancingover,theballetbegan,withthePopeandtwoofhischildreninthe bestseats. Candelabraweresetuponthefloor,scatteredamongthemwerechestnuts,which,Burchard writes,thecourtesanshadtopickup,crawlingbetweenthecandles.Thentheserioussex started.Guestsstrippedandranoutontothefloor,wheretheymounted,orweremountedby,the prostitutes.Thecouplingtookplace,accordingtoBurchard,infrontofeveryonepresent. Servantskeptscoreofeachman'sorgasms,forthePopegreatlyadmiredvirility,andmeasureda mansmachismobyhisejaculativecapacity.Aftereveryonewasexhausted,HisHoliness distributedprizescloaks,boots,caps,andfinesilkentunics.Thewinners,thediaristwrote, werethosewhomadelovewiththecourtesansthegreatestnumberoftimes. Hisdaughter[Lucrezia]hadjustturnedseventeenandwasattheheightofherbeauty.Wenow knowthathewas,infact,herlover....Here,however,thetaledarkens.Romanshadscarcely absorbedthenewsthatthefatherlustedforhisdaughterwhentheylearnedevenmore.Lucrezia wassaidtobeunavailabletoherfatherbecauseshewasalreadydeeplyinvolvedinanother incestuousrelationship,orrelationshipsatriangularentanglementwithbothherhandsome brothers.Thedifficulty,itwaswhispered,wasthatalthoughsheenjoyedcouplingwithbothof them,each,jealousoftheother,wantedhissisterforhimself....OnthemorningofJune15,1497, JuanBorgiascorpsewasfoundfloatingintheTibermutilatedbyninesavagedaggerwounds.... Borgiasenjoymentofthefleshwasenhancedwhenthewomanbeneathhimwasmarried, particularlyifhehadpresidedatherwedding.Breakinganycommandmentexcitedhim,buthe waspartialtotheseventh.AspriesthemarriedRosatotwomen.Shemayhaveactuallysleptwith herhusbandsfromtimetotimesinceBorgiaalwayskeptastableofwomen,shewasallowedan occasionalnightofftoindulgeherownsexualpreferencesbutherdutieslayinhiseminences bed.Then,attheageoffiftynine,heyearnedforamorenubilepartner.HispartingwithRosawas affectionate.Laterhegaveheralittlegifthemadeherbrotheracardinal.... GirolamoSavonarolawasdeclaredaheretic,arrested,tortured,hangedandthenburnedinthe PlazadellaSignoriain1498forpubliclycriticizingthewildorgiesthrowninsidetheVaticanby PopeAlexanderVI.AccordingtoSavonarola,ThePapalPalacehadliterallybecomeahouseof prostitutionwhereharlotssituponthethroneofSolomonandsignaltothepassersby.Whoever canpayentersanddoeswhathewishes. ThedepravitiesoftheCatholicchurchbredtheProtestants,andtheinventionofmassprinting duringthesametimebroughtadawnofknowledge,arenascenceofthinkingthathadbeenput down1000yearsbefore.TheProtestantsstrippedtheChristianphilosophyofallofthecolorful Catholictrappings,bringingusthesanitized,cinderblockBaptistchurchoftoday,moreprudish, stillscorningintellectandlearning. WilliamManchester,AWorldLitOnlybyFire;TheMedievalMindandTheRenaissance, 1992

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Thedevilmadeyouaslave,andthenhegaveyouabible. IceCube Religioniswhythepoordontkilltherich. BumperSticker Necaeosomnes.Deussuosagnoscet. (Killthemall;Godwillknowhisown.)or Caediteeos!NovitenimDominusquisunteius. (Killthem[all]!SurelytheLorddiscernswhich[ones]arehis.) ArnoldAimery,AbbotofCiteauxandPapalLegate,referringtotheCatharsofBziers duringtheAlbigensianCrusadein1209(areferenceto2Timothy2:19?) Ionlyteachtwothings:thecauseofhumansorrowandthewaytobecomefreeofit. TheBuddha Itisnotbigotrytobecertainweareright;butitisbigotrytobeunabletoimaginehowwemight possiblyhavegonewrong. G.K.Chesterton Ofalltheanimositieswhichhaveexistedamongmankind,thosewhicharecausedbydifferenceof sentimentsinreligionappeartobethemostinveterateanddistressing,andoughtmosttobe deprecated.Iwasinhopesthattheenlightenedandliberalpolicy,whichhasmarkedthepresent age,wouldatleasthavereconciledChristiansofeverydenominationsofarthatweshouldnever againseethereligiousdisputescarriedtosuchapitchastoendangerthepeaceofsociety. GeorgeWashington,inalettertoEdwardNewenham,20October1792 TheessenceoftheLiberaloutlookliesnotinwhatopinionsareheld,butinhowtheyareheld: insteadofbeinghelddogmatically,theyareheldtentatively,andwithaconsciousnessthatnew evidencemayatanymomentleadtotheirabandonment. BertrandRussell Humanbeingsneverthinkforthemselves;theyfindittoouncomfortable.Forthemostpart, membersofourspeciessimplyrepeatwhattheyaretoldandbecomeupsetiftheyareexposed

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toanydifferentview.Thecharacteristichumantraitisnotawarenessbutconformity,andthe characteristicresultisreligiouswarfare.Otheranimalsfightforterritoryorfood;but,uniquelyin theanimalkingdom,humanbeingsfightfortheirbeliefs.Thereasonisthatbeliefsguide behavior,whichhasevolutionaryimportanceamonghumanbeings.Butatatimewhenour behaviormaywellleadustoextinction,Iseenoreasontoassumewehaveanyawarenessatall. Wearestubborn,selfdestructiveconformists.Anyotherviewofourspeciesisjustaself congratulatorydelusion. MichaelCrichton,TheLostWorld Weareallcapableofbelievingthingswhichweknowtobeuntrue,andthen,whenwearefinally provedwrong,impudentlytwistingthefactssoastoshowthatwewereright.Intellectually,itis possibletocarryonthisprocessforanindefinitetime:theonlycheckonitisthatsoonerorlatera falsebeliefbumpsupagainstsolidreality,usuallyonabattlefield. GeorgeOrwell,1946 MyviewsoftheChristianreligionaretheresultofalifeofinquiryandreflection,andvery differentfromtheantiChristiansystemimputedtomebythosewhoknownothingofmy opinions.TothecorruptionsofChristianity,Iam,indeed,opposed;butnottothegenuineprecepts ofJesushimself.IamaChristianintheonlysenseinwhichhewantedanyonetobe:sincerely attachedtohisdoctrines,inpreferencetoallothers;ascribingtohimselfeveryhumanexcellence; andbelievingheneverclaimedanyother. ThomasJefferson,incorrespondencewithJohnAdams Achievementisthediabolicalelementinhumanlife;andthesymbolofourvulgarizationof humanlifeisournearexclusiveconcernwithachievement.Notscientificthinking,butthegiftsof science;themotorcar,thetelephone,radar,gettingtothemoon,antibiotics,penicillin,telstar,the bomb.Whereastheonlyhumanvalueliesintheadventureandexcitementofdiscovery.Not standingatthetopofEverest,butgettingthere.Nottheconquestsbutthebattles;notthe victorybuttheplay.Itisournonrecognitionofthis,orourrejectionofit,whichmakesour civilizationanonreligiouscivilization.Atleast,nonChristian:Christianityisthereligionofnon achievement... MichaelOakeshott,inanunpublishednotebook,retrievedbyPaulFranco Darwinismteachesustobewaryoftheeasyassumptionthatdesignistheonlyalternativeto chance,andtoseekoutgradedrampsofslowlyincreasingcomplexity.BeforeDarwin, philosopherssuchasHumeunderstoodthattheimprobabilityoflifedidnotmeanithadtobe designed,buttheycouldntimaginethealternative.AfterDarwin,weallshouldfeel,deepinour bones,suspiciousoftheveryideaofdesign.Theillusionofdesignisatrapthathascaughtus

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before,andDarwinshouldhaveimmunisedusbyraisingourconsciousness.Wouldthathehad succeededwithallofus. RichardDawkins,TheGodDelusion Theuniverseisbig,itssmall,itssomanybillionlightyearsacrossandsomanyyearsoldbecause youandIandsomeofourfriendssayitis.Ifwewerenthereintheaudience,comparingand measuring,gaspingandapplauding,thewholeshowwouldhavegonefornothing...Herewould notbehere.Nowwouldnotbenow.Andifhereisnothere,nornownow,thereisnotthere,nor thenthen.Therewouldbenois,nowas,nowillbe.Ifnois,nowas,nowillbe,thennopassageof time.Soweareperhapsnotafterallsuchnobodies.Wearenotfornothing. MichaelFrayn,TheHumanTouch Idotakelife,mindandpurposeseriously,andIconcedethattheuniverseatleastappearstobe designedwithahighlevelofingenuity.Icannotacceptthesefeaturesasapackageofmarvels whichjusthappentobe,whichexistreasonlessly.Itseemstomethatthereisagenuineschemeof thingstheuniverseisaboutsomething.ButIamequallyuneasyaboutdumpingthewholeset ofproblemsinthelapofanarbitrarygod,orabandoningallfurtherthoughtanddeclaring existenceultimatelytobeamystery. PaulDavies,TheGoldilocksEnigma IfeelthatthroughstrangeforgottenconnectionsIhavebeenevolvedarrivingatmypresentstate ofexpression.Thegreatmemoryofthoseseriesofexistencesrunningthroughmeliesinthe subconscious.ThatiswhyIcanfeelanoldbondofunitywithcreepersandtrees,birdsandbeasts ofthisworld.ThatiswhythisvastlymysteriousandimmenseUniversedoesnotappearterrifying orunfriendly. RabindranathTagore WellawarethatAlmightyGodhathcreatedthemindfree;thatallattemptstoinfluenceitby temporalpunishmentsorburdens,orbycivilincapacitations,tendonlytobegethabitsof hypocrisyandmeanness,andareadeparturefromtheplanoftheHolyAuthorofourreligion, whobeingLordbothofbodyandmind,yetchosenottopropagateitbycoercionsoneither,as wasinhisAlmightypowertodo;thattheimpiouspresumptionoflegislatorsandrulers,civilas wellasecclesiastical,who,beingthemselvesbutfallibleanduninspiredmen,haveassumed dominionoverthefaithofothers,settinguptheirownopinionsandmodesofthinkingastheonly trueandinfallible,andassuchendeavoringtoimposethemonothers,hathestablishedand maintainedfalsereligionsoverthegreatestpartoftheworld,andthroughalltime;... thatourcivilrightshavenodependenceonourreligiousopinions,morethanouropinionsin physicsorgeometry;that,therefore,theproscribinganycitizenasunworthythepublicconfidence

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bylayinguponhimanincapacityofbeingcalledtotheofficesoftrustandemolument,unlesshe professorrenouncethisorthatreligiousopinion,isdeprivinghiminjuriouslyofthoseprivileges andadvantagestowhichincommonwithhisfellowcitizenshehasanaturalright;thatittends alsotocorrupttheprinciplesofthatveryreligionitismeanttoencourage,bybribing,witha monopolyofworldlyhonorsandemoluments,thosewhowillexternallyprofessandconformto it... thatitistimeenoughfortherightfulpurposesofcivilgovernment,foritsofficerstointerferewhen principlesbreakoutintoovertactsagainstpeaceandgoodorder;andfinally,thattruthisgreat andwillprevailiflefttoherself,thatsheistheproperandsufficientantagonisttoerror,andhas nothingtofearfromtheconflict,unlessbyhumaninterpositiondisarmedofhernaturalweapons, freeargumentanddebate,errorsceasingtobedangerouswhenitispermittedfreelytocontradict them. BeitthereforeenactedbytheGeneralAssembly,Thatnomanshallbecompelledtofrequentor supportanyreligiousworship,place,orministrywhatsoever,norshallbeenforced,restrained, molested,orburdenedinhisbodyorgoods,norshallotherwisesufferonaccountofhisreligious opinionsorbelief;butthatallmenshallbefreetoprofess,andbyargumenttomaintain,their opinionsinmattersofreligion,andthatthesameshallinnowisediminish,enlarge,oraffecttheir civilcapacities. ThomasJefferson,VirginiaActForEstablishingReligiousFreedom,1786 Theinfluenceoftheclergy,inanageofsuperstition,mightbeusefullyemployedtoassertthe rightsofmankind;butsointimateistheconnectionbetweenthethroneandthealtar,thatthe bannerofthechurchhasveryseldombeenseenonthesideofthepeople.Amartialnobilityand stubborncommons,possessedofarms,tenaciousofproperty,andcollectedintoconstitutional assemblies,formtheonlybalancecapableofpreservingafreeconstitutionagainstenterprisesof anaspiringprince. EdwardGibbon,TheDeclineandFalloftheRomanEmpire Religiousfundamentalistsseethemselvesashavingremediesforthemaladiesofthemodern world.Inrealitytheyaresymptomsofthediseasetheypretendtocure.Thedestructionofthe naturalworldisnottheresultofglobalcapitalism,industrialization,WesternCivilizationorany flawinhumaninstitutions.Itisaconsequenceoftheevolutionarysuccessofanexceptionally rapaciousprimate.Throughoutallofhistoryandprehistory,humanadvancehascoincidedwith ecologicaldevastation. Thosewhostruggletochangetheworldseethemselvesasnoble,eventragicfigures.Yetmostof thosewhoworkforworldbettermentarenotrebelsagainsttheschemeofthings.Theyseek consolationforatruththeyaretooweaktobear.Atbottom,theirfaiththattheworldcanbe transformedbyhumanwillisadenialoftheirownmortality.

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 Themassofmankindisrulednotbyitsintermittentmoralsensations,stilllessbyselfinterest,but bytheneedsofthemoment.Itseemsfatedtowreckthebalanceoflifeonearthandtherebyto betheagentofitsowndestruction.WhatcouldbemorehopelessthanplacingtheEarthinthe chargeofthisexceptionallydestructivespecies? Technicalprogressleavesonlyoneproblemunsolved:Thefrailtyofhumannature.Unfortunately thatproblemisinsoluble. Otheranimalsdonotneedapurposeinlife.Acontradictiontoitself,thehumananimalcannotdo withoutone.Canwenotthinkoftheaimoflifeasbeingsimplytosee? JohnGray,StrawDogs ChangTsuadmitsnoideaofsalvation.Thereisnoselfandnoawakeningfromthedreamofself: Whenwedreamwedonotknowwearedreaming,andinthemiddleofadreamweinterpreta dreamwithinit;notuntilwewakedoweknowthatweweredreaming.Onlyattheultimate awakeningshallweknowthatthisistheultimatedream. Wecannotberidofillusions.Illusionisournaturalcondition.Whynotacceptit? JohnGray,StrawDogs,Chapter2,Section14,TheUltimateDream (onChiangTsu&Taoism) Donotbefrightenedfromthisinquirybyanyfearofitsconsequences.Ifitendsinabeliefthat thereisnoGod,youwillfindincitementstovirtueinthecomfortandpleasantnessyoufeelinits exercise,andtheloveofotherswhichitwillprocureyou.Ifyoufindreasontobelievethereisa God,aconsciousnessthatyouareactingunderhiseye,andthatheapprovesyou,willbeavast additionalincitement;ifthattherebeafuturestate,thehopeofahappyexistenceinthatincreases theappetitetodeserveit;ifthatJesuswasalsoaGod,youwillbecomfortedbyabeliefofhisaid andlove.Infine,Irepeat,youmustlayasideallprejudiceonbothsides,andneitherbelievenor rejectanything,becauseanyotherpersons,ordescriptionofpersons,haverejectedorbelievedit. Yourownreasonistheonlyoraclegivenyoubyheaven,andyouareanswerable,notforthe rightness,butuprightnessofthedecision. Iforgottoobserve,whenspeakingoftheNewTestament,thatyoushouldreadallthehistoriesof Christ,aswellofthosewhomacouncilofecclesiasticshavedecidedforus,tobePseudo evangelists,asthosetheynamedEvangelists.BecausethesePseudoevangelistspretendedto inspiration,asmuchastheothers,andyouaretojudgetheirpretensionsbyyourownreason,and notbythereasonofthoseecclesiastics.Mostofthesearelost.Therearesome,however,stillextant, collectedbyFabricius,whichIwillendeavortogetandsendyou. ThomasJefferson,inalettertohisnephewPeterCarr,10August1787

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IamademocratbecauseIbelievethatnomanorgroupofmenisgoodenoughtobetrustedwith uncontrolledpoweroverothers.Andthehigherthepretensionsofsuchpower,themore dangerousIthinkitbothtorulersandtothesubjects.HenceTheocracyistheworstofall governments.Ifwemusthaveatyrant,arobberbaronisfarbetterthananinquisitor.Thebaron's crueltymaysometimessleep,hiscupidityatsomepointmaybesated;andsincehedimlyknows heisdoingwronghemaypossiblyrepent.Buttheinquisitorwhomistakeshisowncrueltyand lustofpowerandfearforthevoiceofHeavenwilltormentusinfinitelymorebecausehetorments uswiththeapprovalofhisownconscienceandhisbetterimpulsesappeartohimastemptations. AndsinceTheocracyistheworst,theneareranygovernmentapproachestoTheocracytheworseit willbe.Ametaphysicheldbytherulerswiththeforceofareligion,isabadsign.Itforbidsthem, liketheinquisitor,toadmitanygrainoftruthorgoodintheiropponents,itabrogatestheordinary rulesofmorality,anditgivesaseeminglyhigh,superpersonalsanctiontoalltheveryordinary humanpassionsbywhich,likeothermen,therulerswillfrequentlybeactuated.Inaword,it forbidswholesomedoubt.Apoliticalprogrammecanneverinrealitybemorethanprobablyright. Weneverknowallthefactsaboutthepresentandwecanonlyguessthefuture.Toattachtoa partyprogrammewhosehighestclaimistoreasonableprudencethesortofassentwhichwe shouldreservefordemonstrabletheorems,isakindofintoxication. C.S.Lewis,ReflectionsonthePsalms,Chapter3 Therelivesmorefaithinhonestdoubt,believeme,thaninhalfthecreeds. Alfred,LordTennyson Menneverdoevilsocompletelyandcheerfullyaswhentheydoitfromreligiousconviction. Pascal,Pensees Areligiouspersonisdevoutinthesensethathehasnodoubtaboutthesignificanceofthose superpersonalobjectsandgoalswhichneitherrequirenorarecapableofrationalfoundation. AlbertEinstein,Nature146(1940),page605 WhatIseeinNatureisamagnificentstructurethatwecancomprehendonlyveryimperfectly,and thatmustfillathinkingpersonwithafeelingofhumility.Thisisagenuinelyreligiousfeeling thathasnothingtodowithmysticism. AlbertEinstein Itwas,ofcourse,aliewhatyoureadaboutmyreligiousconvictions,aliewhichisbeing systematicallyrepeated.IdonotbelieveinapersonalGodandIhaveneverdeniedthisbuthave

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expresseditclearly.Ifsomethingisinmewhichcanbecalledreligiousthenitistheunbounded admirationforthestructureoftheworldsofarasoursciencecanrevealit. AlbertEinstein,1954,fromAlbertEinstein:TheHumanSide,editedbyHelenDukasand BaneshHoffman,PrincetonUniversityPress TheChristianreligionisaparodyontheworshipofthesun,inwhichtheyputamancalledChrist intheplaceofthesun,andpayhimtheadorationoriginallypayedtothesun. ThomasPaine(17371809) Spiritualityisaparticulartermthatactuallymeansadealingwithintuition.Inthetheistic tradition,thereisanotionofclingingtoaworld,whereacertainactisregardedasdispleasingtoa divineprinciples,whereacertainactisregardedaspleasingforthedivine...whatever.Inthe traditionofnontheism,however,itisverydirectthatthecasehistoryarenotparticularly important.Whatisactuallyimportantishereandnow.Nowisdefinitelynow.Wetryto experiencewhatisavailablethereonthespot.Thereisnopointinthinkingthatapastthatexists thatwecouldhavenow.Thisisnow.Thisverymoment.Nothingmystical,justnow,verysimple, straightforward.Andfromthatnowness,however,therearisesasenseofintelligencealwaysthat youareconstantlyinteractingwiththerealityonebyone,spotonspot,constantly.Weactually experiencefantasticprecision,always.Butwearethreatenedbythenowsowejumptothepastor thefuture.Payingattentiontothematerialsthatexistinourlifesuchrichlifethatweleadall thesechoicestakesplaceallthetime,butnoneofthenregardedasbadorgoodperse,everything weexperience,ourunconditionalexperience,theredirtcomealongwiththelabelbysayingthisis regardedasbad,thisisgood.Butweexperiencethembutwedontpayheedtothemproperly.We dontactuallyregardthatwearegoingsomewhere,weregardthatasahassle,waitingtobedead. Thatsaproblem,thatisnottrustingthenownessproperly.Thatwhatisactuallyexperiencednow possessedlotsofpowerfulthings.Itissopowerfulthatwecantfaceit,thereforewehaveto borrowfromthepastandinvitethefutureallthetime.Andmaybethatswhyweseekreligion. Maybethatswhywemarchinthestreets.Maybethatswhywecomplaintosociety.Maybethats whywevoteforthepresidents.Itsquiteironical;veryfunnyindeed. ChgyamTrungpa,Rinpoche,personalcommunication MyexperienceiswhatIagreetoattendto. WilliamJames Whatmoreterrifyingrevelationcantherebethanthatitisthepresentmoment?Thatwesurvive theshockatallisonlypossiblebecausethepastsheltersusononeside,andthefutureonanother. VirginiaWolfe,Orlando,page6

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Thepastisfiction,thefutureisadream,andwearelivingontheedgeofarazor. ChgyamTrungpa,Rinpoche Theymustfinditdifficult...thosewhohavetakenauthorityasthetruth,ratherthantruthasthe authority. GeraldMassey Anatmosphereofmoralpanicsurroundsreligion.Viewednotsolongagoasarelicofsuperstition whoseroleinsocietywassteadilydeclining,itisnowdemonisedasthecauseofmanyofthe worldsworstevils.... TheUSisnomoreseculartodaythanitwas150yearsago,whenDeTocquevillewasamazedand baffledbyitsallpervadingreligiosity.Thesecularerawasinanycasepartlyillusory.Themass politicalmovementsofthe20thcenturywerevehiclesformythsinheritedfromreligion,anditis noaccidentthatreligionisrevivingnowthatthesemovementshavecollapsed.Thecurrent hostilitytoreligionisareactionagainstthisturnabout.... Thebeliefthatexercisingfreewillispartofbeinghumanisalegacyoffaith,andlikemost varietiesofatheismtoday,PullmansisaderivativeofChristianity.... Itisafunnysortofhumanismthatcondemnsanimpulsethatispeculiarlyhuman.Yetthatiswhat evangelicalatheistsdowhentheydemonisereligion.... Dawkins'smemetictheoryofreligionisaclassicexampleofthenonsensethatisspawnedwhen Darwinianthinkingisappliedoutsideitspropersphere....Unfortunately,thetheoryofmemesis scienceonlyinthesensethatIntelligentDesignisscience.Strictlyspeaking,itisnotevenatheory. TalkofmemesisjustthelatestinasuccessionofilljudgedDarwinianmetaphors.... [T]hebeliefthathistoryisadirectionalprocessisasfaithbasedasanythingintheChristian catechism.SecularthinkerssuchasGraylingrejecttheideaofprovidence,buttheycontinueto thinkhumankindismovingtowardsauniversalgoalacivilisationbasedonsciencethatwill eventuallyencompasstheentirespecies.InpreChristianEurope,lifewasunderstoodasaseriesof cycles;historywasseenastragicorcomicratherthanredemptive.WiththearrivalofChristianity, itcametobebelievedthathistoryhadapredeterminedgoal,whichwashumansalvation.Though theysuppresstheirreligiouscontent,secularhumanistscontinuetoclingtosimilarbeliefs.One doesnotwanttodenyanyonetheconsolationsofafaith,butitisobviousthattheideaofprogress inhistoryisamythcreatedbytheneedformeaning.Theproblemwiththesecularnarrativeisnot thatitassumesprogressisinevitable(inmanyversions,itdoesnot).Itisthebeliefthatthesortof advancethathasbeenachievedinsciencecanbereproducedinethicsandpolitics.Infact,while scientificknowledgeincreasescumulatively,nothingofthekindhappensinsociety.

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Scienceisthebesttoolwehaveforformingreliablebeliefsabouttheworld,butitdoesnotdiffer fromreligionbyrevealingabaretruththatreligionsveilindreams.Bothscienceandreligionare systemsofsymbolsthatservehumanneedsinthecaseofscience,forpredictionandcontrol. Noteverythinginreligionispreciousordeservingofreverence.Thereisaninheritanceof anthropocentrism,theuglyfantasythattheEarthexiststoservehumans,whichmostsecular humanistsshare.Thereistheclaimofreligiousauthorities,alsomadebyatheistregimes,todecide howpeoplecanexpresstheirsexuality,controltheirfertilityandendtheirlives,whichshouldbe rejectedcategorically. JohnGray,TheAtheistDelusion,TheGuardian,15March2008 Thus,wepropose,asatestablehypothesis,thatreligiousbehaviorisdistinguishedby,andhence canbedefinedas,thecommunicatedacceptanceofasupernaturalclaim.Thatis,thecommunicated acceptanceofanotherperson'sclaimastruethatcannotbeshowntobetruebythesensesconstitutesthe necessaryandsufficientelementsforidentifyingbehaviorasreligious. JayFeierman,TheBiologyofReligiousBehavior,2009,page71 Fundamentalismcanbeunderstoodasaparticularwayofbelievingonesbeliefsratherthan referringtotheactualcontentofonesbeliefs. Itcanbedescribedasholdingabeliefsystemissuchawaythatitmutuallyexcludesallother systems,rejectingotherviewsindirectproportiontohowmuchtheydifferfromonesown.In contrast,thea/theisticapproachcanbeseenasaformofdisbelievingwhatonebelieves,orrather, believingINGodwhileremainingdubiousconcerningwhatonebelievesABOUTGod(a distinctionthatfundamentalismisunabletomaintain).Thisdoesnotactuallycontradicttheidea oforthodoxybutratherallowustounderstanditinanewlight... Thisa/theismisnotthensometemporaryplaceofuncertaintyonthewaytospiritualmaturity, burratherissomethingthatoperateswithinfaithasatypeofheatinducingfrictionthatprevents ourliquidimagesofthedivinefromcoolingandsolidifyingintoidolatrousform. PeterRollins,How(Not)toSpeakofGod,2006 Imustconfessthatithasbeendisappointingformetohavewitnessedtherecentsurgeofinterest inatheism.Itsnotthatmyownlivelihood,thatofatheologian,isatstakealthoughtheauthors inquestionwouldferventlywishthatitwereso.Norisitthatthetreatmentofreligioninthese tractsconsistsmostlyofbreezyovergeneralizationsthatleaveoutalmosteverythingthat theologianswouldwanttohighlightintheirowncontemporarydiscussionofGod.Rather,the newatheismissimplyunchallengingtheologically.Itsengagementwiththeologyliesataboutthe samelevelofreflectiononfaiththatonecanfindincontemporarycreationistandfundamentalist literature.

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Clearlythenewatheistsstrategyistosuppressineffectanysignificanttheologicalvoicesthat mightwishtojoininconversationwiththem.Asaresultofthisexclusion,theintellectualquality oftheiratheismisunnecessarilydiminished.Theirunderstandingofreligiousfaithremains consistentlyatthesameunscholarlylevelastheunreflective,superstitious,andliteralistreligiosity ofthosetheycriticize.EventhoughthenewatheistsrejecttheGodofcreationists,fundamentalists, terrorists,andintelligentdesign(ID)advocates,itisnotwithoutinterestthattheyhavedecided todebatewiththeseextremistsratherthanwithanymajortheologians. Thischoiceofantagonistsbetraystheirunconsciousprivilegingofliteralistandconservative versionsofreligiousthoughtoverthemoretraditionallymainstreamtypes.Thenewatheistsare sayingineffectthatifGodexistsatall,weshouldallowthisGodsidentitytobedeterminedonce andforallbythefundamentalistsoftheAbrahamicreligioustraditions.Ibelievetheyhavechosen thisstrategynotonlytomaketheirjobofdemolitioneasier,butalsobecausetheyhaveabarely disguisedadmirationforthesimplicityoftheiropponentsviewsofreality. Inpreparingtreatisesonatheism,onewouldexpectthatscholarsandjournalistswouldhave donesomeresearchontheism,justtobesuretheyknowexactlywhatitistheyarerejecting.Itis hardtobeaninformedandconsistentatheistwithoutknowingsomethingabouttheology.And yet,asidefromseveralbarbedreferences,thereisnosignofanyrealcontactbetweenthenew atheistsandtheologyatall,letalonestudiousinvestigation.Thiscircumventioniscomparableto creationistsrejectingevolutionwithouteverhavingtakenacourseinbiology.Theyjustknow theressomethingwrongwiththosecrazyDarwinianfantasies.Sothenewatheistsjustknowthere issomethingsickanddelusionalabouttheology.Thereisnoneedtolookatitupclose. Furthermore,conversationwiththeologians,mostofwhomarenotbiblicalliteralists,wouldadda dimensionofintricacytothenewatheistliteraturethatwoulddetractfromthebreezinessthatsells books.Ignoranceoftheologysimplifiesthenewatheistsattacksontheirequallyuninformed religiousadversaries.Itallowstheircritiquetomatch,pointforpoint,thefundamentalismitis tryingtoeliminate. JohnHaught,GodandtheNewAtheism:ACriticalResponsetoDawkins,Harrisand Hitchens,2008 Athirddilemmaisthatofauthorityversusuncertainty.Inconditionsofhighmodernity,inmany areasofsociallifeincludingthedomainoftheselftherearenodeterminantauthorities. Thereexistplentyofclaimantstoauthorityfarmorethanwastrueofpremoderncultures... Someindividualsfinditpsychologicallydifficultorimpossibletoaccepttheexistenceofdiverse, mutuallyconflictingauthorities.Theyfindthatthefreedomtochooseisaburdenandtheyseek solaceinmoreoverarchingsystemsofauthority.Apredilectionfordogmaticauthoritarianismis thepathologicaltendencyatthispole.Apersoninthissituationisnotnecessarilyatraditionalist, butessentiallygivesupfacultiesofcriticaljudgmentinexchangefortheconvictionssuppliedby anauthoritywhoserulesandprovisionscovermostaspectsofhislife.Weshoulddistinguishthis

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attitudefromfaith,evenfaithinfundamentalistreligiouscodes.Forfaithalmostbydefinitionrests ontrust.Takingrefugeinadominantauthority,however,isessentiallyanactofsubmission.The individual,asitwere,nolongerneedstoengageintheproblematicgamblewhichalltrust relationspresume.Instead,heorsheidentifieswithadominantauthorityonthebasisof projection.Thepsychologyofleadershipplaysanimportantrolehere.Submissiontoauthority normallytakestheformofaslavishadherencetoanauthorityfigure,takentobeallknowing. AnthonyGiddens,ModernityandSelfIdentity:SelfandSocietyintheLateModernAge, 1991 Reasonisaharmonising,controllingforceratherthanacreativeone. Thosewhoforgetgoodandevilandseekonlytoknowthefactsaremorelikelytoachievegood thanthosewhoviewtheworldthroughthedistortingmediumoftheirowndesires. BertrandRussell ArtandAtheism:Lyingatthecentreofthisissueisthestatusweaccordtohumanexperience.Say Ihaveanaesthetic,religiousoremotionalexperienceofgreat,lifechangingimportance.Science hasthreeprimaryaccountsofthis.Freudnotnowregardedasascientist,buthisaccountwas intendedtobeand,forsometime,acceptedasscientificwoulddescribethefeelingasoceanic andattributeittotheexperienceoftheprimitiveego.NeoDarwinianswouldseekitsrootsinour evolvednatures.Neuroscientistswouldlocatethefeelinginneuronalpatternsofexcitation.Freud wecandiscard.Theevolutionaryexplanationremainsspeculative,thoughNeoDarwinianswill arguethatitmustbetrue.Andneuroscienceisinitsearlyinfancy.Thereiscurrentlynoteventhe shadowofanexplanationofmyfeelingthroughtheworkingsofmybrain,wedontevenhavea coherentexplanationofhowmatterbecomesmind.Allsuchargumentsare,therefore,circular.It mustbetrue,thereforeitwillbetrue.Butwhatdoestruemeanhere?EvenifIwasofferedfinal andcompleteNeoDarwinianandneuroscientificaccountsofmyexperience,whatwouldthattell me?Ineffect,nothing.Thesewouldbeaccountsoftheexperience,nottheexperienceitself.They wouldbebasedonthedubiousconvictionthattherewassomethingscientificknowledge thatlayabovethehumanexperience.Toaccepttheseaccountsasfinalwouldbetobowdown beforeadisguisedmetaphysic,aconcealedgod.Ofcourse,Icouldchoosetodoso.Butwhy?What wouldIgain?Againnothing. BryanAppleyard,http://www.bryanappleyard.com/ ArtandAtheism:Theevolutionaryexplanationremainsspeculative,thoughNeoDarwinianswill arguethatitmustbetrue.Andneuroscienceisinitsearlyinfancy.Thereiscurrentlynoteventhe shadowofanexplanationofmyfeelingthroughtheworkingsofmybrain.Thedistinction betweenevolutionaryexplanationsandneuroscientificonesistoosharpandtheclaimthatthere arenoseriousscientifichypothesestoexplainthephenomenologyofmindisjustflatlywrong, althoughtheyareallcontroversialandmayalwaysbe.Butwhatisleadingyouwrongistheuseof

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thewordexplanation.Sciencemaynotexplaintheworkingsofthemindbutitadvances hypothesesthatcanbetestedandcontestedinvariousways.Itisreligionthatprovidesflat, categoricalexplanations,andthatoneofthethingsaboutitthatsomanyofusfindsougly.You experienceanoceanicfeelingwhenlookingatapaintingandscienceprovidesyou,asyouhave said,withseveraldeeplycomplexandrichwaysofdescribingandanalysingthatfeeling.What doesreligiongiveyou:It'sgod,nowshutup.Afailuretofindanyevidenceforsupernatural beingsinanintenseexperienceofartdoesnotmeanthatyoumustholdthattherearenoaspectsof humanexperiencethatcannotbemeaningfullyexploredoranalysedthroughmeansotherthan science,farfromit.Thisisacompleteredherring,orstrawman,or,possiblyastrawherring.And Ihavetosayagain,thatifyourcontentionholds,itmustfollowthatPhillipLarkin,forexample, neverhadanaestheticexperience,butitbogglesthemindthatanybodycouldhavereadhispoetry orhiscriticism(includinghispassionateresponsetotheworksofStanleySpencer)andreally believethat. JohnMeredith,http://www.bryanappleyard.com/ AstheGovernmentoftheUnitedStatesofAmericaisnot,inanysense,foundedontheChristian religion;asithasinitselfnocharacterofenmityagainstthelaws,religion,ortranquillity,of Mussulmen;and,asthesaidStatesneverenteredintoanywar,oractofhostilityagainstany Mahometannation,itisdeclaredbytheparties,thatnopretextarisingfromreligiousopinions, shalleverproduceaninterruptionoftheharmonyexistingbetweenthetwocountries. Article11ofthe1797TreatyofTripoliunanimouslyapprovedbytheU.S.Senateinan attempttodealwithMuslimpiracyandterrorismintheMediterraneanBasin Faithinimmortalitywasbornofthegreedofunsatisfiedpeoplewhomakeunwiseuseofthetime thatnaturehasallottedus.Butthewisemanfindshislifespansufficienttocompletethefullcircle ofattainablepleasures,andwhenthetimeofdeathcomes,hewillleavethetable,satisfied,freeing aplaceforotherguests.Forthewisemanonehumanlifeissufficient,andastupidmanwillnot knowwhattodowitheternity. Epicurus Itisimpossibletoreasonamanoutofsomethinghehasnotbeenreasonedinto.Whenpeoplehave acquiredtheirbeliefsonanemotionalleveltheycannotbepersuadedoutofthemonarational level,nomatterhowstrongtheprooforthelogicbehindit.Peoplewillholdontotheiremotional beliefsandtwistthefactstomeettheirversionofreality. SidneyJ.Harris,AmericanJournalist Whenfactsarefew,speculationsaremostlikelytorepresentindividualpsychology. CarlJung

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Beliefmeansnotwantingtoknowwhatistrue. Nietzsche Onceyoubaseyourwholelifestrivingonadesperatelie,andtrytoimplementthatlie,you instrumentyourownundoing. Manisafrightenedanimalwhomustlieinordertolive. Societiesarestandardizedsystemsofdeathdenial.Theygivestructuretosystemsofheroic transcendence.Cosmicheroismisaselfdefeatingfantasy. Weembodydeathinordertocontrolit.Ritualputsoneinpossessionofeternity,yetisadeparture fromthetruthofthehumancondition.(T)hekillingofothersanesthetizesourfearofdeath. Religioussystematizersbuildsymbolicinterpretationsaroundthecrisesoflife.Historicalreligions areallcritiquesoffalseperceptions.Allreligionisnarcissisticmegalomania. EarnestBecker,TheDenialofDeath,1974 IfyoutalktoGod,youarepraying.IfGodtalkstoyou,youhaveschizophrenia. ThomasSzasz,author,professorofpsychiatry(b.1920)

BUSINESS, ECONOMICS, and POLITICS

One,theeconomyistoservethepeopleandnotthepeopletoservetheeconomy.Two, developmentisaboutpeopleandnotaboutobjects.Three,growthisnotthesameasdevelopment, anddevelopmentdoesnotnecessarilyrequiregrowth.Four,noeconomyispossibleintheabsence ofecosystemservices.Five,theeconomyisasubsystemofalargerfinitesystem,thebiosphere, hencepermanentgrowthisimpossible.Andthefundamentalvaluetosustainaneweconomy shouldbethatnoeconomicinterest,undernocircumstance,canbeabovethereverenceforlife. ManfredMaxNeef Economics,likewar,ispoliticsbyothermeans. JayHanson(aftervonClauswitzandHazelHenderson) Taxesarenotraisedtocarryonwars;warsareraisedtocarryontaxes.

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ThomasPaine(apocryphal) Economicvaluedoesnotpredatelaw;itiscreatedbylaw. OliverWendellHolmes,Jr. Wehumanbeingsaresocialbeings.Wecomeintotheworldastheresultofothersactions.We survivehereindependenceonothers.Whetherwelikeitornot,thereishardlyamomentofour liveswhenwedonotbenefitfromothersactivities.Forthisreason,itishardlysurprisingthat mostofourhappinessarisesinthecontextofourrelationshipswithothers. Everywhere,byallmeansimaginable,peoplearestrivingtoimprovetheirlives.Yetstrangely,my impressionisthatthoselivinginthemateriallydevelopedcountriesarelesshappy,andtosome extentsuffermorethanthoselivingintheleastdevelopedcountries. TenzinGyatso,the14thDalaiLama Wheneverastateorindividualcitedinsufficientfundsasanexcuseforneglectingthisimportant thingorthat,itwasindicativeoftheextenttowhichrealityhadbeendistortedbytheabstractlens ofwealth.Duringperiodsofsocalledeconomicdepression,forexample,societiessufferedfor wantofallmannerofessentialgoods,yetinvestigationalmostinvariablydisclosedthattherewere plentyofgoodsavailable.Plentyofcoalintheground,corninthefields,woolonthesheep.What wasmissingwasnotmaterialsbutanabstractunitofmeasurementcalledmoney.Itwasakinto astarvingwomanwithasweettoothlamentingthatshecouldntbakeacakebecauseshedidnt haveanyounces.Shehadbutter,flour,eggs,milk,andsugar,shejustdidnthaveanyounces,any pinches,anypints.Theloonylegacyofmoneywasthatthearithmeticbywhichthingswere measuredhadbecomemorevaluablethanthethingsthemselves. TomRobbins,SkinnyLegsandAll,1990,page408 Businessisinitselfanevil. St.Augustine(354430) Avoid,asyouwouldtheplague,aclergymanwhoisalsoabusinessman. HomomercatorvixautnumquampotestDeoplacere. (AmanwhoisamerchantcanseldomifeverpleaseGod.) St.Jerome Thetroublewiththeratraceisthatevenifyouwin,yourestillarat.

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LilyTomlin TheywhoareoftheopinionthatMoneywilldoeverything,mayverywellbesuspectedtodo everythingforMoney. GeorgeSavile Thisworldisaplaceofbusiness.Whataninfinitebustle!Itwouldbeglorioustoseemankindat leisureforonce.Itisnothingbutwork,work,work...Ithinkthereisnothing,notevencrime,more opposedtopoetry,tophilosophy,aye,tolifeitself,thanthisincessantbusiness. HenryThoreau Itisnotthemanwhohastoolittle,butthemanwhocravesmore,whoispoor. LuciusAnnaeusSeneca(4B.C.65A.D.) Themanenslavedtowealthcanneverbehonest. Democritus Powershouldbeconfinedtothosewhoarenotinlovewithit. Plato Itisnotpowerthatcorrupts,itisthatcorruptindividualsseekpower. ClintonCallahan,BewarethePsychopath,MySon AfterHubrisComesNemesis. ByronKing,WhiskeyandGunpowder Allprogressisbasedupontheuniversalinnatedesireonthepartofeveryorganismtolivebeyond itsincome. SamuelButler Thechiefvalueofmoneyliesinthefactthatonelivesinaworldinwhichitisoverestimated. H.L.Mencken Onethingweallneedtorememberisthatmoneyspeaksitownlanguageandifyoudontspeak

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itslanguageitwillnotrespondtoyourrequest. PhillipArreguin(fromWarrenBuffet?) Everygunthatismade,everywarshiplaunched,everyrocketfiredsignifiesinthefinalsensea theftfromthosewhohungerandarenotfed,thosewhoarecoldandnotclothed.Thisisaworldin arms.Thisworldinarmsisnotspendingmoneyalone;itisspendingthesweatofitslaborers,the geniusofitsscientists,thehopesofitschildren.Thisisnotawayoflifeatallinanytruesense. Underthecloudsofthreateningwar,itishumanityhangingfromacrossofiron.(1953) Iliketobelievethatthepeopleinthelongrunaregoingtodomoretopromotepeacethanare governments.Indeed,Ithinkthatpeoplewantpeacesomuchthatoneofthesedaysgovernments hadbettergetoutoftheirwayandletthemhaveit.(1959) DwightDavidEisenhower Wemustnowfacetheharshtruththattheobjectivesofcommunismarebeingsteadilyadvanced becausemanyofusdonotrecognizethemeansusedtoadvancethem....Theindividualis handicappedbycomingfacetofacewithaConspiracysomonstroushecannotbelieveitexists. TheAmericanmindsimplyhasnotcometoarealizationoftheevilwhichhasbeenintroduced intoourmidst. J.EdgarHoover,FBIdirector,inAugust1956ElksMagazine TheFundamentalTheoremofEconomics:If(1)eachproductiveunitknowsthepricesanditsown individualproductiontechnologyandmaximizesitsownprofitsattheprevailingprices,(2)each consumerknowsthepricesandhisorherownindividualpreferencesandthenmaximizesutility giventheprevailingpricesandhisorherincome,and(3)thepricesaresuchthatsupplyequals demandforeachgood,thentheallocationofgoodsthatresultsisefficient. PaulMilgromandJohnRoberts,Stanfordeconomistsandauthors ofEconomics,Organization,andManagement ...theideasofeconomistsandpoliticalphilosophers,bothwhentheyarerightandwhentheyare wrong,aremorepowerfulthaniscommonlyunderstood.Indeed,theworldisruledbylittleelse. Practicalmen,whobelievethemselvestobequiteexemptfromanyintellectualinfluences,are usuallytheslavesofsomedefuncteconomist.Madmeninauthority,whohearvoicesfromtheair, aredistillingtheirfrenzyfromsomeacademicscribblerofafewyearsback. JohnMaynardKeynes,1935 Isympathizetherefore,withthosewhowouldminimize,ratherthanthosewhowouldmaximize, economicentanglementbetweennations.Ideas,knowledge,art,hospitality,travelthesearethe

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thingswhichshouldoftheirnaturebeinternational.Butletgoodsbehomespunwheneveritis reasonablyandconvenientlypossible;and,aboveall,letfinancebeprimarilynational. JohnMaynardKeynes,NationalSelfSufficiency,inTheCollectedWritings ofJohnMaynardKeynes,vol.21,editedbyDonaldMuggeridge.London, MacmillanandCambridgeUniversityPress,1933 Onceonegetsthescorecardstraight,thenitwillbecomeapparentthattwentiethcentury neoclassical[economic]theoryresemblesnothingsomuchasthechildsgameofMr.Potatohead thefuncomesinmixingandmatchingcomponentswithlittleornoconcernforthecoherenceof thefinalprofile. PhilipMirowski,MoreHeatThanLight,Cambridge,1989,page294 Anyonewhobelievesexponentialgrowthcangoonforeverinafiniteworldiseitheramadmanor aneconomist. KennethBoulding Growthforthesakeofgrowthistheideologyofacancercell. EdwardAbbey Thevocabularyofphysicsisamoralnotantimoral,butamoral.Mass,force,andvelocityhave nomoralimplicationsbecausethelawsdescribingthemhavenoalternatives.Thevocabularyof economics,incontrast,aboundsinethicalterms.Itisimpossibletodefinegood,service,oreven utilitywithoutmakingethicaljudgments.Everyobjecthasmass,butnoteveryobjecthasutility. Moreover,somepeoplemayconsideracertainobjectagoodwhileothersdonot,buttherecanbe nodisagreementabouttheequivalenceanddirectionofactionandreaction.Thereisnootheror betterwayforabodytofallinavacuumthans=gt2;thisisnotbecausephysicistsdonthappento beinterestedinmakingthisabetterworld.Thereisnounchangingpriceforabushelofwheat; andthisisnotbecauseeconomistsdonthappentobeinterestedinastableuniverse.Thepriceof wheatdependsuponwhatpeopledo,butbodiesfallastheydoregardlessofwhatpeopledoor think. Economicsisnotvaluefree,andnoamountofabstractioncanmakeitvaluefree.The econometricianssearchforequationsthatwillexplaintheeconomyisforeverdoomedto frustration.Itisoftensaidthattheirmodelsdontwork,because,ontheonehand,thevariablesare toomanyand,ontheother,thestatisticaldataaretoosparse.Butthephysicaluniverseisas variousastheeconomicuniverse(theyare,torepeat,bothinfinite),andNewtonhadfewerdata andlesspowerfulmeansofcalculationthanareatthedisposalofJanTinbergenandhis econometricianfollowers.Thedifferenceisfundamental,andthefailuretounderstanditreduces muchofmoderneconomicstoagamethatunfortunatelyhasseriousconsequences.

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GeorgeBrockway,TheEndofEconomicMan,Norton,1995,pages3839 Thecentraltruthof[thesocialsciences]isthatnature,especiallythatofhumankind,isniceand thatpeoplearedesignedtodothingsthat,allinall,favorthesurvivaloftheirspecies.Hence peoplecouldneverbeequippedbynaturewithinstinctstokillotherpeople.Thisideacomesfrom theBambischoolofbiology,aDisneyesquevisionofnatureasacollectionofmoralisticand altruisticcreatures.Itadmiresnatureforitsharmonyandbeautyofformandforitsapparent balanceorevencooperativeness.Itadmiresthedeerforitsbeautyandfleetness,andit grudginglyadmiresthelionforitspowerandnobilityofform.Ifanythingisreallywrongwithus, itexplains,itisasocioculturalproblemthatwecanfixbyresocializingpeople.Itisnotabiological problem. MichaelP.Ghiglieri,1999 ThereisthedeeplyembeddeddominanceoftwostrandsofCartesianthoughtinthesocial sciences:thefixedideathatthereisahugegulfbetweenhumansandotheranimals;andthebelief thatbodyandmindareseparateratherthanoneandthesame,whichmakespossibletheimplicit beliefthatbiologicalevolutionhastodowiththebodyratherthanthemind. JeromeH.Barkow,2006 InFreakonomics,LevittandDubnerwritethatRoeisliketheproverbialbutterflythatflapsits wingsononecontinentandeventuallycreatesahurricaneonanother.Butthissimilecutsboth ways.Itispresumablymeanttoevokethebutterflyeffect:meteorologistEdwardLorenzs famousdescriptionofaglobalclimatesystemwithsuchadensewebofinterconnectedpathways ofcausationthatlongtermweatherforecastingisafool'serrand.Theactualeventthatinspired thisobservationwasthat,onedayin1961,Lorenzentered.506insteadof.506127forone parameterinaclimateforecastingmodelanddiscoveredthatitproducedawildlydifferentlong termweatherforecast.Thisis,ofcourse,directlyanalogoustowhatweseeintheabortioncrime debateandBartelssmodelforincomeinequality:tinychangesinassumptionsyieldvastly differentresults.Itisatelltalesignthathumansocietyisfartoocomplicatedtoyieldtothe analyticaltoolsthatnonexperimentalsocialsciencebringstobear.Thequestionsaddressedby typicallyhavenoneofthecharacteristicsthatmadecausalattributioninthesmokinglungcancer casepractical. Thisshortcomingarisesnotbecausenonexperimentalsocialscienceissomehowinsufficiently toughminded,butbecausethephenomenonofhumansocialbehaviorissocomplex.Businesses arenotoriouslypracticalandresultsoriented,andhavesunkvastresourcesintotryingtodevelop useful,reliablepredictionsforbehaviorintheabsenceofexperiments.Indoingso,theyhaverun intothesameproblemsandhitthesamedeadends. JimManzi,Uncontrolled:TheSurprisingPayoffofTrialandErrorforBusiness,Politics,and

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Society,2012 Financialriskmodelsgotusintroublebeforethe2008crash,andthey'realmostsuretogetusin troubleagain.Whenitcomestoassigningblameforthecurrenteconomicdoldrums,thequants whobuildthecomplicatedmathematicfinancialriskmodels,andthetraderswhorelyonthem, deservetheirshareoftheblame.Butwhatiftherewereawaytocomeupwithsimplermodels thatperfectlyreflectedreality?Andwhatifwehadperfectfinancialdatatoplugintothem? Incredibly,evenunderthoseutterlyunrealizableconditions,wedstillgetbadpredictionsfrom models.Thereasonisthatcurrentmethodsusedtocalibratemodelsoftenrenderthem inaccurate. That'swhatJonathanCarterstumbledoninhisstudyofgeophysicalmodels.Carterwantedto observewhathappenstomodelswhenthey'reslightlyflawedthatis,whentheydontgetthe physicsjustright.Butdoingsorequiredhavingaperfectmodeltoestablishabaseline.SoCarter setupamodelthatdescribedtheconditionsofahypotheticaloilfield,andsimplydeclaredthe modeltoperfectlyrepresentwhatwouldhappeninthatfieldsincethefieldwashypothetical, hecouldtakethephysicstobewhateverthemodelsaiditwas.Thenhehadhisperfectmodel generatethreeyearsofdataofwhatwouldhappen.Thisdatathenrepresentedperfectdata.Sofar sogood. Thenextstepwascalibratingthemodel.Almostallmodelshaveparametersthathavetobe adjustedtomakeamodelapplicabletothespecificconditionstowhichit'sbeingappliedthe springconstantinHookslaw,forexample,ortheresistanceinanelectricalcircuit.Calibratinga complexmodelforwhichparameterscantbedirectlymeasuredusuallyinvolvestakinghistorical data,and,enlistingvariouscomputationaltechniques,adjustingtheparameterssothatthemodel wouldhavepredictedthathistoricaldata.[Thisiscalledbackcasting.]Atthatpointthemodel isconsideredcalibrated,andshouldpredictintheorywhatwillhappengoingforward. Carterhadinitiallyusedarbitraryparametersinhisperfectmodeltogenerateperfectdata,but now,inordertoassesshismodelinarealisticway,hethrewthoseparametersoutandused standardcalibrationtechniquestomatchhisperfectmodeltohisperfectdata.Itwassupposedto beaformalityheassumed,reasonably,thattheprocesswouldsimplyproducethesame parametersthathadbeenusedtoproducethedatainthefirstplace.Butitdidnt.Itturnedoutthat thereweremanydifferentsetsofparametersthatseemedtofitthehistoricaldata.Andthatmade sense,herealizedgivenamathematicalexpressionwithmanytermsandparametersinit,and thusmanydifferentwaystoadduptothesamesingleresult,you'dexpecttheretobedifferent waystotweaktheparameterssothattheycanproducesimilarsetsofdataoversomelimitedtime period. Theproblem,ofcourse,isthatwhilethesedifferentversionsofthemodelmightallmatchthe historicaldata,theywouldingeneralgeneratedifferentpredictionsgoingforwardandsure enough,hiscalibratedmodelproducedterriblepredictionscomparedtotherealityoriginally

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generatedbytheperfectmodel.Calibrationastandardprocedureusedbyallmodelersinall fields,includingfinancehadrenderedaperfectmodelseriouslyflawed.Thoughtakenaback,he continuedhisstudy,andfoundthathavingeventinyflawsinthemodelorthehistoricaldata madethesituationfarworse.AsfarasIcantell,you'dhaveexactlythesamesituationwithany modelthathastobecalibrated,saysCarter. ThatfinancialmodelsareplaguedbycalibrationproblemsisnosurprisetoWilmotthenotes thatithasbecomeroutineformodelersinfinancetosimplykeeprecalibratingtheirmodelsover andoveragainasthemodelscontinuetoturnoutbadpredictions.Whenyouhavetokeep recalibratingamodel,somethingiswrongwithit,hesays.Ifyouhadtoreadjusttheconstantin Newton'slawofgravityeverytimeyougotoutofbedinthemorninginorderforittoagreewith yourscale,itwouldn'tbemuchofalaw.Butinfinancetheyjustkeeponrecalibratingand pretendingthatthemodelswork. DavidH.Freedman,WhyEconomicModelsAreAlwaysWrong,ScientificAmerican, October2011 Itsacomplexstory,really;mostofonesthinkingthatsworthanythingcomesnotfromreason butfromintuition.Manyofmyscientistfriendsdontlikethattheyrestillbackinthe nineteenthandtwentiethcenturieswhereyoudideverythingrationallyandtheword irrationallyimpliedlooseorbadthinking.Imafraiditisntlikethat;allthethingsthatreally matterareintuitive.UnderstandingtheEarthssystemisoneofthosethingsyoucannotexpressin mathematicaltermseasily.TheclimatescientiststriedtodoittherewasamancalledLorenz, manyyearsago,whodiscoveredthatifyoutrytomodelasystemcontainingmorethantwo differentialequationsandyouneedhundreds,thousandsofthemtolookattheEarthssystem itgoeschaoticassoonasyouputrealworlddataintoit.Sowhattheytendtodo,becausethey havetomodelitthatway,withhundredsofthousandsofequations,theyeitherfudgethe equationswithlinearizingmodifications,sothatthemodelnevergoeschaotic,ortheyneverrunit beyondwhattheycallequilibriumconditions,thatistheyneverallowittobehavedynamicallyas alivingthing.Nowthisisabsolutelyfatalasfarasmodelinggoesanditappliesbothtobiology andtoclimatescience(geophysiology)andthisiswhywearefindingnowthatthegreat gatheringofscientiststhatformedtheIPCCsomeofthebestclimatescientistsintheworld withtheverybestofintentionsandthemostmodernandexpensiveequipment,arefailingto predicttheclimatethatiswithustoday.SotounderstandtheEarthssystem,youcantavoid approachingthewholeproblemtoacertainextentintuitivelyandthisiswhereIthinkGaiacame inbecausemostofthefirstpartofitwasintuitiveratherthanrational.AndIthinkithassome deepersignificanceinthatoneofmyreasonsforbeingsomewhatpessimisticaboutthefutureof thepresentgenerationofhumansisthatIthinktheproblemisrightbeyondus:wedonothavethe intellectualcapacitytosolvetheproblemoflivingsuccessfullywithourplanet. JamesLovelock,speakinginLondonearly2009,atafunctioninhishonorandcoin cidingwiththepublicationofJohnGribbinsHeKnewHeWasRight:TheIrrepressibleLife ofJamesLovelockandGaia

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Someproblemsaresocomplexthatyouhavetobehighlyintelligentandwellinformedjusttobe undecidedaboutthem. LaurenceJ.Peter Thereisatthecoreofthecelebrationofmarketsarelentlesstautology.Ifwebegin,byassumption, withthepremisethatnearlyeverythingcanbeunderstoodasamarketandthatmarketsoptimize outcomes,theneverythingelseleadsbacktothesameconclusionmarketize!If,intheevent,a particularmarketdoesntoptimize,thereisonlyonepossibleinference:itmustbeinsufficiently marketlike.Thisepistemologicalsleightofhandisanastonishingblendthatblursthedescriptive withthenormative.Itisanofailsystemforguaranteeingthattheorytrumpsevidence.Should somehumanactivitynot,infact,behavelikeanefficientmarket,itmustbetheresultofsome interferencethatshouldberemovedorastubbornhumanrefusaltoappreciatemarkets.Itcannot possiblybethatthetheoryfailstospecifyaccuratelyhowhumanbehaviorworks.(page6) Economistsenamoredofpuremarketsbeginwiththetheory,andhangmodelsonassumptions thatcannotthemselvesbechallenged.Thecharacteristicgrammaticalusageisanunusual subjunctivetheverbformmustbe.Forexample,ifwagesformanualworkersaredeclining,it mustbethattheireconomicvalueisdeclining.Ifacorporateraiderwalksawayfromadealwith halfabilliondollars,itmustbethatheaddedthatmuchvaluetotheeconomy.IfJapancan producebetterautosthanDetroit,theremustbesomeinherentlocationallogic,elsethemarket wouldnotdictatethatresult.Ifcommercialadvertisingleadsconsumerstobuyshoddyorharmful products,theymustbemaximizingtheirutilitybecauseweknowbyassumptionthat consumersalwaysmaximizetheirutility.Howdoweknowthat?Becausetodoanythingelse wouldbeirrational.Andhowdoweknowthatindividualsalwaysbehaverationally?Becausethat isthepremisefromwhichwebegin.Thetrulyinterestinginstitutionalquestionsthe disjuncturesbetweenwhatfreemarketassumptionswouldpredictandtheactualoutcomesare dismissedbythetautologicalanddeductiveformofreasoning.Thefactthattherealworldis alreadyfarfromaperfectmarketisignoredforthesakeoftheoreticconvenience.Thedissenter cannotchallengethetheory;hecanonlydescribetherealworld.(page9) Thosewhobelievesocietycanbestbeunderstoodasaseriesofmarketsbeginbypositinga rational,calculatingindividualwhosegoalistomaximizeutility.Thispremisesayseverything andnothing,sinceitistruebydefinitioninallcases.Butitisakeyaspectofthemarketmodel, sinceitisthebehavioralpartofthelogicalargumentthatwhateverthemarketdecidesmustbe optimal.(page41) RobertKuttner;EverythingforSale,Knopf,1997 ForWeber,causalefficacywaslocatedexclusivelywithintheindividual.However,thisdoesnot meanthatWeberwasstrictlyapromoterofmethodologicalindividualism.Somedefinitionsof methodologicalindividualism(forexample,Elster,1982,p.453)havesuggestedthatall

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explanationsofsocialoreconomicphenomenashouldbereducedentirelytoindividuals.Weber didnotgothisfar.Notably,hisstatementthatindividualsalonecarryoutsubjectively understandableactionisaversionofontologicalratherthanmethodologicalindividualism, concerningactionasanaspectofsocialbeing.Weberwasclearlyconcernedtomakeintentional individualsratherthanthesocialorganismorsocialforcesthecausalagentsbehindsocio economicphenomena.ButWeberalsoexaminedthewayinwhichsocialstructuresand institutionscanshapehumanpurposesandbeliefs.Hencehedidnotreduceexplanationsentirely toindividuals. NeverthelesstheindividualisticthrustofWebersanalysiswasinremarkablecontrastwiththe earlierhistoricalschool.Notably,bothWeberandhishistoricalschoolpredecessorslackedthe conceptofanemergentproperty.Withtheconceptofemergence,multiplelevelsofanalysisare possible,basedonemergentpropertiesandcausalpowersateachlevel.Simultaneously,both individualsandinstitutionsaresustainableascausallyeffectiveunitsofanalysis.However,Weber andthehistoricalschoollackedtheconceptofemergence.Unabletosustainmultiplelevelsof analysis,theirsocialtheoryhadtoconflateupononeleveluponeitherthesystemasawholeor upontheindividualsthatcomprisedit.Unlikehishistoricalschoolpredecessors,Weberchosethe latteroption. AnotherfatefulconsequenceofWebersindividualisticapproachconcernedhisnotionofthe disciplinaryboundariesbetweenthesocialsciences.Weberdevelopedacomplexsetofcriteriato determinewhetheranactwaseconomicorsocial.WritinginEconomyandSociety,Weber(1968, p.9)saweconomicsasconcernedwithactionthatisstrictlyrational,unaffectedbyerrorsor emotionalfactors...completelyandunequivocallydirectedtoasingleend,themaximizationof economicadvantage.Whereas:Theeconomicactivityofanindividualissocialonlyifittakes accountofthebehaviorofsomeoneelse(p.22).Thiswassimilartothedistinctionbetween economicandnoneconomicactionproposedin1910byPhilipWicksteed(1933).Wicksteed definedaneconomictransactionasoneinwhichonepartydidnotconsiderthewelfareordesires oftheother,merelytheobjectofthetransactionitself.9 NotethatWebers(andWicksteeds)definitionscenteredontheassumednatureoftheinner thoughtprocessesoftheindividual,ratherthanonthesocialstructureswithinandthroughwhich individualsact.Theexclusiveuseofanindividualistandsubjectivistdemarcationcriterion betweeneconomicsandothersocialsciences,meansthatinadequateattentionisgiventothe natureofthesocialstructuresandinstitutions,asobjectsofanalysis,alongsidetheindividuals concerned.Bothareimportant:justasstructuresareformedandchangedbyindividuals, individualsarealsochangedbystructures.Incontrast,theseminalcriteriaofWeberand Wicksteedputexclusiveweightonthesubjectiveinterpretationsofthegivenindividual. Atthesametime,theeconomicindividualwastreatedasafictionalandunrealbeing,actingas ifheorshewascalculatingorrational.Theoutcomeisthatbothindividualandstructurewere simultaneouslydenudedofmuchsocialandpsychologicalcontent.Hence,despiteitssubjectivist twist,afurtherconsequenceofWebersargumentwastheexplicitrelegationoftherelevanceof

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psychologyforeconomicanalysis.In1908,Weber(1975,pp.312)saweconomicsasconcerned withtheconstructionofgeneraltheoremsontheunrealassumptionthatpeoplebehaveasif theywereunderthecontrolofcommercialcalculation,orrationalityinthissense.Accordingly, theinvestigationoftherealmotivesandbehaviourofindividuals,informedbypsychologicaland otherinsights,wasirrelevanttoeconomicsasWebersawit.Theresultofthisinfluentialargument wastoassistawidespreadrejectionofpsychologicalinsightsbybothsociologistsandeconomists. Webersdemarcationbetweenrationalandnonrationalactioninhumanshelpedtoestablish barriersbetweeneconomics,sociologyandhistory.Economics,followingMenger,wouldconsider therationalbehaviouroftheindividual,withgivenendsandingivencircumstances.Sociology wouldconsiderthemannerinwhichculturemaymouldthoseends.History,inturn,would considerthespiritoftheageandthemannerinwhichthegivencircumstanceshadevolved. Webersattitudetopsychology,andhisindividualistandsubjectivistdemarcationcriterion betweeneconomicsandsociology,affectedTalcottParsons.PrincipallythroughWicksteed,similar ideasinfluencedLionelRobbins. Eventually,inthe1930s,atruceemerged,whereeconomicsconcerneditselfwiththerational choiceofmeanstoservegivenends,sociologywiththeexplanationofthoseends,andhistorywith theirtemporalcontext.ThisagreementgavesignificantscopeforAustrianandneoclassical economics,atthetheoreticalcoreoftheterritoryofthequeenofthesocialsciences.Italsoremoved thehistoricalschoolfromitsprestigiouspedestal,butgavethemimportantcomplementarytasks: ineconomicsociology,sociologyandhistory.LionelRobbins(1932),TalcottParsons(1937a)and JosephSchumpeter(1954)endorsedthispartialresolutionoftheconflict,bymeansofa partitioningofthecontestedterritory.ThesewritersweresteepedintheGermanliterature,and werealsoinpartbyexportingGermanideastohaveacrucialinfluenceonAngloAmerican socialscienceinthecomingyears.Theseoutcomesarediscussedlaterinthisbook.The disciplinarydemarcationcriteria,andthenarrowingviewofthescopeofeconomics,hadmajor andglobalconsequencesfortheerectionofvirtuallyimpenetrabledisciplinaryboundariesafter theSecondWorldWar. Despiteitsdubiousaspects,apositiveandworthwhilefeatureofWebersanalysiswastosituate theconceptofrationalityprincipallyintherealandmodernworldofpecuniarycalculation. Accordingly,theconceptofrationalitybecamehistoricallyconfined.Insteadofapotentially universalconcept,relatedtoanypossibleactivity,hepointedtoaconceptofrationalitythat becamelinkeddirectlytoasocietyinwhichmarkets,money,andexchangedominatedmuch humanbehaviour.Themeritsanddemeritsofhisrationalityconceptemergeagainbelow,inthe discussionofhismethodologyofidealtypes. GeoffreyM.Hodgson,HowEconomistsForgotHistory,2001,pages119,121 Equilibriumandaninvisibleideology EconomicsasadisciplinearoseatatimewhenEnglishsocietywasinthefinalstagesofremoving

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thecontrolsofthefeudalsystemfromitsmercantile/capitalisteconomy.Inthisclimate,economic theoryhadadefinite(andbeneficial)politicalrole:itprovidedacountertothereligiousideology thatoncesupportedthefeudalorder,andwhichstillinfluencedhowpeoplethoughtaboutsociety. Inthefeudalsystemthepreordainedhierarchyofking,lord,servantandserfwasjustifiedonthe basisofthedivinerightofKings.TheKingwasGodsrepresentativeonearth,andthesocial structurewhichfloweddownfromhimwasareflectionofGodswishes. Thisstructurewasnothingifnotordered,butthisorderimposedsevererestrictionsonthenow dominantclassesofmerchantsandindustrialists.Atvirtuallyeverystep,merchantsweremetwith governmentcontrolsandtariffs.Whentheyrailedagainsttheseimposts,thereplycamebackthat theywereneededtoensuresocialorder. Economictheorythenrightlycalledpoliticaleconomyprovidedthemerchantswithacrucial ideologicalrejoinder.Asystemofgovernmentwasnotneededtoensureorder:instead,social orderwouldarisenaturallyinamarketsysteminwhicheachindividualfollowedhisownself interest.Smithsphrasetheinvisiblehandcamealongratherlateintheprocess,butthenotion playedakeyroleinthepoliticalandsocialtransformationsofthelate18thandearly19th centuries. Anessentialaspectofthismarketsocialorderwasequilibrium. Fromtheoutset,economistspresumedthatthemarketsystemwouldachieveequilibrium.Indeed, theachievementofequilibriumwasoftentoutedasanadvantageofthefreemarketoverany systemwherepricesweresetbyfiat.Equilibriumwasthereforeanessentialnotionoftheeconomic defenceofcapitalism:theequilibriumofthecapitalistmarketwouldreplacethelegislativeorder ofthenowdefunctfeudalhierarchy. Moreimportantly,whereasthefeudalorderendowedonlythewellbornwithwelfare,the equilibriumofthemarketwouldguaranteethebestpossiblewelfareforallmembersofsociety. Thelevelofindividualwelfarewouldreflecttheindividualscontributiontosociety:peoplewould enjoythelifestyletheydeserved,ratherthanthelifestyleintowhichtheyhadbeenborn. If,insteadofequilibrium,economistshadpromisedthatcapitalismwoulddeliverchaos;if,instead ofmeritocracy,economistshadsaidthatthemarketcouldconcentrateinequality,theneconomists couldhavehinderedratherthanhelpedthetransitiontocapitalism(thoughtheymorelikely wouldhavebeenignored). Bythemiddleofthe19thcentury,thetransitiontocapitalismwascomplete:whatwasleftof feudalismwasamerevestige.Butratherthanthepromisedequilibrium,19thcenturycapitalism waswrackedbycyclesandenormousdisparitiesofwealth.Amajordepressionoccurredroughly every20years,workersconditionswouldimproveandthenrapidlydeteriorate,pricesriseand thenfall,banksexpandandthencollapse.Newrobberbaronsreplacedthebaronsofold.It appearedthat,whilepromisingameritocraticequilibrium,capitalismhadinsteaddelivered

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unbalancedchaos.Anewpoliticalchallengearose:thatofsocialism. Onceagain,economicsrosetothechallenge,andonceagainequilibriumwasacentraltenet.This timethedefencewasmountedbywhatwetodaycallneoclassicaleconomics,sinceclassical economicshadbeenturnedintoaweaponagainstcapitalismbythelastgreatclassicaleconomist, KarlMarx. IncontrasttothehandwavingofSmith,theneoclassicaleconomistsofthelate19thcentury providedasubstantivemathematicalanalysisofhowequilibriumcouldbeachievedbyan idealisedmarketeconomy,andhowthisequilibriumcouldbefairtoall.However,unlikethe earlierclassicalchampioningofcapitalism,thistechnicaledificeprovidedverylittleinthewayof libertarianslogansforthebattleagainsttheideologyofsocialism.Insteadofarmingcapitalisms defenderswithrhetorictodeployagainstsocialists,itgavebirthtotheacademicdisciplineof economics. Capitalismeventuallytranscendedthechallengeofsocialism,withlittlerealassistancefrom economictheory.Butwhiletheeconomicshadlittleimpactuponcapitalism,theneedtodefend capitalismhadaprofoundimpactuponthenatureofeconomictheory.Thedefensiveimperative, andtheroleofequilibriuminthatdefence,cementedequilibriumsroleasacorebeliefof economictheory. Atthebeginningofthe3rdmillennium,thereisnocompetingsocialsystemagainstwhich capitalismmustproveitssuperiority.Feudalismislongdead,andthosesocialistsocietieswhich remainareeithersocialistinnameonly,orbitplayersontheworldstage. Today,mosteconomistsimperiouslydismissthenotionthatideologyplaysanypartintheir thinking.Theprofessionhasinfactdevisedthetermpositiveeconomicstosignifyeconomic theorywithoutanyvaluejudgments,whiledescribingeconomicswithvaluejudgmentsas normativeeconomicsandthepositiveisexaltedfarabovethenormative. Yetideologyinnatelylurkswithinpositiveeconomicsintheformofthecorebeliefin equilibrium.[3]Aspreviouschaptershaveshown,economictheoryhascontorteditselftoensure thatitreachestheconclusionthatamarketeconomywillachieveequilibrium.[4]Thedefenceof thiscorebeliefiswhathasmadeeconomicssoresistanttochange,sincevirtuallyeverychallenge toeconomictheoryhascalleduponittoabandontheconceptofequilibrium.Ithasrefusedtodo so,andthuseachchallengeSraffascritique,thecalamityoftheGreatDepression,Keyness challenge,themodernscienceofcomplexityhasbeenrepulsed,ignored,orbelittled. Thiscorebeliefexplainswhyeconomiststendtobeextremeconservativesonmajorpolicydebates, whilesimultaneouslybelievingthattheyarenonideological,andareinfactmotivatedby knowledgeratherthanbias. Ifyoubelievethatafreemarketsystemwillnaturallytendtowardsequilibriumandalsothat

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equilibriumembodiesthehighestpossiblewelfareforthehighestnumberthenipsofacto,any systemotherthanacompletefreemarketwillproducedisequilibriumandreducewelfare.You willthereforeopposeminimumwagelegislationandsocialsecuritypaymentsbecausetheywill leadtodisequilibriuminthelabourmarket.Youwillopposepricecontrolsbecausetheywill causedisequilibriuminproductmarkets.Youwillargueforprivateprovisionofservicessuchas education,health,welfare,perhapsevenpolicebecausegovernments,untrammelledbythe disciplineofsupplyanddemand,willeitherunderoroversupplythemarket(andchargetoo muchortoolittlefortheservice). Infact,theonlypoliciesyouwillsupportareonesthatmakestherealworldconformmoreclosely toyoureconomicmodel.Thusyoumaysupportantimonopolylawsbecauseyourtheorytells youthatmonopoliesarebad.Youmaysupportantiunionlaws,becauseyourtheoryassertsthat collectivebargainingwilldistortlabourmarketoutcomes. Andyouwilldoallthiswithoutbeingideological. Really? Yes,reallyinthatmosteconomistsgenuinelybelievethattheirpolicypositionsareinformedby scientificknowledge,ratherthanbypersonalbiasorreligiousstyledogma.Economistsaretruly sincereintheirbeliefthattheirpolicyrecommendationswillmaketheworldabetterplacefor everyoneinitsosincere,infact,thattheyoftenactagainsttheirownselfinterest. Forexample,thereislittledoubtthataneffectiveacademicunioncouldincreasethewagespaidto academiceconomists.Ifeconomistsweretrulyselfmotivatediftheybehavedliketheentirely selfinterestedrationaleconomicmanoftheirmodelstheywoulddowelltosupportacademic unions,sincethenegativeimpactstheypredictunionstohavewouldfallonotherindividuals(fee payingstudentsandunemployedacademics).Butinstead,oneoftenfindsthateconomistsarethe leastunionisedofacademics,andtheyfrequentlyargueagainstactionsthat,accordingtotheir theories,couldconceivablybenefittheminorityofacademicsattheexpenseofthegreater community.Howeverideologicaleconomistsmayappeartotheircritics,intheirheartstheyare sincerelynonpartisanand,ironically,altruistic. Butnonpartisaninselfbeliefdoesnotmeannonpartisaninreality.Withequilibriumboth encapsulatingandobscuringsomanyideologicalissuesineconomics,theslavishdevotiontothe conceptforceseconomistsintopoliticallyreactionaryandintellectuallycontradictorypositions. Ofcourse,ifeconomistswererightthatequilibriumembodiesthebestpossibleoutcomeforthe greatestnumber,thentheirapparentlyideologicalpolicypositionswouldbejustifiedifthe economyalwaysheadedbacktoequilibriumwhendisturbedfromitsNirvana.Inthenextchapter, wellputasidethecritiqueswhichestablishthatthebuildingblocksofequilibriumareinvalid,and insteadaskwhethereconomicequilibrium,asdefinedbyeconomictheory,isinfactstable.

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SteveKeen,DebunkingEconomics,2001,Chapter7 Whatanastoundingthingitistowatchacivilizationdestroyitselfbecauseitisunabletore examinethevalidity,undertotallynewcircumstances,ofaneconomicideology. SirJamesGoldsmith,richestmaninEurope,aboutthefreetradedoctrine,1994 Theproblemis,ofcourse,thatnotonlyiseconomicsbankruptbutithasalwaysbeennothing morethanpoliticsindisguise...economicsisaformofbraindamage. HazelHenderson Economicsisnothingmorethanpoliticsindisguise.Itistheartofprivatizinggainsandsocializing losses.ItisthestatereligionoftheUnitedStates.Itsgodisgrowthanditsidolisgreed. Z.B.F.Alexander Ifyoutookalltheeconomistsintheworldandlaidthemendtoend,theydstillpointindifferent directions! HarryS.Truman(apocryphal) untrammeledintensificationoflaissezfairecapitalismandthespreadofmarketvaluestoall areasoflifeareendangeringouropenanddemocraticsociety. GeorgeSoros,1997 Capitalismistheastoundingbeliefthatthemostwickedestofmenwilldothemostwickedestof thingsforthegreatestgoodofeveryone. LordKeynes Brokenhomes,uprootedfamilies,vanisheddreams,delinquency,vandalism,crime,thesearethe hiddencostsoffreetrade. PatBuchanan,1998 JustasprimitivepeopleadopttheWesternmodeofdenationalizedclothingandparliamentarism outofavaguefeelingthatthesemagicritesandvestmentswillatonceputthemabreastofmodern cultureandtechnique,sotheeconomistshavedevelopedthehabitofdressinguptheirrather impreciseideasinthelanguageofinfinitesimalcalculus....Anypretenseofapplyingprecise formulaeisashamandawasteoftime.

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NorbertWeiner Freemarketsarecreaturesofstatepower,andpersistonlysolongasthestateisabletoprevent humanneedsforsecurityandthecontrolofeconomicriskfromfindingpoliticalexpression. JohnGray,leadingBritishThatcherite,1998 Economicstudentsareprogrammed(usingmoderndoublethinktechniques)tobelievethat therearenolimitstogrowth. PlentyofGloom,TheEconomist,Editorial,20December1997 Sometimes,themarketscanstayirrationallongerthanyoucanstaysolvent. JohnMaynardKeynes,sometimeinthe1930s Ravaioli:Buttherearemanyotherenvironmentalproblems... NobelLaureateMiltonFriedman:Ofcourse.Takeoil,forexample.Everyonesaysitsalimited resource:physicallyitmaybe,buteconomicallywedontknow.Economicallythereismoreoil todaythantherewasahundredyearsago.Whenitwasstillunderthegroundandnooneknewit wasthere,itwasnteconomicallyavailable.Whenresourcesarereallylimitedpricesgoup,butthe priceofoilhasgonedownanddown.Supposeoilbecamescarce:thepricewouldgoup,and peoplewouldstartusingotherenergysources.Inaproperpricesystemthemarketcantakecareof theproblem. Ravaioli:Butweknowthatittakesmillionsofyearstocreateanoilwell,andwecantreproduce it.Relyingonoilmeanslivingonourcapitalandnotontheinterest,whichwouldbethesensible course.Dontyouagree? NobelLaureateFriedman:Ifwewerelivingonthecapital,themarketpricewouldgoup.The priceoftrulylimitedresourceswillriseovertime.Thepriceofoilhasnotbeenrising,sowerenot livingonthecapital.Whenthatisnolongertrue,thepricesystemwillgiveasignalandtheprice ofoilwillgoup.Asalwayshappenswithatrulylimitedresource. Ravaioli:Ofcoursethediscoveryofnewoilwellshasgiventheillusionofunlimitedoil. NobelLaureateFriedman:Whyanillusion? Ravaioli:Becauseweknowitsalimitedresource. NobelLaureateFriedman:Excuseme;it'snotlimitedfromaneconomicpointofview.Youhaveto separatetheeconomicfromthephysicalpointofview.Manyofthemistakespeoplemakecome

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fromthis.LikethestupidprojectionsoftheClubofRome:theyusedapurelyphysicalapproach, withouttakingpricesintoaccount.Therearemanydifferentsourcesofenergy,someofwhichare tooexpensivetobeexploitednow.Butifoilbecomesscarcetheywillbeexploited.Butthemarket, whichisfortunatelycapableofregisteringandusingwidelyscatteredknowledgeandinformation frompeopleallovertheworld,willtakeaccountofthosechanges. CarlaRavaioli,EconomistsandtheEnvironment,Zed,1995,page33 Thelawsofeconomicsarelikethelawsofengineering.Theresonlyonesetoflawsandtheywork everywhere.OneofthethingsIvelearnedinmytimeattheWorldBankisthatwhenever anybodysaysButeconomicsworksdifferentlyherethey'reabouttosaysomethingdumb. (page106) Thereareno...limitstothecarryingcapacityoftheearththatarelikelytobindanytimeinthe foreseeablefuture.Thereisntariskofanapocalypseduetoglobalwarmingoranythingelse.The ideathatweshouldputlimitsongrowthbecauseofsomenaturallimit,isaprofounderrorand onethat,wereitevertoproveinfluential,wouldhavestaggeringsocialcosts.(page109) LawrenceH.Summers,formerWorldBankChiefEconomistandDeputySecretaryof theTreasuryunderRobertRubinandBillClinton,November1991,quotedinFaithand Credit:TheWorldBank'sSecularEmpire,bySusanGeorgeandFabrizioSabelli,1994 Oilisarenewableresource,withnointrinsicvalueoverandaboveitsmarginalcost...Thereisno originalstockorstoreofwealthtobedoledoutonanyspecialcriterion...Capitalmarketsare equippedtohandle[oildepletion]. ProfessorM.A.Adelman,TheGenieOutofTheBottle:WorldOilSince1970, MIT,1995,pages34,328 If[thepetroleum]isnottheretobeginwith,allthehumaningenuitythatcanbemusteredintothe serviceofexplorationcannotputitthere...Theliteratureofthepastdecadesuggeststhatthebest placetolookforoilwouldbeintheeconomicsdepartmentsofAmericanuniversitiesandresearch institutes,...notinsedimentaryrocks. RichardNehring,1981 Themainreasonwhyitisprofitabletoestablishafirmwouldseemtobethatthereisacostof usingthepricemechanism.Themostobviouscostoforganizingproductionthroughtheprice mechanismisthatofdiscoveringwhattherelevantpricesare. R.H.Coase,Nobelprizewinningeconomist Thelongrunisamisleadingguidetocurrentaffairs.Inthelongrunwearealldead.

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Economistssetthemselvestooeasy,toouselessataskifinthetempestuousseasonstheyonlytell usthatwhenthestormispasttheoceanwillbeflat. JohnMaynardKeynes Butifthebreakdownofourcivilizationwastimedbythefailureofworldeconomy,itwas certainlynotcausedbyit.Itsoriginslaymorethanahundredyearsbackinthatsocialand technologicalupheavalfromwhichtheideaofaselfregulatingmarketspranginWesternEurope. Theendofthisventurehascomeinourtime;itclosesadistinctstageinthehistoryofindustrial civilization. Inthefinalpartofthebookweshalldealwiththemechanismwhichgovernedsocialandnational changeinourtime.Broadly,webelievethatthepresentconditionofmanistobedefinedinterms oftheinstitutionaloriginsofthecrisis. ThenineteenthcenturyproducedaphenomenonunheardofintheannalsofWesterncivilization, namely,ahundredyearspeace18151914.ApartfromtheCrimeanWaramoreorless colonialeventEngland,France,Prussia,Austria,Italy,andRussiawereengagedinwaramong eachotherforaltogetheronlyeighteenmonths.Acomputationofcomparablefiguresforthetwo precedingcenturiesgivesanaverageofsixtytoseventyyearsofmajorwarsineach.Buteventhe fiercestofnineteenthcenturyconflagrations,theFrancoPrussianWarof187071,endedafterless thanayearsdurationwiththedefeatednationbeingabletopayoveranunprecedentedsumasan indemnitywithoutanydisturbanceofthecurrenciesconcerned. Thistriumphofapragmaticpacifismwascertainlynottheresultofanabsenceofgravecausesfor conflict.Almostcontinuousshiftsintheinternalandexternalconditionsofpowerfulnationsand greatempiresaccompaniedthisironicpageant.Duringthefirstpartofthecenturycivilwars, revolutionaryandantirevolutionaryinterventionsweretheorderoftheday.InSpainahundred thousandtroopsundertheDucdAngoulmestormedCadiz;inHungarytheMagyarrevolution threatenedtodefeattheEmperorhimselfinpitchedbattleandwasultimatelysuppressedonlyby aRussianarmyfightingonHungariansoil.ArmedinterventionsintheGermanies,inBelgium, Poland,Switzerland,Denmark,andVenicemarkedtheomnipresenceoftheHolyAlliance.During thesecondhalfofthecenturythedynamicsofprogresswasreleased;theOttoman,Egyptian,and theSheriffianempiresbrokeuporweredismembered;Chinawasforcedbyinvadingarmiesto openherdoortotheforeignerandinonegigantichaulthecontinentofAfricawaspartitioned. Simultaneously,twopowersrosetoworldimportance:theUnitedStatesandRussia.National unitywasachievedbyGermanyandItaly;Belgium,Greece,Roumania,Bulgaria,Serbia,and Hungaryassumed,orreassumed,theirplacesassovereignstatesonthemapofEurope.Analmost incessantseriesofopenwarsaccompaniedthemarchofindustrialcivilizationintothedomainsof outwornculturesorprimitivepeoples.RussiasmilitaryconquestsinCentralAsia,Englands numberlessIndianandAfricanwars,FrancesexploitsinEgypt,Algiers,Tunis,Syria,Madagascar, IndoChina,andSiamraisedissuesbetweenthePowerswhich,asarule,onlyforcecanarbitrate. Yeteverysingleoneoftheseconflictswaslocalized,andnumberlessotheroccasionsforviolent

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changewereeithermetbyjointactionorsmotheredintocompromisebytheGreatPowers. Regardlessofhowthemethodschanged,theresultwasthesame.Whileinthefirstpartofthe centuryconstitutionalismwasbannedandtheHolyAlliancesuppressedfreedominthenameof peace,duringtheotherhalfandagaininthenameofpeaceconstitutionswerefoistedupon turbulentdespotsbybusinessmindedbankers.Thusundervaryingformsandevershifting ideologiessometimesinthenameofprogressandliberty,sometimesbytheauthorityofthe throneandthealtar,sometimesbygraceofthestockexchangeandthecheckbook,sometimesby corruptionandbribery,sometimesbymoralargumentandenlightenedappeal,sometimesbythe broadsideandthebayonetoneandthesameresultwasattained:peacewaspreserved. Thisalmostmiraculousperformancewasduetotheworkingofthebalanceofpower,whichhere producedaresultwhichisnormallyforeigntoit.Byitsnaturethatbalanceeffectsanentirely differentresult,namely,thesurvivalofthepowerunitsinvolved;infact,itmerelypostulatesthat threeormoreunitscapableofexertingpowerwillalwaysbehaveinsuchawayastocombinethe poweroftheweakerunitsagainstanyincreaseinpowerofthestrongest.Intherealmofuniversal historybalanceofpowerwasconcernedwithstateswhoseindependenceitservedtomaintain.But itattainedthisendonlybycontinuouswarbetweenchangingpartners.Thepracticeoftheancient GreekortheNorthernItaliancitystateswassuchaninstance;warsbetweenshiftinggroupsof combatantsmaintainedtheindependenceofthosestatesoverlongstretchesoftime.Theactionof thesameprinciplesafeguardedforovertwohundredyearsthesovereigntyofthestatesforming EuropeatthetimeoftheTreatyofMnsterandWestphalia(1648).When,seventyfiveyearslater, intheTreatyofUtrecht,thesignatoriesdeclaredtheirformaladherencetothisprinciple,they therebyembodieditinasystem,andthusestablishedmutualguaranteesofsurvivalforthestrong andtheweakalikethroughthemediumofwar.Thefactthatinthenineteenthcenturythesame mechanismresultedinpeaceratherthanwarisaproblemtochallengethehistorian. Theentirelynewfactor,wesubmit,wastheemergenceofanacutepeaceinterest.Traditionally, suchaninterestwasregardedasoutsidethescopeofthestatesystem.Peacewithitscorollariesof craftsandartsrankedamongthemereadornmentsoflife.TheChurchmightprayforpeaceasfor abountifulharvest,butintherealmofstateactionitwouldneverthelessadvocatearmed intervention;governmentssubordinatedpeacetosecurityandsovereignty;thatis,tointentsthat couldnotbeachievedotherwisethanbyrecoursetotheultimatemeans.Fewthingswereregarded asmoredetrimentaltoacommunitythantheexistenceofanorganizedpeaceinterestinitsmidst. Aslateasthesecondhalfoftheeighteenthcentury,J.J.Rousseauarraignedtradespeoplefortheir lackofpatriotismbecausetheyweresuspectedofpreferringpeacetoliberty. After1815thechangeissuddenandcomplete.ThebackwashoftheFrenchRevolutionreinforced therisingtideoftheIndustrialRevolutioninestablishingpeacefulbusinessasauniversalinterest. MetternichproclaimedthatwhatthepeopleofEuropewantedwasnotlibertybutpeace.Gentz calledpatriotsthenewbarbarians.Churchandthronestartedoutonthedenationalizationof Europe.Theirargumentsfoundsupportbothintheferocityoftherecentpopularformsofwarfare andinthetremendouslyenhancedvalueofpeaceunderthenascenteconomies.

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Thebearersofthenewpeaceinterestwere,asusual,thosewhochieflybenefitedbyit,namely, thatcartelofdynastsandfeudalistswhosepatrimonialpositionswerethreatenedbythe revolutionarywaveofpatriotismthatwassweepingtheContinent.Thus,forapproximatelya thirdofacenturytheHolyAllianceprovidedthecoerciveforceandtheideologicalimpetusforan activepeacepolicy;itsarmieswereroamingupanddownEuropeputtingdownminoritiesand repressingmajorities.From1846toabout1887oneofthemostconfusedandcrowdedquarter centuriesofEuropeanhistorypeacewaslesssafelyestablished,theebbingstrengthofreaction meetingthegrowingstrengthofindustrialism.InthequartercenturyfollowingtheFranco PrussianWarwefindtherevivedpeaceinterestrepresentedbythatnewpowerfulentity,the ConcertofEurope.(pages57) Theoriginsofthecataclysmlayintheutopianendeavorofeconomicliberalismtosetupaself regulatingmarketsystem.(page29) Bytheendoftheseventiesthefreetradeepisode(184679)wasatanend;theactualuseofthegold standardbyGermanymarkedthebeginningsofaneraofprotectionismandcolonialexpansion... thesymptomsofthedissolutionoftheexistingformsofworldeconomycolonialrivalryand competitionforexoticmarketsbecameacute.Theabilityofhautefinancetoavertthespreadof warswasdiminishingrapidly...Foranothersevenyearspeacedraggedonbutitwasonlya questionoftimebeforethedissolutionofnineteenthcenturyeconomicorganizationwouldbring theHundredYearsPeacetoaclose.(page19) Thetruenatureoftheinternationalsystemunderwhichwewerelivingwasnotrealizeduntilit failed.Hardlyanyoneunderstoodthepoliticalfunctionoftheinternationalmonetarysystem;the awfulsuddennessofthetransformationthustooktheworldcompletelybysurprise...Toliberal economists[economics]waspurelyaneconomicinstitution;theyrefusedeventoconsideritasa partofa[political]mechanism.Thusithappenedthatthedemocraticcountrieswerethelastto realizethetruenatureofthecatastropheandtheslowesttocounteritseffects.Notevenwhenthe cataclysmwasalreadyuponthemdidtheirleadersseethatbehindthecollapseoftheinternational systemtherestoodalongdevelopmentwithinthemostadvancedcountrieswhichmadethat systemanachronistic;inotherwords,thefailureofmarketeconomyitselfstillescapedthem.(page 20) Thetransformationcameonevenmoreabruptlythanisusuallyrealized.WorldWarIandthe postwarrevolutionsstillformedpartofthenineteenthcentury.Theconflictof191418merely precipitatedandimmeasurablyaggravatedacrisisthatitdidnotcreate.Buttherootsofthe dilemmacouldnotbediscernedatthetime.Thedissolutionofthesystemofworldeconomy whichhadbeeninprogresssince1900wasresponsibleforthepoliticaltensionthatexplodedin 1914.(page21) KarlPolanyi,TheGreatTransformation,1957 Howwouldyoudescribethedifferencebetweenmodernwarandmodernindustrybetween,

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say,bombingandstripmining,orbetweenchemicalwarfareandchemicalmanufacturing?The differenceseemstobeonlythatinwarthevictimizationofhumansisdirectlyintentionalandin industryitisacceptedasatradeoff. WendellBerry,farmer,author(born1934) Laissezfairewasplanned;planningwasnot. KarlPolanyi [Withthedevelopmentofmodernphysics]itbecamepossibletoseeorthodoxeconomictheoryfor whatitreallywas:abowdlerizedimitationofnineteenthcenturyphysicsItwasnotthemethods ofsciencethatwereappropriatedbytheearlyneoclassicalsasitwastheappearancesofscience, fortheearlyneoclassicalspossessedasingularlyineptunderstandingofthephysicstheyso admired[Neoclassicaleconomistsattempt]toreduceallsocialinstitutionssuchasmoney, propertyrights,andthemarketitselftoepiphenomenaofindividualconstrainedoptimization calculation.Alltheseattemptshavefailed,despitetheirsupposeddependenceuponmathematical rigor,becausetheyalwaysinadvertentlyassumewhattheyaimtodeduceConservation principlesarethekeytotheunderstandingofamathematicalformulationofanyphenomenon, andithasbeentherethattheneoclassicalshavebeenwoefullynegligent. PhilipMirowski,AgainstMechanism:ProtectingEconomicsfromScience, RowmanandLittlefield,1988,pages56 JEVONSSUNSPOTS:MacroeconomicInstabilityandtheNaturalProcessinEarly NeoclassicalEconomics Itmayseemoddtodisinteraneconomictheoryinthisinstance,WilliamStanleyJevonssclaim thatsunspotscausedmacroeconomicfluctuationswhichnoonenowbelievesormuchcares about.Infact,mypurposeisnottoscoffatadeadtheory,buttouseitasapretexttodiscussthe followingissues:economichistoriansoftenhavesuggestedadichotomybetweenapremodernand industrialmacroeconomy,withthepremoderneconomylargelyatthemercyofweatherandother naturalphenomena;thisdichotomyisrootedinearlyneoclassicaleconomictheory(here restrictingourselvestoJevons);thereislittlehistoricalevidencethatpremodernmacrofluctuations werecausedbynaturaldisturbances,suchastheweather(hererestrictingourselvestothecaseof England);andtheabovethreetheseshavesomeinterestingimplicationsforthewayeconomic policyisconceived,boththenandnow. WilliamStanleyJevons,inhis1870PresidentialAddressbeforetheBritishAssociationforthe AdvancementofScience,SectionF,lamentedthat,Thereisnoonewhooccupiesalessenviable positionthanthepoliticaleconomist.Cultivatingthefrontierregionsbetweencertainknowledge andconjecture,hiseffortsandadvicearescornedandrejectedonallhands.Althoughthismay promptnodsofassentinthe1980s,itisimportanttounderstandthehistoricalcontextofsuch

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complaints.Ashesaidlaterinthesameaddress, Thegrowthoftheartsandmanufacturesandtheestablishmentoffreetradehaveopenedthe widestmeansofemploymentandbroughtanaccessionofwealthpreviouslyunknown.... Neverthelesswithinthepastfewyearswehaveseenpauperismalmostasprevalentasever, andtheslightestrelapseoftradethrowswholetownsandclassesofpeopleintoastateof destitutionlittleshortoffamine. TheproblemofEnglishpoliticaleconomyinthe1870swasitsfirmassociationwiththedoctrineof freetrade,whichinturnwasadirectcorollaryofthefundamentaltheoreticalprinciplethat unfetteredmarketstructureswereasuperiormeansoforganizingproductionanddistribution.In periodsofbuoyancysuchastancewaseasytodefend;butbythe1870sdoubtsbecamemore insistentinEngland:doubtsaboutthestabilityofmarketorganization,whichresultedinsharp aggregatefluctuations,anddoubtsaboutthelongtermefficacyoffreetradeduetothesuccesses ofBritainsforeigneconomicrivals.Jevonspersonallyhadfeltthesechillwindswhenhisfathers ironfirmwasbankruptedin1848,andhisfamilyborethestigmaofbeingthepoorrelations. ThisexperiencedidnotsourJevonsonfreetradeandtheefficacyofmarketorganization, however,becausehefeltthatbyhardworkfromanearlyagehehadmanaged,inthefaceof adversity,toimprovehisstationinlife,andfurtherthatsuchanavenuewasopentoallwho wouldbutavailthemselvesofit.Inpractice,theearlyJevonsrespondedtothemistrustofpolitical economybyblamingthevictims.But,ashesooncametounderstand,thatwasnotawinning strategy. AllofJevonssinnovationsineconomicshispioneeringeffortsinmarginalistpricetheory,his workontheCoalQuestion,andhissunspottheorymaybeunderstoodasaunifiedrational responsetotheincreasingskepticismaboutpoliticaleconomyinBritain.Economistsinthelate twentiethcenturytendtoviewtheinnovationsinpricetheoryasJevonsscrowningachievement andthesunspottheoryassomeunfortunatelapse,orevenanembarrassment.Indeed,forsomethe sunspottheoryhasattainedthestatusofjoke,whereasforothersitisacautionaryparable concerningthepitfallsofinductiveargument.Alloftheseinterpretationsaremuchtoofacile, becausetheyignoretheunifiedthrustofJevonsstheoreticalproject.Inshort,hisprojectwasto portraythemarketasanaturalprocess,sothatdoubtsaboutitsefficacywouldbeassuaged,or attheveryleast,counteredbyscientificdiscourse.Theultimateobjectwastoreconstructthe foundationsofthecaseforfreetrade. Inthecaseofneoclassicalpricetheorytheevidenceforthisthesisisextensive,butwouldbe superfluousinthepresentcontext;inanyeventitissummarizedabove.Briefly,Jevonssprice theorylaidclaimtoscientificstatusbecauseitwasidenticalinmathematicalformandanalytical contenttothephysicsofthemidnineteenthcentury,whichissometimesreferredtoas energeticsbyhistoriansofscience.Forourpresentpurposes,itisonlynecessarytosurveythe broadestimplicationsofthisstratagem.First,itdrewadirectanalogybetweeneconomic transactionsandtransfersofenergy,whichsubtlyendowedthetransactionswiththenatural ontologicalstatusofthetransfers.Second,itencouragedspecializationwithineconomicsandthe

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cultivationofaninternallanguage(mathematics),whichservedtobufferthedisciplinefromthe intrusionsoflaycritics.Third,itdemonstratedthatmarketprocessesmaximizedutilityinaregime offreecompetition,thusimplyingthatnoimprovementwaspossiblethroughconscious interventioninproductionandexchange.Thesewereamuchmoreformidablesetofdefensesof thedoctrineoffreetradethanthoseprovidedbythedemoralizedanddisheveledremnantsof classicalpoliticaleconomy. However,effectivethesenewfoundations,theydidnotaddressthemostsignificantobjectionto Britishpoliticaleconomy:Iffreetradewassuchanablemethodofeconomiccoordination,whydid itresultinsuchdevastatingcontractionspunctuatingeconomicexpansion?Inthisrespect,Jevonss sunspottheorywasthenecessaryadjuncttohisnewlyformulatedpricetheory.Ifthemarket alwaysfunctionedinaneffectivemannertendedtowardaconfigurationinsuringmaximum happiness,thentherewasonlyoneobviouswaytoexplaintheincongruityofthemiseryand sufferingofdepressions.Thenaturaloperationofthemarketcouldonlybedeflectedorstymied (althoughneverfullyneutralized)byanotheropposingnaturalforcehereJevonsproposed thatmacroeconomicfluctuationsandcreditcriseswerecausedbymeteorologicaldisturbances, ultimatelycausedinturnbyvariationsinsunspotactivity.Theadvantageofthissortof explanationwasthatnoonewastoblame,orasJevonsputit, Wemustnotlaytothechargeoftradesunions,orfreetrade,oranyotherpretext,a fluctuationofcommercewhichaffectscountriesalikewhichhavetradesunionsandnotrades unions,freetradeandprotection;astointemperanceandvariousothermoralcauses,nodoubt theymayhavepowerfulinfluenceonourprosperitybuttheyaffordnospecialexplanationofa temporarywaveofcalamity. Theissueofmacroeconomicinstability,then,couldnotbeusedasanargumentforprotection,for instance,sincethecausefellonallcountriesindifferentlyasanaturalstateofaffairs.Tomy knowledge,noonehasadequatelyexploredthehypothesisthattheEnglishretainedtheir allegiancetofreetradelongaftertheContinentdidbecausethey,unliketheFrenchorGermans, persistedinseeingeconomicrelationsgroundedinaphysical(andnotphysiological)analogy. Throughouthislife,Jevonssubscribedtotheprinciplethatmacroeconomicfluctuationswereof naturalorigins,butheencounteredgreatdifficultyinfleshingoutthetheory.Hisfirstarticleon thesubjectin1875triedtoestablishthatEnglishgrainpricesfrom1254to1400cycledwitha periodof11years.Becauseastronomersatthattimebelievedthatsunspotactivityalsoroseand fellincyclesof11.1years,heassertedthatthecoincidenceofperiodicitiesimpliedthatobserved pricefluctuationswerecausedbyexogenousshocks.Ofcourse,thiswasaveryflimsyargument, asJevonswaswellaware:hecouldnotcitesunspotdatacontemporaneouswithhisfourteenth centurypricedata.Objectionsthatwoulddauntthelessresolutewerenotsufficienttorestrain him:Iamawarethatspeculationsofthiskindmayseemsomewhatfarfetchedandfinely wrought;butfinancialcollapseshaveoccurredwithsuchapproachtoregularityinthelastfifty years,thateitherthisorsomeotherexplanationisneeded.

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WhatwasneededwassomeconnectionbetweentheexistingsunspotdatatheWolfZurich relativesunspotnumbers,beginningin1749andsomecontemporaneousindicatorofeconomic activity.Jevonsopenlyadmittedthathehadattemptedtofindaregularperiodicityinthepricesof Europeangrainsintheeighteenthandnineteenthcenturies,butthesearchhadfailed.Hisnext tacticwastoasserttheexistenceofaverystable11yearperiodbetweenEnglishcreditcrises,and tosuggestthattheequalityofperiodicitywiththatofthesunspotswassufficientevidencetoinfer causality.Thisargumenthingedcruciallyupontheclaimthattherewasaclockworkregularityin theappearanceofcrisesinEngland;anditwastothisthesisthatJevonscommittedmuch intellectualeffort.Heproducedonelistofthedatesofcreditcrisesin18771878,butthenreceived theunpleasantsurprisethatastronomershadrepudiatedtheirearlierestimateoftheperiodicityof thesunspotcycle,revisingtheestimatetoread10.45years.AgainJevonswasnottobefrustrated inhisquest.Hesimplyredefinedafewofthedatesofhis"crises"sothattheaverageinterval becameequalto10.5years.Hisfinallistofcrisisdates(withthoseJevonsindicatedasdoubtfulin italics)were:1701,1711,17311732,1742,1752,1763,17721773,1783,1793,18041805,1815,1825, 18361839,1847,1857,1866,and1878.[italicsemphasislost] Atthispoint,Jevonsbecamethebuttofsomeridicule:oneexamplewasasatiricalstatisticalstudy showingthattheperiodicityofwinningOxbridgeteamsincollegiateboatraceswasthesameas thatofsunspots.OthermoreseriouschallengerspointedoutthatJevonssconceptionofcrises,as revealedinhischoiceofdates,wassovagueastoadmitofanyandallinterpretations.He respondedbymaintainingthathewassimplyproposingthefollowingworkinghypothesis: Awaveofincreasedsolarradiationsfavorablyaffectsthemeteorologyofthetropicalregions, soastoproduceasuccessionofgoodcropsinIndia,China,andothertropicalandsemi tropicalcountries.Afterseveralyearsofprosperitythe6or800millionsofinhabitantsbuyour manufacturesinunusualquantities;goodtradeinLancashireandYorkshireleadsthe manufacturerstopushtheirexistingmeansofproductiontotheutmostandthentobegin buildingnewmillsandfactories.WhileamaniaofactiveindustryisthussetgoinginWestern Europe,thesolarradiationisslowlywaning,sothatjustaboutthetimewhenour manufacturersarepreparedtoturnoutagreatlyincreasedsupplyofgoods,faminesinIndia andChinasuddenlycutoffthedemand. Inhispublishedwork,JevonsalsostressedthatitwasthelongcreditsgivenintheEasterntrade thatprovidedatransmissionmechanismforthefinancialcreditcrises.Theexplanationwas actuallymuchmorepopularthanwetodaymightthink,becauseitresonatedwithanethosofthe whiteman'sburdenprevalentinthepopularEnglishcultureofthe1880sand1890s.Jevons cappedthisnarrativein1879bypublishingaseriesofwheatpricesfromDelhi,17631834,which heclaimeddisplayedthesoughtafterperiodicityandcorrespondedtohischronologyofcrisis dates.From1879tohisdeathin1882hepublishednothingfurtheronthesubject,buthis correspondencerevealsthathepersistedinhisdefenseandemploymentofhissunspottheoryin discussionsofmacroeconomicfluctuations. PhilipMirowski,AgainstMechanism:ProtectingEconomicsfromScience,

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RowmanandLittlefield,1988,pages4548 Thebulkofthistextwastakenupwithexaminingtheclaimsofneoclassicaleconomictheoryto scientificstatus.Givencontemporaryviewsonthenatureofscientifictheory,Iexamined neoclassicaleconomictheoryintermsofbothitshistoricalandcontemporaryphases.I demonstratedthatthecardinaltheoryofutilitythatformedthefoundationforearlyneoclassical theoryfounderedonaccountofitsinabilitytomeasureutilityinanyacceptablescientificway.Its substitute,theordinaltheoryofutility,wasshowntobeequallyunacceptable.Thescientific pretensionsofordinalutilitytheoryanditscorrelate,revealedpreferencetheory,wereshown compromisedbythenormativestructureofthefoundationalpostulateofrationality.The unscientificnatureofordinalutilitytheorywasfurthershowntobereinforcedbytheinsulating roleplayedbytheceterisparibusproviso. Thisgeneralcritiquewasextendednotonlytotheneoclassicaltheoryofindividualagentchoice butalsotogeneralequilibriumtheoryandpositiveneoclassicalwelfareeconomictheory.Given thegeneraldissatisfactionwithneoclassicaltheory,anumberofalternativetheorieshavebeen proposed,buttheproblemwiththelatteristhat,withfewexceptions,theyarefoundedonthe premisethatanobjectivescienceofeconomicsisstillpossibledespiteitspresentfailings.Ipointed outtheshortcomingsofthosetheoriesandarguedthatonaccountofthenatureofhuman decisionmaking,noanalysisofitcouldbescientificinthewayinwhichthenaturalsciencesare scientific.Mentalstatesthatmustbeinvokedtoexplainbehaviorarejustnotsubjecttoempirical analysis.Theattemptsbytheoriststoestablishexplanatorytheoriesbyappealtoheuristic conceptssuchasrationalitywereshowntobeunsuccessful.Thepointisthatrationalityplaysa normativerolesimilartothatofgoodnessinethicaltheory. Thesociologistcanindeedrecordthebehaviorofindividualsintermsofculturalnormsof goodness,badness,deviancy,andsoon,butheorshemustrecognizethattheoriesofbehavior foundedonsuchconceptsarenecessarilynormative.Similarly,theneoclassicaltheoristwho embracesaparticularnotionofrationalityandgroundshisorhertheoriesonsuchanotionis certainlyformulatinganormativetheory.Myanalysisshowedthattheneoclassicaltheoristof economicbehaviorisconfrontedwiththedilemmaofrestrictinghisorheranalysistoacaseby casetaxonomyofindividualagentchoice,giventheinaccessibilitytomentalstates,orgrounding hisorherexplanatorytheoriesonthenormativeheuristicofrationalchoice.Neitheralternative yieldsscientificresults. L.D.Keita,Science,Rationality,AndNeoclassicalEconomics, Delaware,1992,pages150151 Politicsisthedismalsciencebecausewehavelearnedfromitthattherearenoequilibriatopredict. Intheabsenceofequilibriawecannotknowmuchaboutthefutureatall,whetheritislikelytobe palatableorunpalatable,andinthatsenseourfutureissubjecttothetricksandaccidentsofthe wayquestionsareposedandthewayalternativesareofferedandeliminated.

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WilliamH.Riker,ImplicationsfromtheDisequilibriumofMajorityRulefortheStudy ofInstitutions,AmericanPoliticalScienceReview,74,1980:page443 Aslongasweremaintrappedbytheideologyofcompetitivegrowthequilibrium,thereisno solution.WeareremindedoftheSouthIndianmonkeytrap,inwhichahollowedoutcoconutis fastenedtoastakebyachainandfilledwithrice.Thereisaholeinthecoconutjustlargeenough forthemonkeytoputhisextendedhandthroughbutnotlargeenoughtowithdrawhisfistfullof rice.Themonkeyistrappedonlybyhisinabilitytoreorderhisvalues,torecognizethatfreedomis worthmorethanahandfulofrice. HermanDaly,SteadyStateEconomics,SecondEdition,1991 Thetheoreticalconstructsintroducedtoeconomicsoveracenturyagocontinuetopervade discussionsofpolicy.Theyprovidebothastrongbiastowardsandanapparentlystrongrationale forpolicieswhichmovetowardsthecreationofafree,competitivemarket.Forexample,the politicalandsocialagendasofRonaldReaganandMargaretThatcherwerepowerfullymotivated bythelogicoffreemarketeconomics.Or,tobemoreprecise,freemarketeconomicswasusedto underpintheideologicalpreconceptionsofthesepoliticians.Thederegulationoffinancialmarkets inthe1980intheAngloSaxoneconomies;thederegulationofandincreasedflexibilityinlabour markets,atopicwhichispresentlythesubjectofafiercedebateamongthepoliticalclassesof Europe;theprivatisationofstateownedindustries;reductionsinwelfareprogrammesallthese themesflowfromthelogicofthetheoryofcompetitiveequilibrium. PaulOrmerod,TheDeathofEconomics,1994,1997 Fewacademictheorieshaveachievedasmuchinfluenceastheeconomicsofcompetitivemarkets. FeweighteenthcenturymetaphorsareaswellrememberedandwidelyquotedasAdamSmiths invisiblehand.Mathematicalrestatementsofthatmetaphorareendorsedbythegreatmajorityof economists,andprovidetheframeworkforalargeandgrowingnumberofdecisionsaboutpublic policy.Prominenteconomistshavedescribedtheinvisiblehandasthemostimportant contributionofeconomicstosocialtheory(ArrowandHahn1971:4).Inthecaseofeconomics,the ivorytowercastsalongshadowoversocialandpoliticallife. Theimageoftheinvisiblehandarisesinaparableaboutthesociallydesirableoutcomesofprivate competition.Themagicofthemarketplacecoordinatesisolatedindividualdecisions,asifbyan invisiblehand,toachievethebestpossibleoutcomeforsociety.Theindividualsareassumedto beselfish(iftheywereselflessaltruists,therewouldbenothingtoprove);andtheoptimal outcomeisnotforeseenorplannedbyanyone.IntheopeningchaptersofhisWealthofNations, Smithmadeanearly,butincomplete,attempttoexplainhowcompetitivemarketsachievedthis happyresultthroughthepricemechanism.Smithsimageofinvisiblecoordinationwassupported byverbalargument,withstoriesaboutbakersandbutcherslearningbytrialanderrorthatthey willprofitbysellingthegoodsthatconsumerswanttobuy.Thesestoriesaresuggestive,butdo notstrictlyprovethattheinvisiblehandisalwaysintouchwithourcollectivebestinterests.

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Recognizingtheincompletenessofthetheory,economistscontinuedtostrugglewiththequestion oftheoptimalityofmarketoutcomes.AlmosttwohundredyearsafterSmith,hispointaboutthe invisiblehandanditsdesirableresultswasapparentlyprovedbyKennethArrowandGerard Debreu,intheimposinglyabstractmathematicsofgeneralequilibriumtheory.Imaginean economyofmanyconsumersandproducers,selfishlyengagedinoptimizingsatisfactionand profitsandsatisfyingalonglistofassumptions(manyofwhicharediscussedinthisbook).Under thoseassumptions,themodelbuiltbyArrowandDebreushowsthatthereisalwaysamarket equilibriumatwhichsupplyequalsdemandforeverycommodity.Itisageneraloreconomy wideequilibriumsinceitinvolvestheinteractionofallpriceswiththesupplyanddemandforall commodities,asopposedtopartialequilibriumtheories,whichareconcernedwithprice determinationinparticularmarkets. Ageneralequilibriumisalwaysanoptimumoutcomeforsociety,usingthesomewhatodd technicaldefinitionofoptimumthathasbecomestandardineconomics.(Onthepoliticalbiases ofParetooptimality,seeAckermanandHeinzerling(2004,chap.2).)Themathematicsofgeneral equilibriumseemstoshowthattheprivategreedofbakers,butchers,andalltherestofus, expressedthroughthemarket,leadstoacollectiveresultthatcannotbeimproveduponforanyone withoutworseningtheoutcomeforsomeoneelse. TheproofofexistenceofageneralequilibriumbyArrowandDebreuin1954washailedasa scientificdemonstrationoftheoptimalresultsattainedbycompetitivemarkets.Amidthe celebration,nocriticalanalysiswasundertakenoftheeconomicmeaningoftheabstract mathematicaltoolsusedintheiropus.Soontheweightofresearchshiftedtothedynamicsofprice formation,inordertoexaminejusthowmarketforcescouldleadtothatequilibriumpointwhose existencehadbeenproven.Heretheresultswere,tosaytheleast,disappointing.Theinitial workofArrowetal.(1959)concludedwiththeconjecturethat,ingeneral,theArrowDebreu modelwouldconvergetoanequilibriumposition.TheconjecturewasshowntobefalsebyScarf (1960),usingasimplecounterexample.Furtherresearchsoonledtoevenmorenegative conclusions,asFrankAckermanexplainsinStilldeadafteralltheseyears,Chapter1ofthis book.Thedisciplinesoonrealizedthatitwasunabletoprovideatheoreticalaccountofthe dynamicsoftheinvisiblehandandretreatedtotheapparentrobustnessandintimidating abstractionofthestaticproofofexistence.Ironically,thetriumphoffreemarketeconomic policiesduringthepasttwodecadeshascoincidedwiththerecognitionbyeconomictheoriststhat themostgeneraltheoreticalmodelsofthemarketeconomywereleadingtodiscouragingresults. Suchdoubtsarenotusuallypresentedintextbooksandclassroomlectures,letalonepublicdebate. Mosteconomistsdonotfollowtheverytheoreticalbranchesoftheresearchliterature,and typicallycontinuetoassertandbelievethatgeneralequilibriumhasbeendefinitivelyproved toleadtothebestofallpossibleoutcomes.Thisconclusion,theoptimalityofgeneralequilibrium, doesnotdependonanyinformationaboutanyrealeconomy.Itisanaxiomaticdeductionfroma setofabstracthypotheses,basedsolelyonamathematicalmodel.Yetitoftenappearstohavevery specificandcontroversialimplicationsfortherealworld,supportingconservativepolitical

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argumentsagainstanyformofgovernmentinterventioninmarkets.Ifunregulatedmarket competitionleadstoanidealresult,thenpublicprograms,regulations,andinitiativesofalltypes canonlymakethingsworse. Howcantheuseofpuremathematicsleadtosuchpartisanpoliticalconclusions?Thisparadox suggeststhatsomethingiswrongwitheitherthetheoryoritsapplications.Thepremiseofthis bookisthatthereareprofoundproblemsbothinthetheoryofgeneralequilibriumandinits common,carelessapplicationtoreality.Atheorybuiltonflawedfoundationsisunsatisfyingfor theorists,andhaslittletosayabouttheeconomicpolicyquestionsthatultimatelymatter:what changes,whatimprovementsinthestatusquo,arepossibleinreality?(pages13) Theinstabilityoftheneoclassicalmodelcanbeattributedtotheinescapabledifficultiesofthe aggregationprocess,andthehighlyindividual,asocialnatureofconsumerpreferences.Theseare notrecentinnovations,butdesignflawsthathavebeenpresentsincetheoriginsofthetheoryin thelatenineteenthcentury.Thethirdsectionarguedthattwointentionalfeaturesofthetheory, presentintheoriginalneoclassicalanalogytophysics,ledeconomicsastray:thehugenumberof dimensionsandinformationrequirementsofthe"commodityspace"framework,andthe individualisticbehavioralmodel. Repairingtheseflawswillrequireamodelofhumanneedsandbehaviorthatisnotdefinedin termsofindividualcommodities.Itwillinvolvemathematicallycomplexanalysesofsocial interaction.Anditwillhavetorecognizethecentralroleofsocialandinstitutionalconstraints. Thesenewdepartureswillmakeeconomicsmorerealistic,butwillnotdemonstratetheinherent stabilityoroptimalityofmarketoutcomes,asgeneralequilibriumtheoryonceseemedtodo. (pages3031) FrankAckermanandAlejandroNadalwithCarloBenetti,KevinP.Gallagher,and CarlosSalas,TheFlawedFoundationsofGeneralEquilibrium:CriticalEssaysonEconomic Theory,2004,pages13 Thesocialscienceshavealong,richhistoryofwritingsonrationality.Inthetraditionof neoclassicaleconomicscience,asinthewritingsof[Vilfredo]Pareto(1935),anactionisrational whenitcorrespondswiththeendsorgoalssought.Rationalitymeanstheadaptationofmeansto ends.Themorecongruentthemeanstotheends,themoreefficientthedecisionand,therefore,the morerationaltheorganization(Weber,1947).Economistsabstainfromapplyingthetestof rationalitytoends. MaryZey,DecisionMaking:AlternativestoRationalChoiceModels, Sage,1992,page16 Endsareapechosen;onlymeansaremans. AldousHuxley

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Manisfreetodowhathewills,buthecannotwillwhathewills. Schopenhauer Becausetheorderofnatureisprovidential,thefreemarketthatreflectsnaturalorderalsoreflects theworkingsofprovidence.Inthiswaythespheresofmorality,theology,jurisprudence,and economicsbecomehostagestonature,sotospeak. DeborahRedman,TheRiseofPoliticalEconomyasaScience,MIT,1997,page237 Allovertheglobe,wehaverecentlywitnessedareturntoreligiousfundamentalism.Inmyview, thereturntotheequilibriumpriceauctionmodelineconomicsrepresentsaparalleldevelopment adesireforpsychologicalcertaintyinaworldthatis,inthelastinstance,uncertain.(pagexix) Inlate1973thefirstOPECoilshockstruck,asoilpricesquadrupledandthegeneralinflation indexesshotupto11percent.Moreimportant,gasolinelinesappeared.Waitinginlinetobuya basiccommoditylikegasolineissomethingthatnoAmericanhadeverexperienced.Shockand irritationwerehigh,butthoselineswerelikethefirstsmallheartattackanindicationof mortality.MaybetheAmericaneconomywasgrowingoldandbecomingvulnerable.Maybethe Americaneconomicdreamofaneverrisingstandardoflivingwasover.Smallmaybebeautiful, butifthatphrasemeantalowerstandardofliving,thentheaverageAmericanconsideredita nightmare. TheNixonFordAdministrationrespondedwithoilandgaspricecontrols.Asavehicleforholding downprices,controlswereboundtofail.Foronething,worldpriceswouldhavetobepaidon thatpartofconsumptionimportedfromabroad;foranother,controlsmakeittooeasyforoil companiestoholdoilinthegroundornottolookfornewsuppliesofoiluntilpricesrose.When controlsdidfail,thepublicsfeelingthatthefederalgovernmentanditseconomistswereincapable ofmanaginganythingefficientlywasfurtherreinforced. Whatwasworse,economistscouldposenosolutiontotheenergyproblem.Influential professionals,suchasMiltonFriedman,predictedthattheoilcartelwouldquicklyfallapart.It didnt.Othereconomistsrecommendedthatpricesbeallowedtoclimbtoworldlevels,butthat wasntasolutiontotheproblemfacedbytheaverageAmerican.Higherpriceswouldforcehimto changehislifestyle.Hemightrespondtohigherpriceswithsmallercarsandcolderhousesas economistspredicted,buthelikeddoingneitherandhecouldvote.Nooneconsideredaforced changeinlifestyleasolution. Onceagain,fallingbackontheprinciplethathigherunemploymentwouldproducelower inflation,monetaryauthoritiestightenedtherateofgrowthofthemoneysupplyinaneffortto slowtheeconomy,raiseunemployment,andpushinflationoutoftheeconomy.Thistimethe policiesproducedacreditcrunch.Forsixmonthsinlate1974andearly1975theGNPfellatthe

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fastestrateeverrecorded.EventheratesofdeclineintheGreatDepressionhadbeenless precipitousalthoughofcourselongeranddeeper.Anxietiesquicklyshiftedfroman unacceptableinflationratetoanunacceptableunemploymentrate,andthetermstagflationwas born. Stagflationwasbothatermandanindictment,sinceeconomistshadtaughtthatthephenomena slowgrowth,risingunemployment,andrisinginflationcouldnotallexistatthesametime.Yet theydid.(pages3436) LesterThurow,DangerousCurrents,Random,1983 Ifwecanrecognizethatchangeanduncertaintyarebasicprinciples,wecangreetthefutureand thetransformationweareundergoingwiththeunderstandingthatwedonotknowenoughtobe pessimistic. HazelHenderson JamesTobin,theAmericanNobelPrizewinnerineconomics,hasquestionedveryseriously whetheritmakessensefromthepointofviewofAmericansocietyasawholetodivertsomuchof itsyoungtalentfromthetopuniversitiesintofinancialmarkets.Thisdebateisnotnew.John MaynardKeynesconsideredthesamequestioninthe1930s,andexpressedtheviewthatonthe wholetherewardsofthoseinthefinancialsectorwerejustified.Manyindividualsattractedto thesemarkets,Keynesargued,areofadomineeringandevenpsychopathicnature.Iftheir energiescouldnotfindanoutletinmoneymaking,theymightturninsteadtocareersinvolving openandwantoncruelty.FarbettertohavethemabsorbedonWallStreetorintheCityofLondon thaninorganisedcrime.(pages37) Thetheoreticalconstructsintroducedtoeconomicsoveracenturyagocontinuetopervade discussionsofpolicy.Theyprovidebothastrongbiastowardsandanapparentlystrongrationale forpolicieswhichmovetowardsthecreationofafree,competitivemarket.Forexample,the politicalandsocialagendasofRonaldReaganandMargaretThatcherwerepowerfullymotivated bythelogicoffreemarketeconomics.Or,tobemoreprecise,freemarketeconomicswasusedto underpintheideologicalpreconceptionsofthesepoliticians.Thederegulationoffinancialmarkets inthe1980intheAngloSaxoneconomies;thederegulationofandincreasedflexibilityinlabour markets,atopicwhichispresentlythesubjectofafiercedebateamongthepoliticalclassesof Europe;theprivatisationofstateownedindustries;reductionsinwelfareprogrammesallthese themesflowfromthelogicofthetheoryofcompetitiveequilibrium. PaulOrmerod,TheDeathofEconomics,1997 [T]rulyimportantandsignificanthypotheseswillbefoundtohaveassumptionsthatarewildly inaccuraterepresentationsofreality...Therelevantquestiontoaskabouttheassumptionsofa theoryisnotwhethertheyaredescriptivelyrealistic,fortheyneverare,butwhethertheyare

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sufficientlygoodapproximationsforthepurposeinhand.Andthisquestioncanbeansweredonly byseeingwhetherthetheoryworks,whichmeanswhetherityieldssufficientlyaccurate predictions. Ahypothesisisimportantifitexplainsmuchbylittle,thatis,ifitabstractsfromthecommonand crucialelementsfromthemassofcomplexanddetailedcircumstancessurroundingthe phenomenatobeexplainedandpermitsvalidpredictionsonthebasisofthemalone.Tobe important,therefore,ahypothesismustbedescriptivelyfalseinitsassumptions;ittakesaccount of,andaccountsfor,noneofthemanyotherattendantcircumstances,sinceitsverysuccessshows themtobeirrelevantforthephenomenatobeexplained. MiltonFriedman,TheMethodologyofPositiveEconomics,1953 MiltonFriedmansessayonTheMethodologyofPositiveEconomics(1953)isclearlythebestknown workintwentiethcenturyeconomicmethodology.ItwasaMarketingMasterpiece(Caldwell 1982,page173)thatiscitedinalmosteveryeconomicstextbookanditremains,almosthalfa centuryafteritspublication,theonlyessayonmethodologythatalargenumber,perhaps majority,ofeconomistshaveeverread.(Hausman1992,page162). D.WadeHands,ReflectionWithoutRules:EconomicMethodologyandContemporaryScience Theory,2001,page53 Friedmanarguedthatinacceptingordismissingatheory,weshouldonlylookatitsfitwiththe data,notattherealism(orlackthereof)ofitsassumptions.Bluntlyspeaking,heurgedustoapply totheoriestheprincipleweoftenapplytosausages:asfarasthefinalproductisgood,betternotto askabouttheingredients.ThisisthefamousasifdefenseofRCT[RationalChoiceTheory]: howeverimplausibleanassumptionmayseem,itisacceptableaslongashumansbehaveasifit weretrue.RCTpractitionersthattakeFriedmansdefenseatheartcannotbebotheredbylengthy philosophicaldiscussionsastheensuingone.Intheirview,questionsabouthumanagency,ethical behaviorandthingsofthelikeareirrelevantfortheenterpriseofRCTbecausetheydonotfalsify itspredictions. Medina,2004 Onesuspectsthatifsomehowanalientimetravelercouldremovealltracesoffalsificationfrom thehistoricalrecordexorciseitcompletelyfromourmindsanddocumentseconomicswould lookexactlythesame.Theprescriptivemethodologicalbiteseemstobemoreofanimpercep tiblenibble.Butthisimpactivefailureisjustonesideofthecoin;theotheristosuppose economistsdidrespond;supposetheydidrejectalltheoriesthatwereempiricallyfalsifiedordid notconsistentlypredictLakatosiannovelfacts.Nothingwouldbeleftstanding;therewouldbeno economics. D.WadeHands,ReflectionWithoutRules,2001

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MyfirstexposuretothepsychologicalassumptionsofeconomicswasinareportthatBrunoFrey wroteonthatsubjectintheearly1970s.Itsfirstorsecondsentencestatedthattheagentof economictheoryisrationalandselfish,andthathistastesdonotchange.Ifoundthislistquite startling,becauseIhadbeenprofessionallytrainedasapsychologistnottobelieveawordofit. Thegapbetweentheassumptionsofourdisciplinesappearedverylargeindeed. Hasthegapbeennarrowedintheintervening30years?Asearchthroughsomeintroductory textbooksineconomicsindicatesthatiftherehasbeenanychange,ithasnotyetfiltereddownto thatlevel:thesameassumptionsarestillinplaceasthecornerstonesofeconomicanalysis. DanielKahneman(2003NobelPrizeinEconomics),APsychologicalPerspectiveon Economics,2003 Behaviouraleconomics...isbestunderstoodasasetofexceptionsthatmodifiesbutleavesintactthe canonicalmodelofrationalchoice,notleastsinceitisirrationaltosupposethatpeopleingeneral behaveirrationally. TheEconomist,29April2006 Confusionbetweenpositiveandnormativeeconomicsistosomeextentinevitable. MiltonFriedman(1953) [Pinochet]hassupportedafullyfreemarketeconomyasamatterofprinciple.Chileisan economicmiracle. MiltonFriedman,Newsweek,January1982 Ithinktheeconomiclogicbehinddumpingaloadoftoxicwasteinthelowestwagecountryis impeccable...becauseforegoneearningsfromincreasedmorbidityarelow.Headdsthatthe underpopulatedcountriesinAfricaarevastlyunderpolluted;theirairqualityisprobablyvastly inefficientlylowcomparedtoLosAngeles... LawrenceSummers,WorldBankchiefeconomist,quotedinTheEconomist, 8February1992 Oilhasliterallymadeforeignandsecuritypolicyfordecades.Justsincetheturnofthiscentury,it hasprovokedthedivisionoftheMiddleEastafterWorldWarI;arousedGermanyandJapanto extendtheirtentaclesbeyondtheirborders;theArabOilEmbargo;IranversusIraq;theGulfWar. Thisisallclear. U.S.SecretaryofEnergyBillRichardson,9December1999

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Thelifecontestisprimarilyacompetitionforavailableenergy. LudwigBoltzman,1886 MaterialconditionsintheFirstWorldWarruledoutbrilliantgeneralshiporanyquickrouteto victoryfortwomainreasons:commandersweredeprivedofthedirectvoicecontroloftheir predecessorsandofthewirelesscommunicationsoftheirsuccessors;andpoortacticalmeansof mobilityentailedthatthedefensivewouldholdanadvantageovertheoffensive. BrianBond,TheUnquietWesternFront WaranalystStanislavAndreskiconcludedthatthetriggerformostwarsishunger,orevenamere dropfromthecustomarystandardofliving.AnthropologistsCarolandMelvinEmberspentsix yearsstudyingwarinthelate1980samong186preindustrialsocieties.Theyfocusedonprecontact timesinhopesofcollectingthecleanest,leastdistorteddata.Andreski,itseems,wasright.Wars mostcommoncause,theEmbersfound,wasfearofdeprivation.Thevictorsinthewarsthey studiedalmostalwaystookterritory,food,and/orothercriticalresourcesfromtheirenemies. Moreover,unpredictabledisastersdroughts,blights,floods,andfreezeswhichledtosevere hardships,spurredmorewarsthandidchronicshortages. Thisalsoholdstrueamongmodernnations.In1993,politicalscientistsThomasE.HomerDixon, JeffreyH.Boutwell,andGeorgeW.Rathjensexaminedtherootsofrecentglobalconflictsand concluded,Therearesignificantcausallinksbetweenscarcitiesofrenewableresourcesand violence.Inshort,manywarsseemtobeamass,communalrobberyofanothersocialgroupslife supportresources. MichaelP.Ghiglieri,TheDarkSideOfMan:TracingtheOriginsofMale Violence,Perseus,1999,page90 ...underlyingalltheotherreasonsforwarfareisalmostalwaysthisfundamentalimbalanceof resourcestressandpopulationgrowth. StevenLeBlanc,ConstantBattles,page169 Humanshaveevolvedtosurvivedieoffbytakingresourcesfromothers,ratherthanevolvingto avoiddieoff.Thesociopathsmakeidealleadersbecausetheyarecanmakelogicaldecisions withoutemotion.Thatiswhytheyarestillinthegenepool.Selfishgenelogicisthatlogicwhich outreproducedthecompetition. JayHanson Theragingmonsteruponthelandispopulationgrowth.Initspresence,sustainabilityisbuta

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fragiletheoreticalconstruct.Tosay,asmanydo,thatthedifficultiesofnationsarenotdueto peoplebuttopoorideologyandlandusemanagementissophistic. E.O.Wilson,TheDiversityofLife,1992,pages328329 Wheneveracommunityconsistsoftoomanypeoplefortheresourcesavailabletoit,heavy mortalitycanthenactuallyimprovetheconditionsoflifefortheluckysurvivors. Thereisnothingmoredangerousthanashallowthinkingcompassionateperson. GarretHardin Nothingintheworldismoredangerousthanasincereignoranceandconscientiousstupidity. MartinLutherKing,Jr. Theexplosivegrowthofthehumanpopulationisthemostsignificantterrestrialeventofthepast millionmillennia....Whateveryourcause,itsalostcausewithoutpopulationcontrol. PaulR.andAnneH.Ehrlich,PopulationResourcesEnvironment Canyouthinkofanyprobleminanyareaofhumanendeavoronanyscale,frommicroscopicto global,whoselongtermsolutionisinanydemonstrablewayaided,assisted,oradvancedby furtherincreasesinpopulation,locally,nationally,orglobally? ProfessorAlbertBartlett,UniversityofColoradoatBoulder Democracycannotsurviveoverpopulation.Humandignitycannotsurviveit.Convenienceand decencycannotsurviveit.Asyouputmoreandmorepeopleontotheworld,thevalueoflifenot onlydeclines,itdisappears.Itdoesntmatterifsomeonedies.Themorepeoplethereare,theless oneindividualmatters. Whatisthegreaterdangernuclearwarfareorthepopulationexplosion?Thelatterabsolutely! Tobringaboutnuclearwar,someonehastodosomething;someonehastopressabutton.Tobring aboutdestructionbyovercrowding,massstarvation,anarchy,thedestructionofourmost cherishedvaluesthereisnoneedtodoanything.Weneedonlydonothingexceptwhatcomes naturallyandbreed.Andhoweasyitistodonothing. IsaacAsimov Theglobaleconomyis,infact,nothingmorethanatransientsetoftradeandfinancialrelations.... Theresult,asfarasAmericaisconcerned,hasbeenanextendedfiestabasedonsuburbancomfort, easymotoring,friedfoodinabundance,universalairconditioning,andbargainpricedimported

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merchandise. JamesHowardKunstler,EndoftheBinge Economichistoryisaneverendingseriesofepisodesbasedonfalsehoodsandlies,nottruths.It representsthepathtobigmoney.Theobjectistorecognizethetrendwhosepremiseisfalse,ride thattrend,andstepoffbeforeitisdiscredited. GeorgeSoros Evenwhengrapplingwiththeideaofeconomicdisintegration,Americansattempttocastitin termsoftechnologicaloreconomicprogress:ecovillages,sustainabledevelopment,energy efficiencyandsoon.Underthecircumstances,suchcompulsivetechnooptimismseems maladaptive....Whydopeopleseemincapableofdoingthesimplestthingswithoutmakingthem intoprojects,preferablyonesthatinvolvesomeelementofnewtechnology? DimitryOrlov,OurVillage Ofalltheenemiestopubliclibertywaris,perhaps,themosttobedreaded,becauseitcomprises anddevelopsthegermofeveryother.Waristheparentofarmies;fromtheseproceeddebtsand taxes;andarmies,anddebts,andtaxesaretheknowninstrumentsforbringingthemanyunder thedominationofthefew.Inwar,too,thediscretionarypoweroftheExecutiveisextended;its influenceindealingoutoffices,honors,andemolumentsismultiplied;andallthemeansof seducingtheminds,areaddedtothoseofsubduingtheforce,ofthepeople.[Thereisalsoan] inequalityoffortunes,andtheopportunitiesoffraud,growingoutofastateofwar,and degeneracyofmannersandofmorals.Nonationcouldpreserveitsfreedominthemidstof continualwarfare. JamesMadison Peacecannotbekeptbyforce;itcanonlybeachievedthroughunderstanding. AlbertEinstein Warisaninstrumententirelyinefficienttowardredressingwrong;andmultiplies,insteadof indemnifying,losses. ThomasJefferson Auferre,trucidare,rapere,falsisnominibusimperium;atque,ubisolitudinemfaciunt,pacemappellant. (Toravage,toslaughter,tousurpunderfalsetitles,thistheyfalselycallempire;andwherethey makeawasteland,theycallitpeace.)

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Tacitus,Agricola,OxfordRevisedTranslation,Chapter30 Aslongaswarisregardedaswicked,itwillalwayshaveitsfascination.Whenitislookeduponas vulgar,itwillceasetobepopular. OscarWilde,TheCriticasArtist,Part2 Wariscruelty.Theresnousetryingtoreformit.Thecrueleritis,thesooneritwillbeover. WilliamTecumsehSherman Whenwillmenbeconvincedthatevensuccessfulwarsdoatlengthbecomemisfortunestothose whounjustlycommencdthem,andwhotriumphdblindlyintheirsuccess,notseeingallits consequences.Thereissolittlegoodgaind,andsomuchmischiefdonegenerallybywarsthatI wishtheimprudenceofundertakingthemwasmoreevidenttoprinces.Forinmyopinionthere neverwasagoodwar,orabadpeace.Whatvastadditionstotheconveniencesandcomfortsof livingmightmankindhaveacquiredifthemoneyspentinwarshadbeenemployedinworksof publicutility! BenjaminFranklin Warisinfactthetruenurseofexecutiveaggrandizement.Inwaraphysicalforceiscreated,andit istheexecutivewilltodirectit.Inwarthepublictreasuresaretobeunlocked,anditisthe executivehandwhichistodispensethem.Inwarthehonorandemolumentsofofficearetobe multiplied;anditistheexecutivepatronageunderwhichtheyaretobeenjoyed.Itisinwar, finally,thatlaurelsaretobegatheredanditistheexecutivebrowtheyaretoencircle.The strongestpassionsandthemostdangerousweaknessofthehumanbreastambition,avarice, vanity,thehonorableorvenalloveoffameareallinconspiracyagainstthedesireanddutyof peace. JamesMadison Greatmilitarypeopleshaveconqueredtheirknownworldtimeandtimeagainthroughthe centuries,onlytodieoutintheinevitableashesoftheirfire.Wellovertwothousandyearsago,the Chinesephilosopher,Laotzu,concludedthat:Weaponsoftenturnuponthewielder;anarmys harvestisawasteofthorns.Wemayhavetoresorttoarmsinthefuture,aswehaveinthepast. Wemayhavetousethemtopreventatomicwarfrombeinglaunchedagainstus.Butletushave thewisdomtorealizethattheuseofforceisasignofweaknessonahigherplane,andthatapolicy basedprimarilyonrecoursetoarmswillsoonerorlaterfail. CharlesLindbergh,OfFlightandLife,1948 Peasantrebellionswerenotexceptionalevents.Theyeruptedsofrequentlyinthecourseofthese

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fourcenturiesthattheymaybesaidtohavebeenascommoninthisagrariansocietyasfactory strikeswouldbeintheindustrialworld.InsouthwesternFrancealone,some450rebellions occurredbetween1590and1715.NoregionofWesternEuropewasexemptedfromthispatternof chronicviolence.Thefearofseditionwasalwayspresentinthemindsofthosewhoruled.Itwasa corrective,asalutaryfearsinceonlythethreatofinsurrectioncouldactasacheckagainst unlimitedexactions. GeorgeHuppert,AftertheBlackDeath,1998,page80 Thesocialintelligencehypothesispositsthatthelargebrains[and]distinctivecognitiveabilitiesof primates(inparticular,anthropoidprimates)evolvedviaaspiralingarmsraceinwhichsocial competitorsdevelopedincreasingMachiavellianstrategies. AndrewWhiten&RichardW.Byrne,Eds.,MachiavellianIntelligenceII,1997,page240 Malestypicallyobtainmeatinhumanandnonhumanprimatesocietiesandthenattempttouseit tomanipulateorcontrolfemales. CraigB.Stanford,1999 Warisamalereproductivestrategy.Allthatisneededforthestrategytoevolve,isthataggressors fightandwinmoreoftenthantheylose.(page165) Chimpsocialstructurewouldbeuniquewereitnotforhumansactingsimilarly.Thisisno coincidence.Bymosttaxonomiccriteria,chimpsandhumansaresiblingspecies.Overall,chimp societyisnotonlyextremelysexistwithalladultmalesdominantoverfemalesbutalso xenophobictotheextentofkillingallalienmales,manyinfants,andsomeoldfemaleswhoenter theirterritory.Tosomereaders,myuseofthewordwarmayseemtoostrongtodescribewhat malekingroupsdo.Butsystematic,protracted,deliberate,andcooperativebrutalkillingsofevery maleinaneighboringcommunity,plusgenocidalandfrequentcannibalisticmurderofmanyof theiroffspring,followedbyusurpationofthemalesmatesandannexationofpartorallofthe losersterritory,matchesorexceedstheworstthathumansdowhentheywagewar. Wildchimpsrevealthenaturalcontextsofterritoriality,war,malecooperation,solidarityand sharing,nepotism,sexism,xenophobia,infanticide,murder,cannibalism,polygyny,andmating competitionbetweenkingroupsofmalesbehaviorsthathaveevolvedthroughsexualselection. AlsosignificantisthefactthatnoneoftheseapeslearnedtheseviolentbehaviorsbywatchingTV orbybeingvictimsofsocioeconomichandicapspoorschools,brokenhomes,badfathers,illegal drugs,easyweapons,oranyothersociologicalcondition.Norweretheseapesspurredtowarby anypolitical,religious,oreconomicideologyorbytherhetoricofaninsanedemagogue.Theyalso werenotseekinganidentityorbucklingunderpeerpressure.Instead,theywereobeying instincts,codedinthemalepsyche,dictatingthattheymustwinagainstothermales.(page176)

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Thecentraltruthofsociologistsisthatnature,especiallythatofhumankind,isniceandthat peoplearedesignedtodothingsthat,allinall,favorthesurvivaloftheirspecies.Hencepeople couldneverbeequippedbynaturewithinstinctstokillotherpeople.Thisideacomesfromthe Bambischoolofbiology,aDisneyesquevisionofnatureasacollectionofmoralisticandaltruistic creatures.Itadmiresnatureforitsharmonyandbeautyofformandforitsapparentbalanceor evencooperativeness.Itadmiresthedeerforitsbeautyandfleetness,anditgrudginglyadmires thelionforitspowerandnobilityofform.Ifanythingisreallywrongwithus,itexplains,itisa socioculturalproblemthatwecanfixbyresocializingpeople.Itisnotabiologicalproblem. Nature,however,isactuallyadynamicstateofrecurringstrifeofrelentlesscompetition,dedicated predatorsandparasites,andselfishdefense.Thedeerowesitsbeautyandfleetnesstopredators suchasmountainlions,whichkilltheclumsiestandslowestdeerfirst;tocompetitorsforfood;and tocompetitionbetweenmalestomate.Withoutpredators,deerwouldnotonlylackfleetness;they wouldlacklegsaltogether.Theywouldbeslugsoozingfromoneplanttoanother.Yetevenif thesedeerslugsweretheonlyanimalsoutthere,naturalselectionwouldfavortheevolutionof fasterandmoreaggressivedeerslugsandwouldfavoranyothertraitthatmadethemsuperior competitorsagainsteachother.Thiswouldincludethekillingofonedeerslugbyanotherin situationswhereitboileddowntokillordie. Moreover,thepowerandnoblevisageofthelion(orofthefamilycatordog,forthatmatter)rest entirelyonnaturalselectionhavingshapednotonlyafleetpredatorandefficientkillingmachine butalsoaveryviolentcompetitoragainstitsownkindinsituationswheretheoptionswere narrowedtoexcludeorkill,orelsekilltosurviveorreproduce.(page179) MichaelP.Ghiglieri,TheDarkSideOfMan:TracingtheOriginsofMale Violence,Perseus,1999 Countingsocietiesinsteadofbodiesleadstoequallygrimfigures.In1978theanthropologistCarol Embercalculatedthat90percentofhuntergatherersocietiesareknowntoengageinwarfare,and 64percentwagewaratleastonceeverytwoyears.Eventhe90percentmaybeanunderestimate, becauseanthropologistsoftencannotstudyatribelongenoughtomeasureoutbreaksthatoccur everydecadeorso(imagineananthropologiststudyingthepeacefulEuropeansbetween1918and 1938).In1972anotheranthropologist,W.T.Dival,investigated99groupsofhuntergatherersfrom 37cultures,andfoundthat68wereatwaratthetime,20hadbeenatwarfivetotwentyfiveyears before,andalltheothersreportedwarfareinthemoredistantpast.Basedontheseandother ethnographicsurveys,DonaldBrownincludesthatconflict,rape,revenge,jealously,dominance, andmalecoalitionalviolencearehumanuniversals. StevenPinker,TheBlankSlate,page57 Thephysicalevidenceprovidedbyfossilsandarchaeologicalexcavationsstandswitnesstoa bloodyslaughterofourownspeciesstretchingbacktoourhominidancestorsandasweargue, beyondthattoacommonancestorwesharewithchimpanzees.Therearenobrokenlinksinthe

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transitionfromsmallraidingpartiesinpreliteratesocietiestotheclassicalbattlesofantiquity,and ontothelaserguidedmissilesandroadsidebombattacksofourowntime.IntheMiddleAges, onekingdefinedagroupoflessthansevenarmedmenasbrigands,seventothirtyfiveasan armedband,andmorethanthirtyfiveasanarmy.Hewasrightinthesensethatthetransition fromaraidingpartytofullscalewarfareoccursnotwhengroupsgrowfromthousandstotensof thousands,butinthetransitionfromtenstoseveraltens.Theevolvedpredispositionsthatdrivea bandofStoneAgewarriorssettingouttoambusharivalandonemillionRussiansoldiers attackingBerlinattheendofWorldWarIIarethesame,inthesensethatalargearmyismadeup oftinyunits,sometimeslessthanadozenmen,whoareintenselyloyaltooneanotherandwhodo indeedsharethebasiccharacteristicsofraidingparties. MalcolmPottsandThomasHayden,SEXANDWAR:HowBiologyExplainsWarfareand TerrorismandOffersaPathtoaSaferWorld,page170 Evolutionarypsychologyisnotjustonemoreschoolofpsychology.Itisaperspectiveonthewhole ofpsychologythatclaimsthatwearehumananimals,andthatourminds,nolessthanourbodies, areproductsoftheforcesofnatureoperatingonatimeframeofmillionsofyears;humannature wasforgedfromourancestorsstruggletosurviveandreproduce. DavidLivingstonSmith,WhyWeLie:TheEvolutionaryRootsofDeceptionandthe UnconsciousMind

Ofcourse,youcanarguewiththepropositionthatallweareisknobsandturnings,genesand environment.Youcaninsistthattheressomething...somethingMORE.Butifyoutrytovisualize theformthissomethingwouldtake,orarticulateitclearly,youllfindthetaskimpossible,forany forcethatisnotinthegenesortheenvironmentisoutsideofphysicalrealityasweperceiveit.Its beyondscientificdiscourse. RobertWright,TheMoralAnimal Duringmostofthetwentiethcenturydeterminismwasatermofabuse,andgenetic determinismwastheworstkindofterm.Geneswereportrayedasimplacabledragonsoffate, whoseplotsagainstthedamseloffreewillwerefoiledonlybythenobleknightonnurture. MatthewRidley,NatureviaNurture,page98 Naturalselectiondictatesthatorganismsactintheirownselfinterest...Theystruggle continuouslytoincreasetherepresentationoftheirgenesattheexpenseoftheirfellows.Andthat, forallitsbaldness,isallthereistoit;wehavediscoverednohigherprincipleinnature. StephenJayGould,EverSinceDarwin Notonlyarehumansocietiesneveralone,butregardlessofhowwelltheycontroltheirown

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populationoractecologically,theycannotcontroltheirneighborsbehavior.Eachsocietymust confronttherealpossibilitythatitsneighborswillnotliveinecologicalbalancebutwillgrowits numbersandattempttotaketheresourcesfromnearbygroups.Notonlyhavesocietiesalways livedinachangingenvironment,buttheyalwayshaveneighbors.Thebestwaytosurviveinsuch amilieuisnottoliveinecologicalbalancewithslowgrowth,buttogrowrapidlyandbeableto fendoffcompetitorsaswellastakeresourcesfromothers. Toseehowthismosthumandynamicworks,imagineanextremelysimpleworldwithonlytwo societiesandnounoccupiedland.Undernormalconditions,neithergroupwouldhavemuch motivationtotakeresourcesfromtheother.Peoplemaybesomewhathungry,butnothungry enoughtoriskgettingkilledinordertoeatalittlebetter.Afewmembersofeithergroupmaydie indirectlyfromfoodshortagesviadiseaseorinfantmortality,forexamplebutfroman individual'sperspective,heorsheismuchmorelikelytobekilledtryingtotakefoodfromthe neighborsthanfromtheusualprovisioningshortfalls.Suchaconstantworldwouldneverlastfor long.Populationswouldgrowandhumanactivitywoulddegradethelandorresources,reducing theirabundance.Evenif,bysheerluck,allthingsremainedequal,itmustberememberedthatthe climatewouldneverbeconstant:Timesoffoodstressoccurbecauseofchangesintheweather, especiallyoverthecourseofseveralgenerations.Whenaverybadyearorseriesofyearsoccurs, thewillingnesstoriskafightincreasesbecausethelikelihoodofstarvinggoesup. Ifonegroupismuchbigger,betterorganized,orhasbetterfightersamongitsmembersandthe groupfacesstarvation,themotivationtotakeovertheterritoryofitsneighborishigh,becauseitis verylikelytosucceed.Sincehumangroupsareneveridentical,therewillalwaysbesomegroups forwhomwarfareasasolutionisarationalchoiceinanyfoodcrisis,becausetheyarelikelyto succeedingettingmoreresourcesbywarringontheirneighbors. Nowcomesthemostimportantpartofthisoverlysimplifiedstory:Thegroupwiththelarger populationalwayshasanadvantageinanycompetitionoverresources,whateverthoseresources maybe.Overthecourseofhumanhistory,onesiderarelyhasbetterweaponsortacticsforany lengthoftime,andmostsuchwarfarebetweensmallersocietiesisattritional.Withequalskillsand weapons,eachsidewouldbeexpectedtokillanequalnumberofitsopponents.Overtime,the largergroupwillfinallyoverwhelmthesmallerone.Thisadvantageofsizeiswellrecognizedby humansallovertheworld,andtheygotogreatlengthstokeeptheirnumberscomparabletotheir potentialenemies.Thisisobservedanthropologicallybytheuniversaldesiretohavemanyallies, andthecommontacticofsmallergroupsinvitingothersocietiestojointhem,evenintimesoffood stress. Assumeforamomentthatbysomemiracleoneofourtwogroupsisfulloffarsighted,ecological geniuses.Theyareabletokeeptheirpopulationincheckand,moreover,keepitfarenoughbelow thecarryingcapacitythatminorchangesintheweather,orevenlongertermchangesinthe climate,donotresultinfoodstress.Iftheyneedtoconsumeonlyhalfofwhatisavailableeach year,evenifthereisaterribleyear,thisgroupwillprobablycomethroughthehardshipjustfine. Moreimportant,whenafewgoodyearscomealong,thesemasterfullyecologicalpeoplewillnot

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growrapidly,becausetodosowouldmeanthattheywouldhavetroublewhenthegoodtimes end.Thinkofthemastheecologicalequivalentoftheindustriousants. Thesecondgroup,ontheotherhand,isjusttheoppositeitconsistsofecologicaldimwits.They havenowonderfulprocessesavailabletocontroltheirpopulation.Theyareforeverontheedgeof thecarryingcapacity,theyreproducewithabandon,andtheyfrequentlysufferfoodshortagesand theinevitableconsequences.Thinkofthisbunchastheecologicalequivalentofthecarefree grasshoppers.Whenthegoodyearscome,theyhavemorechildrenandgrowtheirpopulation rapidly.Twentyyearslater,theyhavedoubledtheirnumbersandquicklyrunoutoffoodatthe firstminorchangeintheweather.Ofcourse,hadthisbeenagroupofnoblesavageswho eschewedwarfare,theywouldhavestarvedtodeathandonlyamuchsmallerandmore sustainablegroupsurvived.Thisisnotabunchofnoblesavages;theseareecologicaldimwitsand theyattacktheirgoodneighborsinordertosavetheirownskins.Sincetheynowoutnumbertheir goodneighborstwotoone,thedimwitsprevailafterheavyattritiononbothsides.Thegood antsturnouttobedeadants,andthebadgrasshoppersinherittheearth.Themoralofthistable isthatifanygroupcangetitselfintoecologicalbalanceandstabilizeitspopulationevenintheface ofenvironmentalchange,itwillbetremendouslydisadvantagedagainstsocietiesthatdonot behavethatway.Thelongtermsuccessfulsociety,inaworldwithmanydifferentsocieties,willbe theonethatgrowswhenitcanandfightswhenitrunsoutofresources.Itisuselesstolivean ecologicallysustainableexistenceintheGardenofEdenunlesstheneighborsdosoaswell.Only onenonconservationistsocietyinanentireregioncanbeginaprocessofconflictandexpansionby thegrasshoppersattheexpenseoftheEdendwellingants.ThissmacksofaDarwinian competitionsurvivalofthefittestbetweensocieties.Notethatthefittestofourtwogroups wasnotthemoreecological,itwastheonethatgrewfaster.TheideaofsuchDarwinian competitionisunpalatabletomany,especiallywhenthebadfolksappeartobethewinners. StevenA.LeBlanc,CONSTANTBATTLES:WhyweFight,2004,pages7375 Howtrue!Evolutiontheoryexplainsourpresentdeadend,whysociopathswerentbredoutofthe genepool,andwhyuntrainedpeoplecannotunderstandcomplexsystemsorwherethisallleads. Ourselfishgenesdidntevolvetoavoiddieoff,theyevolvedtoprofitfromit.Wedidntevolve toavertresourceconstraints;weevolvedtokillthosecompetingwithusforthoseresources.The sociopathsmakeidealleadersbecausetheycanmakelogicaldecisionswithoutemotion.Thatis whytheyarestillinthegenepool.Selfishgenelogicisthatlogicwhichoutreproducedthe competition.Weshouldlearntoappreciateoursociopathsbecausewearegoingtoneedthem. Americaiswillbedoingahellofalotofkilling(millions)overthenextfewdecades.Itsour geneticlegacy. JayHanson,personalcommunication,22March2012 Ingeneral,aneconomistspriorbeliefsaboutwhatistrueplayaveryimportantroleinthewayhe seeseconomicevidence.Oncetheirbeliefsareformed,itisdifficulttoproveanyeconomists priorswrongsoconvincinglythathewillchangehisbeliefsaboutthewaytheworldworks.And

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becauseofitsseeminglycomprehensiveanswerstoalleconomicquestions,thepriceauction modelcreatesaverystrongsetofpriorbeliefs.(page18) Nodisciplineexcepteconomicsattemptstomaketheworldactasitthinkstheworldshould act.ButofcoursewhatHomosapiensdoesandwhatHomoeconomicusshoulddoareoftenquite different.That,however,doesnotmakethebasicmodelwrong,asitwouldineveryother discipline.ItjustmeansthatactionsmustbetakentobendHomosapiensintoconformitywith Homoeconomicus.So,insteadofadjustingtheorytoreality,realityisadjustedtotheory.(page21) LesterC.Thurow,DangerousCurrents:TheStateofEconomics,Random,1983 Thehumanmindevolvedtobelieveingods...Acceptanceofthesupernaturalconveyedagreat advantagethroughoutprehistory,whenthebrainwasevolving.Thusitisinsharpcontrastto [science&engineering]whichwasdevelopedasaproductofthemodernageandisnot underwrittenbygeneticalgorithms. E.O.Wilson,TheBiologicalBasisofMorality Populartheologyisamassiveinconsistencyderivedfromignorance.TheGodsexistbecause natureherselfhasimprintedaconceptionofthemonthemindsofmen. Cicero,DeNaturaDeorum,I,16 ThereisthedeeplyembeddeddominanceoftwostrandsofCartesianthoughtinthesocial sciences:thefixedideathatthereisahugegulfbetweenhumansandotheranimals;andthebelief thatbodyandmindareseparateratherthanoneandthesame,whichmakespossibletheimplicit beliefthatbiologicalevolutionhastodowiththebodyratherthanthemind. JeromeH.Barkow,2006 Asforpointingtoourmentalfailureswithscornordismay,wemightaswellprofessdisappoint mentwiththemechanicsofgravityorthelawsofthermodynamics.Inotherwords,thedegreeof disillusionmentwefeelinresponsetoanyparticularhumanbehavioristheprecisemeasureofour ignoranceofitsevolutionaryandgeneticorigins. RegMorrison,TheSpiritintheGene ThehumanmindisaproductofthePleistoceneage,shapedbywildnessthathasallbut disappeared.Ifwecompletethedestructionofnature,wewillhavesucceededincuttingourselves offfromthesourceofsanityitself. DavidOrr,environmentalphilosopher,inAdbusters,Sept./Oct.2002

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Natureistryingveryhardtomakeussucceed,butnaturedoesnotdependonus.Wearenotthe onlyexperiment. BuckminsterFuller Scientistssearchfortruthbyformingstatementsthatcanbetested.Ifastatementcannotbetested, thenitisnotscientific.Testablestatementsareknownashypothesesandtakethegeneralform If[Idothis],then[thiswilloccur].Forexample,thehypothesisIfIdroparock,thenitwillfallto thegroundcanbetestedtoseeifitisfalse. In1934,SirKarlPopperproposedacriterionoftestability,orfalsifiability,forscientificvalidity. Scientifictheoriesarehypothesesfromwhichcanbededucedstatementstestablebyobservation;if theappropriateexperimentalobservationsfalsifythesestatements,thehypothesisisrefuted.Ifa hypothesissurviveseffortstofalsifyit,itmaybetentativelyaccepted.Noscientifictheory, however,canbeconclusivelyestablished. Poppersmodeofthoughtthehabitofattemptingtoproveoneselfwrongistheonlypathto knowledgeabouttherealworld. Evolutionarypsychologistshavefoundthathumansevolvedtonaturallyuseafalsification strategywithrespecttothesocialworld,butuseaconfirmationstrategywithrespecttothe physicalworld.Ourinnatesocialworldfalsificationstrategycausesustoinstinctivelyreject socialanomaliesandattempttofalsifyclaimsabouttherealworldthatmightjeopardizesocial beliefs(e.g.,theclaimthatglobaloilproductionwillpeaksoon). Ontheotherhand,ourinnatephysicalworldconfirmationstrategyallowsustodefendsocial constructionsofreality(e.g.,thefreemarket)tothedeath,eveniftheidealstheyrepresentare farfromphysicalreality. ConsiderfirstaphenomenonIcallthedeonticeffectinhumanreasoning(Cummins,1996b, 1996c).Deonticreasoningisreasoningaboutrightsandobligations;thatis,reasoningabout whatoneispermitted,obligated,orforbiddentodo(Hilpinen,1981;Manktelow&Over, 1991).Deonticreasoningcontrastswithindicativereasoning,whichisreasoningaboutwhatis trueorfalse.Whenreasoningaboutdeonticrules(socialnorms),humansspontaneouslyadopt aviolationdetectionstrategy:Theylookforcheatersorrulebreakers.Incontrast,when reasoningaboutthetruthstatusofstatementsabouttheworld,theyspontaneouslyadopta confirmationseekingstrategy.Thiseffectisapparentinthereasoningofchildrenasyoungas threeyearsofage(Cummins,1996a;Harris&Nuez,1996)andhasbeenobservedinliterally hundredsofexperimentsonadultreasoningoverthecourseofnearlythirtyyears,makingit oneofthemostreliableeffectsinthepsychologicalliterature(seeCummins,1996b,1996c,and Oaksford&Chapter,1996forreviewsofthisliterature). DeniseD.Cummins&ColinAllen(Editors),TheEvolutionofMind,

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Oxford,1998,pages39,40 JayHanson,TheBestKeptSecretinWashington,http://dieoff.com/page173.htm Onesuspectsthatifsomehowanalientimetravelercouldremovealltracesoffalsificationfrom thehistoricalrecordexorciseitcompletelyfromourmindsanddocumentseconomicswould lookexactlythesame.Theprescriptivemethodologicalbiteseemstobemoreofan imperceptiblenibble.Butthisimpactivefailureisjustonesideofthecoin;theotheristosuppose economistsdidrespond;supposetheydidrejectalltheoriesthatwereempiricallyfalsifiedordid notconsistentlypredictLakatosiannovelfacts.Nothingwouldbeleftstanding;therewouldbeno economics. D.WadeHands Theoriginsofthecataclysmlayintheutopianendeavorofeconomicliberalismtosetupaself regulatingmarketsystem.(page29) Bythefourthquarterofthenineteenthcentury,worldcommoditypriceswerethecentralrealityin thelivesofmillionsofContinentalpeasants;therepercussionsoftheLondonmoneymarketwere dailynotedbybusinessmenallovertheworld;andgovernmentsdiscussedplansforthefuturein lightofthesituationontheworldcapitalmarkets.Onlyamadmanwouldhavedoubtedthatthe internationaleconomicsystemwastheaxisofthematerialexistenceoftherace.Becausethis systemneededpeaceinordertofunction,thebalanceofpowerwasmadetoserveit.Takethis economicsystemawayandthepeaceinterestwoulddisappearfrompolitics.(page18) Bytheendoftheseventiesthefreetradeepisode(184679)wasatanend;theactualuseofthegold standardbyGermanymarkedthebeginningsofaneraofprotectionismandcolonialexpansion thesymptomsofthedissolutionoftheexistingformsofworldeconomycolonialrivalryand competitionforexoticmarketsbecameacute.Theabilityofhautefinancetoavertthespreadof warswasdiminishingrapidly.Foranothersevenyearspeacedraggedonbutitwasonlya questionoftimebeforethedissolutionofnineteenthcenturyeconomicorganizationwouldbring theHundredYearsPeacetoaclose.(page19) Thebreakdownoftheinternationalgoldstandardwastheinvisiblelinkbetweenthedisintegration ofworldeconomysincetheturnofthecenturyandthetransformationofawholecivilizationin thethirties.Unlessthevitalimportanceofthisfactorisrealized,itisnotpossibletoseerightly eitherthemechanismwhichrailroadedEuropetoitsdoom,orthecircumstanceswhichaccounted fortheastoundingfactthattheformsandcontentsofacivilizationshouldrestonsoprecarious foundations. Thetruenatureoftheinternationalsystemunderwhichwewerelivingwasnotrealizeduntilit failed.Hardlyanyoneunderstoodthepoliticalfunctionoftheinternationalmonetarysystem;the awfulsuddennessofthetransformationthustooktheworldcompletelybysurprise...Toliberal

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economiststhegoldstandardwaspurelyaneconomicinstitution;theyrefusedeventoconsiderit asapartofasocialmechanism.Thusithappenedthatthedemocraticcountrieswerethelastto realizethetruenatureofthecatastropheandtheslowesttocounteritseffects.Notevenwhenthe cataclysmwasalreadyuponthemdidtheirleadersseethatbehindthecollapseoftheinternational systemtherestoodalongdevelopmentwithinthemostadvancedcountrieswhichmadethat systemanachronistic;inotherwords,thefailureofmarketeconomyitselfstillescapedthem.(page 20) Thetransformationcameonevenmoreabruptlythanisusuallyrealized.WorldWarIandthe postwarrevolutionsstillformedpartofthenineteenthcentury.Theconflictof191418merely precipitatedandimmeasurablyaggravatedacrisisthatitdidnotcreate.Buttherootsofthe dilemmacouldnotbediscernedatthetimeThedissolutionofthesystemofworldeconomy whichhadbeeninprogresssince1900wasresponsibleforthepoliticaltensionthatexplodedin 1914.(page21) KarlPolanyi,TheGreatTransformation,Beacon,1957 ThelasttwoyearsofthedecadewhileEuropeenjoyedarichfatafternoon,werethequietest. Nineteentenwaspeacefulandprosperous;withthesecondroundofMoroccancrisesandBalkan warsstilltocome.Anewbook,TheGreatIllusionbyNormanAngell,hadjustbeenpublished, whichprovedthatwarwasimpossible.Byimpressiveexamplesandincontrovertibleargument Angellshowedthatinthepresentfinancialandeconomicinterdependenceofnations,thevictor wouldsufferequallywiththevanquished;thereforewarhadbecomeunprofitable;thereforeno nationwouldbesofoolishastostartone.Alreadytranslatedintoelevenlanguages,TheGreat Illusionhadbecomeacult.Attheuniversities,inManchester,Glasgow,andotherindustrialcities, morethanfortystudygroupsoftruebelievershadformed,devotedtopropagatingitsdogma. Angellsmostearnestdisciplewasamanofgreatinfluenceonmilitarypolicy,theKingsfriend andadviser,ViscountEsher,chairmanoftheWarCommitteeassignedtoremakingtheBritish ArmyaftertheshockofitsperformanceintheBoorWar.LordEsherdeliveredlecturesonthe lessonofTheGreatIllusionatCambridgeandtheSorbonnewhereinheshowedhownew economicfactorsclearlyprovetheinsanityofaggressivewars.Atwentiethcenturywarwouldbe onsuchascale,hesaid,thatitsinevitableconsequencesofcommercialdisaster,financialruin, andindividualsufferingwouldbesopregnantwithrestraininginfluencesastomakewar unthinkable.HetoldanaudienceofofficersattheUnitedServiceClub,withtheChiefofGeneral Staff,SirJohnFrench,inthechair,thatbecauseoftheinterlacingofnationsWarbecomesevery daymoredifficultandimprobable. Germany,LordEsherfeltsure,isasreceptiveasGreatBritaintothedoctrineofNormanAngell. HowreceptiveweretheKaiserandtheCrownPrincetowhomhegave,orcausedtobegiven, copiesofTheGreatIllusionisnotreported.ThereisnoevidencethathegaveonetoGeneralVon Bernhardi,whowasengagedin1910inwritingabookcalledGermanyandtheNextWar,published inthefollowingyear,whichwastobeasinfluentialasAngellsbutfromtheoppositepointof view.Threeofitschaptertitles,TheRighttoMakeWar,TheDutytoMakeWar,andWorld

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PowerorDownfallsumupitsthesis. BarbaraTuchman,TheGunsofAugust,pages2425 Allthesechampionsofinterventionismfailtorealizethattheirprogramthusimpliesthe establishmentoffullgovernmentsupremacyinalleconomicmattersandultimatelybringsabouta stateofaffairsthatdoesnotdifferfromwhatiscalledtheGermanortheHindenburgpatternof socialism.Ifitisinthejurisdictionofthegovernmenttodecidewhetherornotdefiniteconditions oftheeconomyjustifyitsintervention,nosphereofoperationislefttothemarket.[T]hemarket isfreeaslongasitdoespreciselywhatthegovernmentwantsittodo.Itisfreetodowhatthe authoritiesconsidertobetherightthings,butnottodowhattheyconsiderthewrongthings; thedecisionconcerningwhatisrightandwhatiswrongrestswiththegovernment.Thusthe doctrineandthepracticeofinterventionismultimatelytendtoabandonwhatoriginally distinguishedthemfromoutrightsocialismandadoptentirelytheprinciplesoftotalitarianall aroundplanning. LudwigvonMises,HumanAction,pages7234 Shouldwebetakingstepstolimittheuseofthesemostpreciousstocksofsocietyscapitalsothat theywillstillbeavailableforourgrandchildren? Economistsanswerthisquestionintwoways.First,theypointoutthatfossilfuelslikeoilandgas arefinitebutnotessential.Anessentialresourceisone,likeoxygen,forwhichthereareno substitutes.Substitutesexistforalltheenergyresources.Wecansubstitutecoalforoilandgasin mostuses;wecanliquefyorgasifycoalwhereliquidorgasfuelsareneeded;whencoalrunsout, wecanusehighercostsolarenergy,nuclearfission,andperhapssomedayevennuclearfusion. Theselastthreearesuperabundantinthesensethatwhenwerunoutofsolarenergy,theearth willalreadybeuninhabitable. Asecondpointconcernstherelativeproductivityofdifferentassets.Manyenvironmentalists arguethatenergyandothernaturalresourceslikewildernessareasandoldgrowthforestsare veryspecialkindsofcapitalthatneedtobepreservedsothatwecanmaintainsustainable economicgrowth.Economiststendtodisagree.Theylookatnaturalresourcesasyetanother capitalassetthatsocietypossessesalongwithfastcomputers,humancapitalinaneducated workforce,andtechnologicalknowledgeinitspatents,scientists,andengineers.Botheconomists andenvironmentalistsagreethatthisgenerationshouldleaveanadequatestockofcapitalassets forfuturegenerations;buteconomistsworrylessabouttheexactformofcapitalthanaboutits productivity.Economistsask,Wouldfuturegenerationsbenefitmorefromlargerstocksofnatural capitalsuchasoil,gas,andcoalorfrommoreproducedcapitalsuchasadditionalscientists,better laboratories,andlibrarieslinkedtogetherbyinformationsuperhighways? Thesubstitutabilityofnaturalcapitalandotherkindsofcapitalisshownbytheproduction indifferencecurveorisoquantinFigure182.Weshowtheretheamountsofthetwokindsof

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capitalthatwouldberequiredtoattainacertainlevelofoutputinthefuture(Q*),holdingother inputsconstant.ThatoutputcanbeproducedatpointCwithaconservationistpolicythat emphasizesreducingenergyusetoday,leavingmuchoilandgasandrelativelylittlehuman capitalforthefuture.Oritmightbeproducedwithalowenergypriceandhigheducation strategyatB.Eitheroftheseisfeasible,andthemoredesirableonewouldbetheonethathasa higherconsumptionbothnowandinthefuture. NoteaswellthattheisoquanthitstheverticalaxisatpointA,indicatingthatwecanproduce futureoutputlevelQ*withnooilandgas.Howisthispossible?Withthegreaterscientificand technicalknowledgerepresentedbypointA,societycandevelopandintroducesubstitute technologieslikecleancoalorsolarenergytoreplacetheexhaustedoilandgas.Thecurvehitsthe axistoindicatethatinthelongrun,oilandgasarenotessential. PaulSamuelsonandWilliamNordhaus,Economics,McGrawHill,1998,page328 Remembertoholdotherthingsconstantwhenyouareanalyzingtheimpactofavariableonthe economicsystem. Samuelson&Nordhaus(withastraightface) Thereisadifferentandmorefundamentalcostthatisindependentofthemonetaryprice.Thatis theenergycostofexplorationandproduction.Solongasoilisusedasasourceofenergy,when theenergycostofrecoveringabarrelofoilbecomesgreaterthantheenergycontentoftheoil, productionwillceasenomatterwhatthemonetarypricemaybe. M.KingHubbert,StanfordGeophysicsProfessor Increasesordecreasesinthelevelofmoneysupplyarethoughttoinfluencethelevelofproduction intheeconomy.However,thisistrueonlyiftheexternalstotheeconomyi.e.,sourcesof energyfromoutsideofthemoneycircleareconstant.Whentheavailabilityofenergychanges, theeconomychangesinwaysnotcorrectablebymanipulationsofthemoneysupply. H.T.OduminASurveyofEcologicalEconomics,Krishnan,Harris,andGoodwin,editors, IslandPress,1995,pages204206 Theworldspresentindustrialcivilizationishandicappedbythecoexistenceoftwouniversal, overlapping,andincompatibleintellectualsystems:theaccumulatedknowledgeofthelastfour centuriesofthepropertiesandinterrelationshipsofmatterandenergy;andtheassociated monetaryculturewhichhasevolvedfromfolkwaysofprehistoricorigin.Despitetheirinherent incompatibilities,thesetwosystemsduringthelasttwocenturieshavehadonefundamental characteristicincommon,namely,exponentialgrowth,whichhasmadeareasonablystable coexistencepossible.But,forvariousreasons,itisimpossibleforthematterenergysystemto sustainexponentialgrowthformorethanafewtensofdoublings,andthisphaseisbynowalmost

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over.Themonetarysystemhasnosuchconstraints,and,accordingtooneofitsmostfundamental rules,itmustcontinuetogrowbycompoundinterest.Thisdisparitybetweenamonetarysystem whichcontinuestogrowexponentiallyandaphysicalsystemwhichisunabletodosoleadstoan increasewithtimeintheratioofmoneytotheoutputofthephysicalsystem.Thismanifestsitself aspriceinflation.Amonetaryalternativecorrespondingtoazerophysicalgrowthratewouldbea zerointerestrate.Theresultineithercasewouldbelargescalefinancialinstability. M.KingHubbert Becausetheorderofnatureisprovidential,thefreemarketthatreflectsnaturalorderalsoreflects theworkingsofprovidence.Inthiswaythespheresofmorality,theology,jurisprudence,and economicsbecomehostagestonature,sotospeak. DeborahRedman,TheRiseofPoliticalEconomyasaScience,MIT,1997,page237 Itis,infact,thefateofallkindsofenergyofpositiontobeultimatelyconvertedintoenergyof motion.Theformermaybecomparedtomoneyinabank,orcapital,thelattertomoneywhichwe areintheactofspending...Ifwepursuetheanalogyastepfurther,weshallseethatthegreat capitalistisrespectedbecausehehasthedisposalofagreatquantityofenergy;andthatwhether hebenoblemanorsovereign,orageneralincommand,heispowerfulonlyfromhaving somethingwhichenableshimtomakeuseoftheservicesofothers.Whenamanofwealthpaysa labouringmantoworkforhim,heisintruthconvertingsomuchofhisenergyofpositioninto actualenergy... Theworldofmechanismisnotamanufactory,inwhichenergyiscreated,butratheramart,into whichwemaybringenergyofonekindandchangeorbarteritforanequivalentofanotherkind, thatsuitsusbetterbutifwecomewithnothinginhand,withnothingwewillmostassuredly return. BalfourStewart,ProfessorofNaturalPhilosophy(18281887),TheConservationof Energy,6thEdition,1883,pages2627,34.QuotedbyPhilipMirowski,MoreHeatThan Light,Cambridge,1989,page132 Highinflationratescanbeexplainedbythelinkagesbetweenfueluseandmoneysupply.Ifthe moneysupplyisincreased,stimulatingdemandbeyondlevelsthatcanbesatisfiedbyexistingfuel supplies,thenpriceswillrise.Thisimpliesthatwhenthecostsofobtainingfuelarehigh,fiscaland monetarypoliciesmaynotbesuccessfulinstimulatingeconomicgrowth. CutlerJ.Cleveland,RobertCostanza,CharlesA.S.Hall,andRobert Kaufmann,SummaryofEnergyandtheUSEconomy:ABiophysicalPerspective, Science225(31August1984),890897 Givemecontroloveranationscurrency,andIcarenotwhomakesitslaws.

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MayerAmchelRothschild,1790 Thestudyofmoney,aboveallotherfieldsineconomics,isoneinwhichcomplexityisusedto disguisetruthortoevadetruth,nottorevealit.Theprocessbywhichbankscreatemoneyisso simplethemindisrepelled.Withsomethingsoimportant,adeepermysteryseemsonlydecent. JohnKennethGalbraith(19082006)Canadianborneconomist,Harvardprofessor, Money:Whenceitcame,whereitwent,1975 Theissuewhichhassweptdownthecenturiesandwhichwillhavetobefoughtsoonerorlateris thepeopleversusthebanks. LordActon(JohnEmerichEdwardDalbergActon(18341902),FirstBaronActon ofAldenham Peoplewhowillneverturnashovelfullofdirtontheproject(MuscleShoalsDam)norcontribute apoundofmaterial,willcollectmoremoneyfromtheUnitedStatesthanwillthepeoplewho supplyallthematerialanddoallthework.Thisistheterriblethingaboutinterest...buthereisthe point:IftheNationcanissueadollarbonditcanissueadollarbill.Theelementthatmakesthe bondgoodmakesthebillgoodalso.Thedifferencebetweenthebondandthebillisthatthebond letsthemoneybrokercollecttwicetheamountofthebondandanadditional20%.Whereasthe currency,thehonestsortprovidedbytheConstitution,paysnobodybutthosewhocontributein someusefulway.ItisabsurdtosayourCountrycanissuebondsandcannotissuecurrency.Both arepromisestopay,butonefattenstheusurerandtheotherhelpsthePeople.Ifthecurrency issuedbythePeoplewerenogood,thenthebondswouldbenogood,either.Itisaterrible situationwhentheGovernment,toinsuretheNationalWealth,mustgoindebtandsubmitto ruinousinterestchargeatthehandsofmenwhocontrolthefictitiousvalueofgold.Interestisthe inventionofSatan. ThomasAlvaEdison,interviewinNewYorkTimes,1921 Whenagovernmentisdependentuponbankersformoney,theyandnottheleadersofthe governmentcontrolthesituation,sincethehandthatgivesisabovethehandthattakes.Money hasnomotherland;financiersarewithoutpatriotismandwithoutdecency;theirsoleobjectisgain. NapoleonBonaparte(17691821)Frenchemperor Thegeniusofoursocalleddemocracyliesinitsstabilityandpredictability.JamesMadison(1751 1836)isknownasthefatheroftheU.S.Constitution,theidealMachiavellianPrince,andthe fatherofpreferredfreedoms.Madisonsprimarypoliticalconcerncenteredonthemaintenanceof socialstabilitybythepoliticalandsocialcontrolofcompetingfactions;controlbygovernment itselfwasasecondaryconsideration.Withthoseobjectivesinmind,theframerscraftedan

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elaboratepoliticalsystem: Wherefirstobjectofgovernment(highestpriority)wasthefacultiesofacquiring property. Wherethestruggleofclassesandpassions(e.g.,religiousconflict)wasreplacedwith thestruggleofinterestsintheeconomicsphere. Wherethepoliticalsystemwasextremelyresistanttochange. Wherepoliticalpowerwasreservedforawhitemaleminoritywhileprojectingthe illusionofselfgovernmenttothemajority. MadisonscholarRichardK.Matthewsexplains: Byconsciouslydenyingvirtuallyallbutahandfulofcitizensanyroleinagovernmental structurethat,bydesign,wastoberunbyaneliteofsuperiorability(whononethelesswould havetocheckandbalanceeachother),Madisonleft[economicstruggle]astheprimeavenue forhumanitytosearchformeaning.IfMenWereAngels:JamesMadison&theHeartlessEmpireof Reason,Kansas,1995,page84 JayHanson,TheBestKeptSecretinWashington,http://dieoff.com/page173.htm Remember,theUnitedStatesisnotademocracyandhasneverbeenintendedtobea democracy.Itiswhatiscalledinthepoliticalscienceliteratureapolyarchy.Apolyarchyisonein whichasmallsectorofthepopulationisincontrolofessentialdecisionmakingfortheeconomy, thepoliticalsystem,theculturalsystemandsoon.Andtherestofthepopulationissupposedtobe passiveandacquiescent.Theyaresupposedtocededemocracytotheeliteelementswhocall themselves(rather)modestlytheresponsiblemen.Wearetheresponsiblemenandwetake careoftheaffairsoftheworld.Therestaresometimescalledabewilderedherdorarabbleor somethinglikethat.Actually,IamquotingWalterLippman,theleadingfigureinU.S.journalism, andaleadingpublicintellectualofthe20thcentury. Thisgoesrightbacktotheconstitutionalsystem.Thesystemwasdesignedthatway....Itisnot exactlywhatyoulearninschool.ButifyoureadthedebatesoftheConstitutionalConvention, whicharemuchmorerevealingthanthepublisheddocuments,youfindthatthemainframer, JamesMadison(17511836),whowasverylucidandintelligent,understoodallthisverywell.He wasademocrat.Hewantedtohaveakindofdemocracyinwhichtheprimaryroleofgovernment Iamquotingnowistoprotecttheminorityoftheopulentagainstthemajority. Thatisthefundamentalroleofgovernment,whathe(Madison)calledthepermanentinterestsof thecountryarethoseofpropertyownersandthattheymustbeprotected.Hewasthinkingvery concretely.Remember,thiswasinthe18thcenturyandthemodeltheyhadinmindwasEngland andthequestionoftheEnglishframeworkoftheconstitutionkeptcomingup.AndMadison pointedoutthatifinEnglandthegeneralpopulationhadtherighttoparticipatefreelyinthe politicalsystem,thentheywouldhavetoinstitutethekindsofprogrammeswhichwenowadays

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callagrarianreforms.Theywouldwanttotakeoverpropertyandhaveitusedforthegeneral population,notconcentratedinthehandsofasmallnumberofwealthy.And,ofcourse,thatis intolerable. TheU.S.systemwasdesignedsothatpowerwastobeplacedinthehandsofwhatMadisoncalled thewealthofthenationpeoplewhoaresympathetictopropertyanditsrightsandwillnot allowinfringementonthem.Therestofsocietyissupposedtobefragmentedandbrokenupso thattheydonotdotoomuch. NoamChomsky Democracyisthepatheticbeliefinthecollectivewisdomoftheignorant. H.LMencken Economistshavebecomeaplagueasdangerousasrabbits,pricklypear,orcanetoads.Economists havebecometheculturalcanetoadsofCanberra,oozingoverthelandscapeandendangering myriadindigenousspecies.Notonlytheeconomybutalsomentalhealthwouldbegreatly improvedifwecouldliftthefogofobfuscationonthingseconomic.Thefirststepistotake economistsfromtheirpedestalandtoseethemasthecuriositiestheyare.Thefirststeptoreducing theirpoweristoreducetheirlegitimacy.Howisthistobeachieved?First,economists outpouringsshould,asamatterofprinciple,bemetwithlaughter,derision,benignpaternalism. Theyshouldceasetobeemployedasmediacommentators.Inthelongtermtheyshouldceaseto behired.Letthembepensionedoffanddieout.Extinctionisaworthyendforaprofessionwhose briefisrottentothecore. Dr.EvanJones,EconomicsDepartment,UniversityofSydney,1991 THECHICAGOSCHOOLOFECONOMICS.Agreatcenterofcontemporaryscholasticism[q.v.] Theeconomistsworkingthereandproducedbyitareasimportanttothestagnationofuseful thoughtastheSchoolmenoftheUniversityofPariswereattheheightoftheMiddleAges. LikethatoftheParisscholastics,theirmasteryofhighlycomplexrhetoricaldetailsobscuresagreat voidatthecentreoftheirargument.Theyalsoshareatacticalgeniusforexportingtheirconceptual definitionstolessimportantcentresaroundtheworld.Theresultisapleasingsymphonyof internationalechoesimitatingtheircalculationsandcadencessoconfirmingtheircorrectness,even whentheirpoliciesbringeconomicdisaster.ThepercussionsectionofChicago'sorchestraisthe Nobelcommitteeforeconomics.Eachgoldenmedalislikeanothercongratulatoryparchment presentedattheendofanelaboratetheologicaldebate. Butwhatofcontent?Thereisn'tmuch.WhatofFriedrichHayekandMiltonFriedman?These minorThomistspreachlittlemorethaninevitabilityandsocounselpassivity.

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Whattheycalllibertarianeconomicsisaremarkablerevengeofthescholasticsonthemenofthe Enlightenment,whohadtheoreticallydestroyedthem.Peelawaythetangleofintellectualleaves fromtheChicagoSchoolandwhatremainsisagreatclockmakergodwhohassettheworld ticking.ButtheconclusionoftheEnlightenmentwasthatgod'sindifferencelefthumansfreeto organizetheworldastheywished.Chicagohassodeformedthisideaastoinvertit.Thegreat clockhasbeenturnedintoanabsolute,allencompassingsystem.Betterthananideology,the worldisitsownabsoluteeconomictruth.Wemustremainpassivebeforeitsmajesty. ThisisadenialofWesternexperience.Itisnonsensewhichsimplycomfortsthepowerslipping increasinglyintothecorporatiststructures. Strategicthinkingcansaveagreatdealoftimewastedovertactics.AlargenumberofAmericas economicproblems,andthoseoftheWest[andoftheworld?],couldbesolvedbyshuttingdown theChicagoSchoolofEconomics. Thiswouldnotpreventtheacademicsemployedtherefrompreachingtheiressentiallyantisocial andamoraldoctrines.Theywouldbegatheredupwithdelightbythehundredsofimitation ChicagoSchools.Thepurposeofclosurewouldbesimplytodisentangleatendentiousideology fromitsunassailablepositionwithincontemporarypowerstructures.Thesamesortofliberating shocktreatmentwasappliedtoEuropeancivilizationin1723whentheSocietyofJesus(Jesuits) wasdisbanded.TheeffectwastosetfreetheideasoftheEnlightenment. JohnRalstonSaul,TheDoubtersCompanion,Simon&Schuster,1994 Iseeyoutakecareinyourprospectusnottooffendyoureconomistsbyadeclarationofyour views;andinthisIcommendyourprudence.ButIhopeinyourworkyouwillbatterthem,crush them,poundthem,reducethemtodustandashes.Thefactistheyarethemostfancifuland arrogantsetofmentobefoundnowadays,sincethedestructionoftheSorbonne...Iaskmyself withamazementwhatcanhaveinducedour[physiocrat]friendM.Turgottojointhem. DavidHume(17111776),inaletterof10July1769toMorellet Apageofhistoryisworthavolumeoflogic. SupremeCourtJusticeOliverWendellHolmes,NYTrustCo.v.Eisner, 256U.S.345,1921 Thebestguidetothefutureisanunderstandingandastudyofthepast.Whenhistoryisdistorted, thenanykindofrational,wisepoliciesforthefuturebecomeimpossible. MarkWeber Mosthumanbeingshaveanalmostinfinitecapacityfortakingthingsforgranted.Thatmendonot

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learnverymuchfromthelessonsofhistoryisthemostimportantofallthelessonsofhistory. AldousHuxley ThemembersoftheAmericaneconomicsprofession,as[ThurmanW.]Arnoldcontended, performedavitalpracticalroleinmaintainingthisuniquesystemofcorporatesocialismAmerican style.ItwastheirroletopreventtheAmericanpublicfromachievingacorrectunderstandingof theactualworkingsoftheAmericaneconomicsystem.Economistsinsteadwereassignedthetask todispensepriestlyblessingsthatwouldallowbusinesstooperateindependentofdamaging politicalmanipulation.Theyaccomplishedthistaskbymeansoftheirmessageoflaissezfaire religion,basedonaconceptionofasocietycomposedofcompetingindividuals.Howeverfalseas adescriptionoftheactualU.S.economy,thisvisioninthemindoftheAmericanpublicwasin practicetransferredautomaticallytoindustrialorganizationswithnationwidepowerand dictatorialformsofgovernment.Eventhoughtheargumentsofeconomistsweremisleadingand largelyfictional,thepracticalandbeneficialresultoftheirdeceptionwastothrowamantle ofprotection...overcorporategovernmentfromvariousformsofoutsideinterference. Admittedly,astheeconomicsymbolismgotfartherandfartherfromreality,itrequiredmoreand moreceremonytokeepitup.Butaslongasthisarrangementworkedandtherecouldbe maintainedthelittlepicturesinthebackoftheheadoftheordinaryman,theeffectwassalutary thegreat[corporate]organizationwassecureinitsfreedomandindependence.Itwasthisvery freedomandindependenceofbusinessprofessionalstopursuethecorrectscientificanswerthe efficientansweronwhichtheeconomicprogressoftheUnitedStatesdepended. RobertH.Nelson,ReachingforHeavenonEarth,Rowman&Littlefield,1993 Itisnaturalthatthecountrywhosetheoriesofgovernmentarethemostunrealisticintheworld shoulddevelopthegreatestandmostpowerfulsubrosapoliticalmachinery. ThurmanWesleyArnold(18911969),YaleProfessorofLaw,19311938 Thetermuphasnomeaningapartfromtheworddown.Thetermfasthasnomeaningapartfrom thetermslow.Inadditionsuchtermshavenomeaningevenwhenusedtogether,exceptwhen confinedtoaveryparticularsituation...mostofourlanguageabouttheorganizationand objective'sofgovernmentismadeupofsuchpolarterms.Justiceandinjusticearetypical.A reformerwhowantstoabolishinjusticeandcreateaworldinwhichnothingbutjusticeprevailsis likeamanwhowantstomakeeverythingup.Suchamanmightfeelthatifhetookthelowestin theworldandcarriedituptothehighestpointandkeptondoingthis,everythingwould eventuallybecomeup.Thiswouldcertainlymoveagreatmanyobjectsandcreateanenormous amountofactivity.Itmightormightnotbeuseful,accordingtothestandardswhichweapply. Howeveritwouldneverresultintheabolishmentofdown. ThurmanW.Arnold

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UNIVERSITYTRAINEDLIARS:FiveDeliberateLies Thereisanassumptionineconomicsthatthemarketsystemhandlesresourceallocationinan efficientmannerunlessprovenotherwise.ThomasH.Tietenberg Thefirstthingamanwilldoforhisidealsislie.JosephSchumpeter Wehaveseeninanearlierpaper[1]howAmericawasspecificallydesignedtobeaspecial interestgovernmentagovernmentby,for,andoftherich.Thisisdonebygivingsocialpower (politicalpower)tothosewithmoney.TheroleofthesocialscientistinAmericaissimplyto preventthepublicfromdiscoveringhowtheAmericanpoliticalsystemactuallyworksto provideanumbrellaofprotection[2]overtherich. EversincethePhysiocrats,economistshavebegunwiththepoliticalclaimthatthemarketisthe bestmeanstomanagesocietyandhavespentover200yearsworkingbackwardstryingtoproveit. Theyhavefailed.Thebizarreresultof200yearsspentreverseengineeringisatheorythatmust onlyreferenceitselftobeevenmoderatelycoherent.Inotherwords,economictheoryisabout economictheoryitsamonstrouscircularargument.Thisistypical: Economistsassumepeoplethatpeoplemakerationaldecisionsbutabstainfromtestingthat assumption.Insteadoftesting,economistsinvokerevealedpreferencestheorywhichstatesthat choicesarerationalbecausetheyarebasedonpreferencesthatareknownthroughthechoicesthat aremade.Inotherwords,economistsresorttomeaningless,circularargumentsandmathematical conjuringtrickstojustifytheirpoliticalprogram.[3] Thosefreemarketerswhobothertorationalizetheirarguments,basethemonfivedeliberatelies: DELIBERATELIE#1.Themarketisefficient. Thisisthefoundinglie(actuallyanidiosyncraticredefinitionofterms)whichisdesignedto preventengineersandscientistsfrominvestigatingourmoneybasedpoliticalsystemobjectively. Economistsknowthatpeoplewhodonothaveeconomictrainingaregoingtoassumethat efficientisusedinthesamewaythatengineersusetheword:actingorproducingeffectively withaminimumofwaste,expense,orunnecessaryeffort. Butforeconomists,efficientmeanseitherefficientdistributionofprofitsorefficient productionofproductsnottheefficientuseofmaterials.Sincethemarketeconomizes money(thatwhichisinlimitlesssupply[4]),therichgetricherandthepoorgetpoorer.The reasoneconomistsuseidiosyncraticredefinitionsinsteadofcoiningnewterms(likeeveryother discipline)istomakethembetterliars! IdiosyncraticredefinitionallowseconomiststostandinfrontofyourlocalRotaryClubandappear toHONESTLYusewordsthatmeanonethingtothem,whileClubmembersthinktheymean somethingcompletelydifferent.Thisishoweconomistsevadeourinnateabilitytospotliars.

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Farfrombeingefficient,thesocalledmarketsystemisprobablytheMOSTINEFFICIENTsocial organizationpossible!Theoverhead(commutingtowork,banks,insurancecompanies,advertising agencies,etc.)associatedwithourpresentwayoforganizingconsumesthelargestfractionBYFAR ofournaturalresourcessomethinglike2trilliontonnesofoilequivalentperyear![5] DELIBERATELIE#2.Wantsaretheidenticaltoneeds. Thisisthesecondmostimportantlieineconomictheory.Thisliesetsoneuptoswallowtherestof thelies.Rightwingers(itisboilerplateeconomictheory)deliberatelylieaboutthisbecausethey wantyoutobelievethatDonaldTrumpneedsanothermilliondollarpaintingonthewallofone ofhismansionsjustasbadlyasawelfaremotherneedshealthcareforherchildren.This amountstoalicensefortherichtohoglimitedresources(onasphericalplanet,allresourcesare limited)andservesastheVaselinefortherestofthelies. DELIBERATELIE#3.Peoplearerationalutilitymaximizers.[6] Althougheveneconomistsadmitthisisalie,[7]itisstillboilerplateeconomictheory.Economists MUSTlieaboutthisbecauseifpeoplearebeingmanipulatedbymarketing,thenthesocalledfree marketobviouslyrequiresgovernmentintervention. InaLiberalDemocracy,taxpayersareultimatelyresponsibleforanindividualifthatindividual becomesdestituteoracriminal.Economistsusetherationalutilitymaximizerlietoprevent governmentinterventioninmarketswheninterventionwouldservethecommongood.For example,arationalgovernmentwouldinterveneinmarketstopreventconartistsfrompeddling theirworthlessshittoanunsuspectingpublic.(Wehaveallseenthosesuckersdumpingtheirlast dollarinaslotmachine.) Economistsarguethatgovernmentcannotpossiblyknowwhatanindividualneeds.Ifpeople aremanipulatedbyadvertisers,flashinglights,andsexsymbols,thengovernmenthasagood reasontointerveneinthemarketforanindividualswelfarebecausethesecausalitiesaredumped ongovernmenttocareforaftertheconartistshavecleanedthemout.Forexample,afederallaw couldbepassedthatwouldlimitlegalizedgamblingtohighnetworthindividuals(itsnowdone withoptionsandfuturestrading). Byhavinguniversitytrainedliars(economists)convincethevictimsthattheyaloneareresponsible fortheirownactions(insteadofateamofbestprofessionalsmoneycanbuywhowerehiredto exploitthepublic),therichevaderesponsibilityfortheiractions.Thusthemarketrepeatsthe basicmotifofAmericanpoliticsandillustrateswhatmakesitsoclever:therichmanipulate unsuspectingcitizensforfunandprofit,depletecommonresources,externalizesocialcostsonto thetaxpayer,andblamethevictimsthemselvesortheelectedscrewupsandtheircroniesfor socialproblems.Itsbrilliant! DELIBERATELIE#4.Moneyisjustamediumofexchange.[8] WariscontinuationofpoliticsbyothermeansClausewitz EconomicsisacontinuationofpoliticsbyothermeansHanson

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Moneyisliterallycreated(andbackedbyconsumerdebt)everytimeabankmakesaloan.Atthe timetheloanismade,notenoughmoneyisincirculationtopaytheinterestontheloan,somore moneymustbeeventuallycreated,bymoreconsumerdebt,topaybacktheinterestontheloan. [9] Politicsisdefinedoneattempting(andsometimessucceeding)togetanothertodowhatone wantsthemtodo.Allhighersocialanimalsengageinpolitics:ramsbutteachotherforfemales,a doggrowls,abossthreatenstofireemployeesorrewardthemwithpayraises. Sincemoneycanalsobuythebehaviorofotherpeople,itqualifiesisaformofpoliticalpower. Thus,contemporaryeconomictheoryisactuallyapoliticaltheorywhichassertsthateveryone willbebetteroffiftherichareallowedtodowhatevertheywant(socalledmarketoutcomes). DELIBERATELIE#5.Economistshaveprovedthatthemarketisefficient![10] Economistsusethewordprovedinthesensethatonepartoftheirboguseconomicmodel agreeswithanother.Ithasabsolutelynothingtodowiththerealworld. [1]http://warsocialism.com/founded.htm [2]http://dieoff.com/page235.htm [3]LUNATICPOLITICS,JayHanson,1998http://www.dieoff.com/page141.htm [4]http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9050474362583451279&hl=en [5]Hereisaveryroughidea:In2004,Americansconsumedabout342,700,000Btu,percapita,per year.[http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/international/iealf/tablee1c.xls]Thisconvertstoabout 86,358,951caloriesperyear[http://www.onlineconversion.com/energy.htm]or86,358,951/365 =236,599caloriesperday.Buthumansonlyrequiresomethinglike3,000caloriesperdayto survive,soitseemswe(veryroughly)wastesomethinglike236,5993,000=233,599caloriesper day,percapita. Studiesshowthatfoodgrainsproducedwithmodern,highyieldmethods(includingpackaging anddelivery)nowcontainbetweenfourandtencaloriesoffossilfuelforeverycalorieofsolar energy.Sowewillallowtencaloriesofenergytogrowandprocesseachcalorieoffooddelivered, so3,000*10=30,000caloriesperdayisrequiredtokeepsomeonealive.Thus,233,59930,000= 203,599caloriesarestillbeingwastedeachandeveryday,byeveryAmerican. Let'sallow20,000caloriesperday,percapitatocollectanddeliverfoodandwatertoeachand everyhouseholdinthecountry,so203,59920,000=183,599calorieswastedperday,percapitain theUS. PopulationinAmericais302,664,192(August2007est.),[ http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html]so183,599*302,664,192*365= 20,282,627,690,257,900caloriesor2,028,262,769tonnesofoilequivalentiswastedeachyearintheUS feedingpeople!(In2006,oilproductionintheMiddleEastwasonly1,221,900,000tonnes![ http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/globalbp_uk_english/reports_and_public ations/statistical_energy_review_2007/STAGING/local_assets/downloads/pdf/table_of_world_ oil_production_tonnes_2007.pdf])Themarketsystemisobviouslythemostinefficientorganizationin humanhistory!!

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Onasphericalplanet,governedbythelawsofthermodynamics,themarketsystemWILLend soonerorlater,onewayoranother. [6]TheliethatpeoplearesocalledRationalUtilityMaximizersprovidesthefoundationand rationaleforcontemporaryeconomics.See,forexample,DECISIONMAKINGANDPROBLEM SOLVING,HerbertA.Simon,1986:Centraltothebodyofprescriptiveknowledgeaboutdecision makinghasbeenthetheoryofsubjectiveexpectedutility(SEU),asophisticatedmathematical modelofchoicethatliesatthefoundationofmostcontemporaryeconomics,theoreticalstatistics, andoperationsresearch.SEUtheorydefinestheconditionsofperfectutilitymaximizing rationalityinaworldofcertaintyorinaworldinwhichtheprobabilitydistributionsofallrelevant variablescanbeprovidedbythedecisionmakers.(Inspirit,itmightbecomparedwithatheoryof idealgasesoroffrictionlessbodiesslidingdowninclinedplanesinavacuum.)SEUtheorydeals onlywithdecisionmaking;ithasnothingtosayabouthowtoframeproblems,setgoals,or developnewalternatives.http://warsocialism.com/simon.htm [7]MiltonFriedman(1955)defendedRationalChoiceTheory(RCT)byinsistingthateconomists shouldsimplylie.Friedmanarguedthatinacceptingordismissingatheory,weshouldonlylook atitsfitwiththedata,notattherealism(orlackthereof)ofitsassumptions.Bluntlyspeaking,he urgedustoapplytotheoriestheprincipleweoftenapplytosausages:asfarasthefinalproductis good,betternottoaskabouttheingredients.ThisisthefamousasifdefenseofRCT. [8]MONEY:Anythingwhichiswidelyacceptableinexchangeforgoods,orinsettlingdebts,not foritselfbutbecauseitcanbesimilarlypassedon,hasthecharacterofmoneysinceitservesthe primaryfunctionofmoney,i.e.ameansofpayment.Asameansofpaymentmoneyisanentity whichistransferredwhenapaymentismade;assuchitactsasaMEDIUMOFEXCHANGE,a functionessentialtoanyeconomyotherthanthemostprimitive.[p.285,THEMIT DICTIONARYOFECONOMICS,FourthEdition; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0262660784]. [9]Watchthisfreevideo:http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9050474362583451279or buytheDVDat:http://www.moneyasdebt.net/ [10]http://warsocialism.com/HowEconomistsSeeTheEnvironment.pdf JayHanson,28June2008http://www.warsocialism.com/economic.htm Iamoneofthosewhodonotbelievethenationaldebtisanationalblessing...itiscalculatedto raisearoundtheadministrationamoneyedaristocracydangeroustothelibertiesofthecountry. AndrewJackson,LettertoL.H.ColemanofWarrenton,N.C.,29April1824 Evolutionarypsychologyisnotjustonemoreschoolofpsychology.Itisaperspectiveonthewhole ofpsychologythatclaimsthatwearehumananimals,andthatourminds,nolessthanourbodies, areproductsoftheforcesofnatureoperatingonatimeframeofmillionsofyears;humannature wasforgedfromourancestorsstruggletosurviveandreproduce. DavidLivingstonSmith,WhyWeLie:TheEvolutionaryRootsofDeceptionandthe UnconsciousMind

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Oneofthemostwidespreadapproachestoemergeiswhatmightbecalledfitnessteleology. TeleologicalexplanationsarefoundinAristotle,andarguablyconstituteanevolvedmodeof interpretationbuiltintothehumanmind.Humansfindexplainingthingsintermsoftheendsthey leadtointuitiveandoftensufficient.Socialsciencetheorieshaveregularlydependedonexplicitly orimplicitlyteleologicalthinking.Economics,forexample,explainschoicebehaviornotinterms ofitsantecedentphysicalorcomputationalcausesbutintermsofhowthebehaviorservesutility maximization.Ofcourse,thescientificrevolutionoriginatedinRenaissancemechanics,andseeks ultimatelytoexplaineverythingusingforwardphysicalcausalityaverydifferentexplanatory systeminwhichteleologyisnotadmissible.Darwinoutlinedaphysicalprocessnatural selectionthatproducesbiologicaloutcomesthathadoncebeenattributedtonaturalteleological processes.Williamsmountedasystematiccritiqueofthemyriadwaysteleologyhadnonetheless implicitlyinfectedevolutionarybiology(whereitpersistsinDarwiniandisguises)....Organisms areadaptationexecuters,notfitnesspursuers. Tooby&Cosmides Asaschoolofthought,teleologycanbecontrastedwithmetaphysicalnaturalism,whichviews natureashavingnodesignorpurpose.Teleologywouldsaythatapersonhaseyesbecausehehas theneedofsight,whilenaturalismwouldsaythatapersonhassightbecausehehaseyes. Unattributed.Alsoseehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teleology Behaviouraleconomics...isbestunderstoodasasetofexceptionsthatmodifiesbutleavesintact thecanonicalmodelofrationalchoice,notleastsinceitisirrationaltosupposethatpeoplein generalbehaveirrationally. TheEconomist,29April2006 In585BC,theGreekphilosopherThalesofMellitusconcludedthateveryobservableeffectmust haveaphysicalcause.Thediscoveryofcausalityisnowtakentomarkthebirthofscience,and Thalesisimmortalizedasitsfather.Butcausalityalsomeansthedeathofsuperstition. BobParks Scienceisthebeliefintheignoranceoftheexperts. RichardFeynman Theideaofrationalexpectationshastwocomponents:first,thateachperson'sbehaviorcanbe describedastheoutcomeofmaximizinganobjectivefunctionsubjecttoperceivedconstraints;and second,thattheconstraintsperceivedbyeverybodyinthesystemaremutuallyconsistent.The firstpartrestrictsindividualbehaviortobeoptimalaccordingtosomeperceivedconstraints,while

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thesecondimposesconsistencyofthoseperceptionsacrosspeople.Inaneconomicsystem,the decisionsofonepersonformpartsoftheconstraintsuponothers,sothatconsistency,atleast implicitly,requirespeopletobeformingbeliefsaboutothers'decisions,abouttheirdecision processes,andevenabouttheirbeliefs. Whyhaveeconomistsembracedthehypothesisofrationalexpectations?Onereasonisthat,if perceptionsoftheenvironment,includingperceptionsaboutthebehaviorofotherpeople,areleft unrestricted,thenmodelsinwhichpeoplesbehaviordependsontheirperceptionscanproduceso manypossibleoutcomesthattheyareuselessasinstrumentsforgeneratingpredictions.The combinationofitstwokeyaspectsindividualrationalityandconsistencyofbeliefshasin manycontextsmaderationalexpectationsapowerfulhypothesisforrestrictingtherangeof possibleoutcomes.Anotherreasonforembracingrationalexpectationsisthattheconsistency conditioncanbeinterpretedasdescribingtheoutcomeofaprocessinwhichpeoplehave optimallychosentheirperceptions.Thatis,ifperceptionswerenotconsistent,thentherewould existunexploitedutilityorprofitgeneratingpossibilitieswithinthesystem.Insistingonthe disappearanceofallsuchunexploitedpossibilitiesisafeatureofalldefinitionsofequilibriumin economics. ThomasJ.Sargent,BoundedRationalityInMacroeconomics,ClarendonPaperbacks,2001, pages6&7 Eitherweseebusinessasarestorativeundertaking,orwe,businesspeople,willmarchtheentire racetotheundertaker.Businessistheonlymechanismontheplanettodaypowerfulenoughto producethechangesnecessarytoreverseglobalenvironmentalandsocialdegradation. PaulHawken,Inc.Magazine,April1992 Therequiredcriteriaforsuccessinthe21stcenturyareecologicalintegrity,effectivedecision making,andsocialcohesion.Theseareprogressivelyreplacingcurrentcommitmentstomaximum economicgrowth,compulsiveconsumption,andinternationalcompetition. RobertTheobald,ReworkingSuccess Energyhasalwaysbeenthebasisofculturalcomplexityanditalwayswillbe.thepastclarifies potentialpathstothefuture.Oneoftendiscussedpathisculturalandeconomicsimplicityand lowerenergycosts.Thiscouldcomeaboutthroughthecrashthatmanyfearagenuine collapseoveraperiodofoneortwogenerations,withmuchviolence,starvation,andlossof population.Thealternativeisthesoftlandingthatmanypeoplehopeforavoluntarychange tosolarenergyandgreenfuels,energyconservingtechnologies,andlessoverallconsumption. Thisisautopianalternativethat,assuggestedabove,willcomeaboutonlyifsevere,prolonged hardshipinindustrialnationsmakesitattractive,andifeconomicgrowthandconsumerismcanbe removedfromtherealmofideology.

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JosephA.Tainter,Complexity,ProblemSolving,andSustainableSocieties,from GettingDowntoEarth:PracticalApplicationsofEcologicalEconomics,1996;at http://www.dieoff.org/page134.htm The[thermodynamic]lawsthatexpresstherelationbetweenmatterandenergygoverntherise andfallofpoliticalsystems,thefreedomorbondageofsocieties,themovementsofcommerceand industries,theoriginofwealthandpoverty,andthegeneralphysicalwelfareofapeople. FrederickSoddy,1911 Anytimewecantfigureouthowtofindawin/winsolutiontoaproblem,itjustmeanswehavent reallylearnedtherulesofthegameweareplaying. Dr.EliayhuGoldratt,AvrahamGoldrattInstitute Itwasfutiletoworkfortoworkforpoliticalsolutionstohumanitysproblemsbecausehumanitys problemswerenotpolitical.Politicalproblemsdidexist,allright,buttheywereentirely secondary.Theprimaryproblemswerephilosophical,anduntilthephilosophicalproblemswere solved,thepoliticalproblemswouldhavetobesolvedoverandoveragain.Thephrasevicious circlewascoinedtodescribetheephemeraleffectivenessofalmostallpoliticalactivity. Fortheethical,politicalactivismwasseductivebecauseitseemedtoofferthepossibilitythatone couldimprovesociety,makethingsbetter,withoutgoingthroughthepersonalordealof rearrangingonesperceptionsandtransformingonesself.Fortheunconscionable,political reactivismwasseductivebecauseitseemedtoprotectonesholdingsandlegitimizeonesgreed. Bothsidesweregazingthroughakerchiefofillusion. Themonkeywrenchintheprogressivemachineryofprimateevolutionwasthepropensityofthe primatebandtotakeitspoliticalleadersitsdominantmalestooseriously.Ofbenefittothe bandwhenitwasactivelythreatenedbypredators,thedominantmale(orpoliticalboss)was almostwhollyselfservingandwasnaturallydedicatednottoliberationbuttocontrol.Behindhis chestbangingandfangdisplay,hewaslargelyajokeandcouldbekeptinhisplace(hisplace beingthatofanecessaryevil)bydisrespectandlaughter. Ofcourse,aslongastherewerewillingfollowers,therewouldbeexploitiveleaders.Andthere wouldbewillingfollowersuntilhumanityreachedthatphilosophicalplateauwhereitrecognized thatitsgreatmissioninlifehadnothingtodowithanystrugglebetweenclasses,races,nations,or ideologies,butwas,rather,apersonalquesttoenlargethesoul,liberatethespirit,andlightupthe brain.Onthatquest,politicswassimplyaroadblockofstentorianbaboons. TomRobbins,SkinnyLegsandAll,1990 Theworldisadangerousplacetolive;notbecauseofthepeoplewhoareevil,butbecauseofthe

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peoplewhodontdoanythingaboutit. AlbertEinstein Workisthebasisofallwealth,allwellbeing,whilemonopolyandcartelsareobstaclesforthe beneficialprocesses AdamSmith,TheWealthofNations AdamSmithwascorrectinnotingthattheprimarypurposeofgovernmentistoprotectthosewho runtheeconomyfromtheoutrageofinjuredcitizens. ThePoliticalEconomist(apocryphal) Ihavelongwrittenthatthelastofficialactofanygovernmentistolootthenation,butIwouldadd thattheveryfirstofficialactofanygovernmentistorenderunusablebyotherstheverymeansby whichtheycametopower. MichaelRivero,WhatReallyHappened Onecanrelishthevariedidiocyofhumanactionduringapanictothefull,for,whileitisatimeof greattragedy,nothingisbeinglostbutmoney. TheeconomicsituationisfundamentallysoundorsimplyThefundamentalsaregood.Allwho hearthesewordsshouldknowthatsomethingiswrong. JohnKennethGalbraith,TheGreatCrash,1929,Introduction Ineconomics,themajorityisalwayswrong. JohnKennethGalbraith Whengreatchangesoccurinhistory,whengreatprinciplesareinvolved,asarulethemajorityare wrong. EugeneV.Debs,Americansocialistleader(18551926) WhenyouhavetoclassifytheverycapacityoftheEarthtosupportlifeasanexternality,thenit istimetorethinkyourtheory. HermanDaly [Thenaturalrighttobefreeofthedebtsofapreviousgenerationis]asalutarycurbonthespiritof

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warandindebtment,which,sincethemoderntheoryoftheperpetuationofdebt,hasdrenchedthe earthwithblood,andcrusheditsinhabitantsunderburdenseveraccumulating. ThomasJefferson,lettertoJohnWaylesEppes,1813 Thatweareoverdonewithbankinginstitutionswhichhavebanishedthepreciousmetalsand substitutedamorefluctuatingandunsafemedium,thatthesehavewithdrawncapitalfromuseful improvementsandemploymentstonourishidleness,thatthewarsoftheworldhaveswollenour commercebeyondthewholesomelimitsofexchangingourownproductionsforourownwants, andthat,fortheemolumentofasmallproportionofoursocietywhopreferthesedemoralizing pursuitstolaborsusefultothewhole,thepeaceofthewholeisendangeredandallourpresent difficultiesproduced,areevilsmoreeasilytobedeploredthanremedied. ThomasJefferson,lettertoAbbeSalimankis,1810.ME12:379 Themoneypowerpreysuponthenationintimesofpeaceandconspiresagainstitintimesof adversity.Itismoredespoticthanamonarchy,moreinsolentthanautocracy,moreselfishthan bureaucracy.Itdenounces,aspublicenemies,allwhoquestionitsmethodsorthrowlightuponits crimes. AbrahamLincoln(apocryphal) Weneedoutsideinformation,andwewillhavetolearn.Butitiscomplicatedbecausemost businesseshavetwoinformationsystems.Oneisorganizedaroundthedatastream;theother,far olderone,aroundtheaccountingsystem.Theaccountingsystem,though,isafivehundredyear oldinformationsystemthatisinterribleshape.Thechangeswewillseeininformation technologiesoverthenexttwentyyearsarenothingcomparedtothechangeswewillseein accounting. Wehavealreadybeguntoobservechangesinmanufacturingcostaccounting,whoserootsgoback tothe1920sandwhichistotallyobsolete.Butthatisonlyformanufacturing,notservice. Manufacturingtodayaccountsfor23percentoftheGNPandperhaps16percentofemployment. Thus,forthevastmajorityofbusinesses,wehavenoaccountingthatsworthanything. Theproblemwithservicebusinessaccountingissimple.Whetheritsadepartmentstoreora universityorahospital,weknowhowmuchmoneycomesinandweknowhowmuchmoney goesout.Weevenknowwhereitgoes.Butwecannotrelateexpenditurestoresults.Nobody knowshow. Atpresent,thesetwosystemsareseparate.Theywillnotbeseparateforourgrandchildrens generation.TodaysCEOsstilldependontheaccountingmodel.Idontknowofasinglebusiness thatbasesitsdecisionsonthedataprocessingsystem.Everyonebasestheirdecisionsonthe accountingmodel,eventhoughmostofushavelearnedhoweasythismodelistomanipulate.

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Weknowwherewecantrustitandwherewecant.Wehaveallfallenthroughthiniceoften enoughnottowalkoneverypartofit.Wehavelearnedtodependoncashflowbecauseany secondyearaccountingstudentcanmanipulateaP&L.Bythenextgeneration,whenthedata processingstreamismorefamiliar,wewillbeabletomergethetwo,oratleastmakethem compatible,whichtheyarenttoday.Weteachthemseparatelyintheschools. Wehaveanaccountingmajorandacomputersciencemajor,andthetwodonttalktoeachother. Bothdepartmentsare,asarule,headedbypeoplewhoknowlittleaboutinformation.Theperson whoheadsupyouraccountingsystemknowsgovernmentrequirements.Theheadofdata processingcameupinhardware.Neitherknowsinformation. Wewillhavetobringthetwotogether,butwedontyetknowhow.Myownguessisthatten yearsfromnowamediumsizecompany,letalonealargeone,willhavetwodifferentpeople fillingtwopositionsthatonepersonhandlestoday.Itwillhaveachieffinancialofficer,whowill notmanageanybody.Thispersonwillmanagethecorporationsmoney,thebiggestpartofwhich willbemanagingforeignexchangetoughnowandsoontobecomemuchworse.Andthe companywillhaveachiefinformationofficer,whowillmanageitsinformationsystems.The companywillneedboth.Theybothlookattheworldandthebusinessquitedifferently. Neitherofthesepeople,though,isfocusedonthewealthproducingcapacityofthebusinessoron tomorrowsdecisions.Theyarebothfocusedonwhathappened.Notonwhatmighthappenor couldbemadetohappen. Wehaveanenormousjobaheadofus.Weneedtomakeourselvesandourbusinesses informationliterate.Thejobwillbeginwiththeindividual.Wemustbecometoolusers.Weneed tolookforinformationasatoolforaspecificjob,whichfewpeopledo.(Mostwhoapproach informationinthiswayarenotinbusiness;thosewhohavegonethefurthestareinthemilitary.) Outsecondbigjobistouseourdataprocessingcapacitytounderstandwhatishappeningonthe outside.Theavailabledataareusuallyinpoorformandofdubiousreliability.Theonlycompanies thathaveanyinformationofthiskindarethebigJapanesetradinghouses.Theyhaveinformation abouttheoutside(whattheyhaveaboutBrazilisamazing),butittookthemfortyyearsanda greatdealofmoneytoacquireit. FormostCEOs,themostimportantinformationisnotaboutcustomersbutaboutnoncustomers. Thisisthegroupinwhichchangewilloccur. Letstakealookatthatendangeredspecies,theAmericandepartmentstore.Nobodyknewmore abouttheircustomersthanthesestores.Untilthe1980stheyheldontotheircustomers.Butthey hadnoinformationaboutnoncustomers.Theyhad28percentoftheretailmarket,thelargest singleshare.However,thismeantthat72percentdidntshopatthedepartmentstores.Andthe departmentstoreshadnoinformationonthesepeople.Andtheycouldnthavecaredless.Thus,

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theywereunawarethatnewcustomersespeciallytheaffluentdonotshopindepartment stores.Nobodyknowswhy.Theyjustdont.Bytheendofthe1980s,though,thesenoncustomers hadbecomethedominantinfluencegroup.Theybegantodeterminehowallofusshop.But nobodyinthedepartmentstoreworldknewthisbecausetheyhadbeenlookingattheirown customers.Afteratime,theyknewmoreandmoreaboutlessandless. Wemustbegintoorganizeinformationfromtheoutside,wherethetrueprofitcentersexist.We willhavetobuildasystemthatgivesthisinformationtothosewhomakethedecisions.Andwe willhavetobringtogethertheaccountinganddataprocessingsystems,whichissomethingfew peopleareinterestedindoing.Wereatthebeginning. PeterF.Drucker,ManagingintheNextSociety.TheInformationSociety;FromComputer LiteracytoInformationLiteracy,2002,pages5256 Thenotionthataradicalisonewhohateshiscountryisnaiveandusuallyidiotic.Heis,more likely,onewholikeshiscountrymorethantherestofus,andisthusmoredisturbedthantherest ofuswhenheseesitdebauched.Heisnotabadcitizenturningtocrime;heisagoodcitizen driventodespair. H.L.Mencken Ifyelovewealthbetterthanliberty,thetranquillityofservitudebetterthantheanimatedcontestof freedom,gohomefromusinpeace.Weasknotyourcounselsoryourarms.Crouchdownandlick thehandswhichfeedyou.Mayyourchainssetlightlyuponyou,andmayposterityforgetthatye wereourcountrymen. SamuelAdams Theabilitytolearnfasterthanyourcompetitorsmaybetheonlysustainablecompetitive advantage. ArieDeGeus,RoyalDutchShell Wheneverastateorindividualcitedinsufficientfundsasanexcuseforneglectingthisimportant thingorthat,itwasindicativeoftheextenttowhichrealityhadbeendistortedbytheabstractlens ofwealth.Duringperiodsofsocalledeconomicdepression,forexample,societiessufferedfor wantofallmannerofessentialgoods,yetinvestigationalmostinvariablydisclosedthattherewere plentyofgoodsavailable.Plentyofcoalintheground,corninthefields,woolonthesheep.What wasmissingwasnotmaterialsbutanabstractunitofmeasurementcalledmoney.Itwasakinto astarvingwomanwithasweettoothlamentingthatshecouldntbakeacakebecauseshedidnt haveanyounces.Shehadbutter,flour,eggs,milk,andsugar,shejustdidnthaveanyounces,any pinches,anypints.Theloonylegacyofmoneywasthatthearithmeticbywhichthingswere measuredhadbecomemorevaluablethanthethingsthemselves.

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TomRobbins,SkinnyLegsandAll,1990,page408 ThehealthofaStatedependsonaduequantityandregularcirculationofcashasmuchasthe healthofananimalbodydependsupontheduequantityandregularcirculationoftheblood. AlexanderHamilton,FirstSecretaryoftheUnitedStatesTreasury Actually,Ihavenoregardformoney.Asidefromitspurchasingpower,itscompletelyuseless. AlfredHitchcock Hitlerheldthat,aslongastheinternationalmonetarysystemwasbasedongold,anationwhich corneredgoldcouldimposeitswillonthosewholackedit.Thiscouldbedonebydryinguptheir sourcesofexchange,andtherebycompellingthemtoacceptloansoninterestinordertodistribute theirwealththeirproduction.Hesaid:Thecommunityofthenationdoesnotlivebythe fictitiousvalueofmoney,butbyrealproductionwhichinitsturngivesvaluetomoney.This productionistherealcoverofthecurrency,andnotabankorasafefullofgold.Hedecided:(1) Torefuseforeigninterestbearingloans,andbaseGermancurrencyonproductioninsteadofon gold.(2)Toobtainimportsbydirectexchangeofgoodsbarterandsubsidizeexportswhen necessary.(3)Toputastoptowhatwascalledfreedomoftheexchangesthatis,licenseto gambleincurrenciesandshiftprivatefortunesfromonecountrytoanotheraccordingtothe politicalsituation.And(4)tocreatemoneywhenmenandmaterialwereavailableforwork insteadofrunningintodebtbyborrowingit. Becausethelifeofinternationalfinancedependedupontheissueofinterestbearingloansto nationsineconomicdistress,Hitlerseconomicsspeltitsruination.Ifhewereallowedtosucceed, othernationswouldcertainlyfollowhisexample,andshouldatimecomewhenallnongold holdinggovernmentsexchangedgoodsforgoods,notonlywouldborrowingceaseandgoldlose itspower,butthemoneylenderswouldhavetocloseshop. ThisfinancialpistolwaspointedmoreparticularlyattheUnitedStates,becausetheyheldthebulk oftheworldssupplyofgold,andbecausetheirmassproductionsystemnecessitatedtheexportof about10percentoftheirproductsinordertoavoidunemployment.Further,becauseofthe brutalitiesmetedouttoGermanJewsbyHitlerunderstandablyhadantagonizedAmericanJewish financiers,sixmonthsafterHitlerbecameChancellor,SamuelUntermeyer,awealthyNewYork attorney,threwdownthechallenge.HeproclaimedaholywaragainstNationalSocialismand calledforaneconomicboycottofGermangoods,shipping,andservices. MajorGeneralJ.F.C.FullerC.B.,C.B.E.,D.S.O.,AMilitaryHistoryoftheWesternWorld, vol.III,MinervaPress,1956,pages368ff TheremaybesometruthinthatiftheArabshavesomecomplaintsaboutmypolicytowards

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Israel,theyhavetorealizethattheJewsintheU.S.controltheentireinformationandpropaganda machine,thelargenewspapers,themotionpictures,radioandtelevision,andthebigcompanies, andthereisaforcethatwehavetotakeintoconsideration. RichardMilhousNixon,ThirtySeventhPresidentoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,as quotedbyLeonardDinnerstein,AntisemitisminAmerica,OxfordUniversityPress,New York,(1994),pp.232233.Dinnersteincites:ClippingofFikriAbbaza,interviewwith RichardNixon,AlMussawar,July12,1974,folderJewishMatters,19691974,box5, LeonardGarmentmss.,LC. Ionlyknowthreepeoplewhounderstandmoney,andtwoofthemhaveverylittleofit. A.Rothschild(apocryphal) Ifallbankloanswerepaid[off],noonewouldhaveabankdeposit,andtherewouldnotbea dollarofcurrencyorcoinincirculation.Thisisastaggeringthought.Wearecompletely dependentonthecommercialBanks.Someonehastoborroweverydollarwehaveincirculation, cashor[checkbook]credit[s].IftheBankscreateamplesyntheticmoneyweareprosperous;ifnot, westarve.Weareabsolutelywithoutapermanentmoneysystem.Whenonegetsacompletegrasp ofthepicture,thetragicabsurdityofourhopelesspositionisalmostincredible,butthereitis.Itis themostimportantsubjectintelligentpersonscaninvestigateandreflectupon.Itissoimportant thatourpresentcivilizationmaycollapseunlessitbecomeswidelyunderstoodandthedefects remediedsoon. RobertH.Hemphill,formerCreditManager,TheFederalReserveBankofAtlanta. SenateDocument#23,page102,January24,1939 Seignorageonthecurrencyisawonderfulcentralbankingthingwhichexplainswhymanycentral banks,perhapsmostcentralbanks,arebothgrosslyoverstaffedandgrosslyinefficient.Wewere noexceptiontothat.Wetooktheseignorageincome,whichinamoderatelyhighinflation environmentwasalwaysmorethanadequateforourneeds,spentwhatwefeltlikespendingand handedovertheresttotheTreasurybywayofdividend.Therewasnopoliticaloversightofwhat wespent.Wejustgotfirstcrackattheseignorage. DonaldBrash,governoroftheNewZealandCentralBank,1999 Youcannotinademocraticsocietyhaveaninstitutionwhichiseitherfullyorpartlydissociated fromtheelectoralprocessandwhichhaspowersthatcentralbanksinherentlyhave. AlanGreenspan,1994 Ibelievethatbankinginstitutionsaremoredangeroustoourlibertiesthanstandingarmies.Ifthe Americanpeopleeverallowprivatebankstocontroltheissueoftheircurrency,firstbyinflation,

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thenbydeflation,thebanksandcorporationsthatwillgrowuparound[thebanks]willdeprive thepeopleofallpropertyuntiltheirchildrenwakeuphomelessonthecontinenttheirfathers conquered.Theissuingpowershouldbetakenfromthebanksandrestoredtothepeople,to whomitproperlybelongs. ThomasJefferson,ThirdPresidentoftheUnitedStates(17431826),Lettertothe SecretaryoftheTreasuryAlbertGallatin(1802) Moneyisthemostimportantsubjectintellectualpersonscaninvestigateandreflectupon.Itisso importantthatourpresentcivilizationmaycollapseunlessitiswidelyunderstoodanditsdefects remediedverysoon. RobertH.Hemphill,FederalReserve Youmustrememberthat,toaneconomist,realityisaspecialcase. HarryPollard Aneconomistisamanwhostatestheobviousintermsoftheincomprehensible. AlfredA.Knopf,20thCenturyAmericanpublisher GreshamsLaw: Badmoneydrivesoutgood. GreshamsLawappliedtoimmigration: Immigrantlaborpauperizesdomesticlabor. Cheapforeignlabordrivesoutlifesupportinglocallabor. Freetradedrivesoutresponsibletrade. GarrettHardin,TheOstrichFactor ...[R]ememberthatthisoutofcontrolglobalfinancialsystemisamanmadeartifact,apolitical regimedevisedovermanyyearsbyinterestedpartiestoservetheirends.Nothinginnatureor,for thatmatter,ineconomicsrequirestherestofustoacceptasystemthatissounjustandmindlessly destructive. WilliamGreider,inTheNation Wheneverthereisgreatproperty,thereisgreatinequality.Foroneveryrichman,theremustbeat leastfivehundredpoor,andtheaffluenceoftherichsupposestheindigenceofthemany,whoare oftendrivenbywant,andpromptedbyenvy,toinvadehispossessions....Civilgovernment,sofar asitisinstitutedforthesecurityofpropertyisinrealityinstitutedforthedefenceoftherich againstthepoor,orofthosewhohavesomepropertyagainstthosewhohavenoneatall.

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AdamSmith,TheWealthofNations,1776,BookV,ChapterI,PartII,page775 Astatedividedintoasmallnumberofrichandalargenumberofpoorwillalwaysdevelopa governmentmanipulatedbytherichtoprotecttheirproperty. HaroldLaski,1930 Animbalancebetweenrichandpooristheoldestandmostfatalailmentofallrepublics. Plutarch(apocryphal) Theeconomyisawhollyownedsubsidiaryoftheenvironment,nottheotherwayaround. GaylordNelson(19162005) Economistsinparticular,forthemostpart,havefailedtocometogripswiththeultimate consequencesofthetransitionfromtheopentotheclosedearth. KennethBoulding,1966 Manissmall,and,therefore,smallisbeautiful. ABuddhisteconomistwouldconsiderthisapproachexcessivelyirrational:sinceconsumptionis merelyameanstohumanwellbeing,theaimshouldbetoobtainthemaximumofwellbeingwith theminimumofconsumption....Thelesstoilthereis,themoretimeandstrengthisleftforartistic creativity.Moderneconomics,ontheotherhand,considersconsumptiontobethesoleendand purposeofalleconomicactivity. Itisclear,therefore,thatBuddhisteconomicsmustbeverydifferentfromtheeconomicsofmodern materialism,sincetheBuddhistseestheessenceofcivilisationnotinamultiplicationofwantsbut inthepurificationofhumancharacter.Character,atthesametime,isformedprimarilybyaman's work.Andwork,properlyconductedinconditionsofhumandignityandfreedom,blessesthose whodoitandequallytheirproducts. Themoststrikingaboutmodernindustryisthatitrequiressomuchandaccomplishessolittle. Modernindustryseemstobeinefficienttoadegreethatsurpassesone'sordinarypowersof imagination.Itsinefficiencythereforeremainsunnoticed. Wisdomdemandsaneworientationofscienceandtechnologytowardstheorganic,thegentle,the nonviolent,theelegantandbeautiful. Thewayinwhichweexperienceandinterprettheworldobviouslydependsverymuchindeedon

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thekindofideasthatfillourminds.Iftheyaremainlysmall,weak,superficial,andincoherent,life willappearinsipid,uninteresting,petty,andchaotic. Ifgreedwerenotthemasterofmodernman,howcoulditbethatthefrenzyofeconomicactivity doesnotabateashigherstandardsoflivingareattained,andthatitispreciselytherichestsocieties whichpursuetheireconomicadvantagewiththegreatestruthlessness? E.F.Schumacher,SmallisBeautiful:EconomicsAsIfPeopleMattered,1973 Nothinginpoliticshappensbyaccident.Ifitdoes,youbetterbelieveitwascarefullyplanned. FranklinDelanoRoosevelt(apocryphal) Therealtruthofthematteris,asyouandIknow,thatafinancialelementinthelargecentershas ownedthegovernmentoftheU.S.sincethedaysofAndrewJackson. FranklinDelanoRoosevelt,inaletterwrittenNov.21,1933toColonelE.Mandell House Politicsistheartoflookingfortrouble,findingitwhetheritexistsornot,diagnosingitincorrectly, andapplyingthewrongremedy. ErnestBenn Youcanbettherentmoneythatwhateverpoliticiansdowillendupharmingconsumers.... Economicignoranceistopoliticianswhatidlehandsaretothedevil.Bothprovidetheworkshop forthecreationofevil. WalterE.Williams Whereloverules,thereisnowilltopower,andwherepowerpredominates,loveislacking.The oneistheshadowoftheother. CarlJung,OnthePsychologyoftheUnconscious,1917 Itistrulyatriumphofrhetoricoverrealitywhenpeoplecanbelievethatgoingintopoliticsis publicservice,butthatproducingfood,shelter,transportation,ormedicalcareisnot. ThomasSowell Whatwecallprogressisamysteriousmarriageofcreativityandplunder.Civilizationhas floweredwhenhumanbeingshavedevisedingeniousnewwaystoorganizeproductionandsocial life,butsuchorganizationhasusuallybeenaccomplishedwithstolengoods...Undergirding[its]

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extraordinaryachievementsinartphilosophy,literature,andstatecraft[are]militarypowerand conquest. RichardJ.Barnet Wecanbeginwithasimplepremise:Democracyandmarketeconomicsarenotthesamething. Worse,theattemptstoconfuseandconflatetheminpretendedequivalencestoodoutatthe millenniumasadestructiveaspectofU.S.politics.Asnoted,therollbacksofdemocracysketched inthesechaptershaveaccompaniedtheelevationofmarketsthefulfillmentoftheNorth AmericanFreeTradeAgreement,theEuropeanUnion(launchedasacommonmarket)andthe WorldTradeOrganization,andtheascentoftheFederalReserveBoardastheprotectorand liquidityprovideroffinancialandsecuritiesmarkets. Washington,Jefferson,Lincoln,andthetwoRooseveltswouldprobablyhavebeenappalled. Politicsandgovernmentdownthroughtheages,whileoftenbrutalorgrosslydeficient,havebeen thesubjectmatterofPlatoandAristotle,AquinasandMachiavelli,Locke,andafewofAmerica's owngreatnames.Markets,bycontrast,descendfromfairsoflatemedievalEurope,church permittedsafetyvalvesforgambling,moneylending,andotherformsoflicense.Theideathat theyhaveturnedintoavehicleforhumangovernancelacksanybasebeyondtheoccasional financialpublication. KevinPhillips,WealthandDemocracy,2002,pages417418 Toomuchandfortoolong,weseemedtohavesurrenderedpersonalexcellenceandcommunity valuesinthemereaccumulationofmaterialthings.GrossNationalProductcountsairpollution andcigaretteadvertising,andambulancestoclearourhighwaysofcarnage.Itcountsspeciallocks forourdoorsandthejailsforthepeoplewhobreakthem.Itcountsthedestructionoftheredwood andthelossofournaturalwonderinchaoticsprawl....Yetthegrossnationalproductdoesnot allowforthehealthofourchildren,thequalityoftheireducationorthejoyoftheirplay.Itdoes notincludethebeautyofourpoetryorthestrengthofourmarriages,theintelligenceofourpublic debateortheintegrityofourpublicofficials.Itmeasuresneitherourwitnorourcourage,neither ourwisdomnorourlearning,neitherourcompassionnorourdevotiontoourcountry.Itmeasures everything,inshort,exceptthatwhichmakeslifeworthwhile.Anditcantelluseverythingabout AmericaexceptwhyweareproudthatweareAmericans. RobertF.Kennedy,attheUniversityofKansas,18March1968 Aneracanbeconsideredoverwhenitsbasicillusionshavebeenexhausted. ArthurMiller Accordingtoanemergingidea,politicalpositionsaresubstantiallydeterminedbybiologyandcan bestubbornlyresistanttoreason....Evidencetosupportthisideaisgrowing.Forexample,twin

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studiessuggestthatopinionsonalonglistofissues,fromreligioninschoolstonuclearpowerand gayrights,haveasubstantialgeneticcomponent.Thedecisiontovoteratherthanstayathomeon electiondaymayalsobelinkedtogenes.Neuroscientistshavealsogotinontheact,showingthat liberalsandconservativeshavedifferentpatternsofbrainactivity.... Theseresultsarestartling.Evolutionisaslowprocessthattakescenturiestoeffectchanges,so whywoulditendowuswithgenesthataffectissueswhichseemfleetingonanevolutionaryscale? FrankSulloway,apsychologistattheUniversityofCalifornia,Berkeley,backstheideathat inheritancecaninfluencepoliticalattitudes,butadmitstheresultsmaysoundodd.There'sno suchthingasagenefordislikinghippies,hesays.Thepointisthatcertaingenesshape personalitytraits,andthesearelinkedtopoliticalopinion....Sowhilethereisntageneforliking hippies,thereisprobablyasetofgenesthatinfluencesopenness,whichinturnmayinfluence politicalorientation.... Theactofvotinginevitablyhasanemotionaldimension.Votersgenerallyhaveacertaindegreeof trustintheirchosencandidate,forexample.Thatsuggeststhattwowellstudiedgenesmaybe involved:5HTTandMAOA,whichbothhelpcontrolthelevelsofserotonin,aneurotransmitter thatalsoinfluencesbrainareaslinkedwithtrustandsocialinteraction.Peoplewithversionsofthe genesthatarebetteratregulatingserotonintendtobemoresociable.AccordingtoFowlers hypothesis,theyshouldalsobemorelikelytovote.... Manyothergenesarelikelytobeinvolved.InapaperpresentedinApril2007totheannual conferenceoftheMidwestPoliticalScienceAssociation,heldinChicago,IraCarmen,ofthe UniversityofIllinoisatUrbanaChampaign,discussedD4DR,ageneinvolvedinregulatinglevels oftheneurotransmitterdopamine.Itisknownthathighlevelsofdopaminecancauseobsessive compulsivedisorder.Carmenspeculatesthatdopaminemightthereforebelinkedtotheneedto imposeorderontheworld.Ifso,variantsoftheD4DRgenethatleadtohigherlevelsofdopamine shouldbefoundmorefrequentlyinconservatives.... Evenwithoutadetailedunderstandingofthegenesinvolved,thesestudiescouldinfluencereal worldpolitics.Atworst,theresearchcouldbeinterpretedinadepressingway.Jostandothers speculatethatallsocietiescontaingroupsanalogoustowesternliberalsandconservatives:one wantstobringinnewideas,theotherresistschange. JimGiles,ArePoliticalLeaningsAllintheGenes?,NewScientistPrintEditionIssue2641, 2February2008 Ourmostsignificantadaptationisabrainthatisrunbyanoperatingsystemcalledculture.Itis inourgenes,sotospeak,tolearnandthinkwithinaculturalsystem.Thefoodweeat (cheeseburgers,fermentedpuffins,grilledgrubs,rawwhaleblubber)willvarywithourculture, butwhatwecrave(fats,highenergysugarsandproteins)willnot. Theideaswethinkwith(magical,philosophical,religious,scientific,individualistic,conformist)

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willalsovarywithourculture,butthefactthatwethinkwithideaswillnot. Wehavethemostcomplexbrainofanyknownanimal,andatleastsomescientiststhinkitgotthis complicatedsothatitcouldlearnculturalsystems:Butcanwedistinguishthehardwarefromthe operatingsystem? Theselfishgenestillisvalidforalimitedrangeofbehavioralsystemsbutinhumansandsome otheranimalsthatliveingroupsofcloselyrelatedindividuals,itreallyoughttobeunderstoodas theselfishgenome. HelgaVierichDrever HumansasStubbornOperatorsofBrokenMachines Behavioraleconomicsgrewoutofacritiqueofstandardeconomicassumptions.Thistradition sometimesleadstoaviewofbehavioraleconomicsasacollectionofbiases,thatis,violationsof standardassumptionsineconomics. Behavioralmodelsoftentakeasastartingpointastandardeconomicmodelandreinterpretthe modelasadescriptionhowthepersonthinksandfeels.Next,an(oftencompelling)caseismade thatmanyoftheassumptionsareunrealisticbecausehumanscannotperformthedifficultmental tasksembodiedintheformalism.Themistakeorbiasistypicallymodeledbyassumingthatsome aspectoftheoptimizationprocedureinthedecisionmodelisdoneincorrectly.Typically, behavioraleconomiststakegreatcareinmotivatingtheparticularmistakeandprovidedetailed evidencethathumansindeedhavetroubleperformingthetaskrequiredbythemodel.Finally,the psychologicalandsometimesalsotheeconomicconsequencesofthemodelwiththebiasare explored.However,rarelydothesetheoriesaskwhetheroncethemistakeistakenforgranted theoriginalmodelmakessense.Inotherwords,whywouldhumansgotothetroubleof maximizingobjectivefunctions,formulatingcomplicatedbeliefsonlytogetthingssystematically wrong? Forexample,considertheODonoghueRabinmodelofnaive,dynamicallyinconsistentdecision makers.Thesedecisionmakersmaximizeastandardutilityfunctionbuthaveincorrectbeliefs abouttheirownfuturebehavior.Theassumptionthathumanshavewrong,evensystematically biased,beliefsseemsplausibleandstrikesacordwithmostreaders.Atthesametime,itseems highlyimplausiblethatindividualswouldgotothetroubleofsolvingadynamicoptimization problemwhensolvingthisproblemhasnoclearbenefit.Inastandardmodel,maximizingautility functionissimplyaconciserepresentationofhowtheagentbehaves.Butoncethemodelis interpretedasamentalprocess,wemustimaginethatthedecisionmakeractuallyperformsthe optimization. Sincethedecisionmakerissystematicallywrongaboutfuturebehaviorthereisnoobviousbenefit frommaximizingtheobjectivefunctionasopposedtotakingsomeother(perhapsarbitrary)

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action.Themetaphorofanoperatorofabrokenmachinecomestomind.Thinkofacarownerwho operatesacarwithadefectivesteeringandyetbehavesasifthesteeringwereinperfectworking condition.Hespendsgreateffortlearninghowtodriveonaperfectlyworkingcaronlytocrashhis defectivevehicleateveryopportunity. Bayesruleisanimplicationofthestandardmodelofdecisionmakingtogetherwiththeexistence ofsubjectiveprobabilitiesandtheseparationofpayoffsandbeliefs.Therearenumerous experimentstodescribehowindividualsprocessinformationincorrectly,thatis,inways inconsistentwithBayesrule.Onewayinwhichbehavioralmodelsdealwithviolationsof BayesianupdatingistoassumethatindividualsapplyBayesruleincorrectlyorapplyittothe wrongunderlyingstochasticprocess.Theproblemwiththistypeofmodelisthatbyintroducing thebiasthemodelhaslostthereasonwhyindividualsshouldholdprobabilisticbeliefstobegin with.Whygotothetroubleofformingnumericalrepresentationsoflikelihoodswhenthose representationsareusedincorrectly?Whileitisveryplausiblethatagentsmakemistakesin informationprocessing,itseemsevenmoreplausiblethattheremainderofthestandardmodelis alsowronggiventhatinformationisprocessedincorrectly. WolfgangPesendorfer,BehavioralEconomicsComesofAge,Princeton,2006,pages910 Theargumentthatthetwopartiesshouldrepresentopposedidealsandpolicies,one,perhaps,of theRightandtheotheroftheLeft,isafoolishideaacceptableonlytothedoctrinaireandacademic thinkers.Instead,thetwopartiesshouldbealmostidentical,sothattheAmericanpeoplecan throwtherascalsoutatanyelectionwithoutleadingtoanyprofoundorextremeshiftsinpolicy. CarrollQuigley,Author,Historian,Governmentconsultant Furthereconomicgrowthisneitherpossiblenordesirable.Modernindustrialeconomyisnot requiredforculturalorspiritualgrowth,andposesathreattohumansurvival. DimitriOrlov Thereisnomeansofavoidingthefinalcollapseofaboombroughtaboutbycreditexpansion.The alternativeisonlywhetherthecrisisshouldcomesoonerastheresultofvoluntaryabandonment offurthercreditexpansion,orlaterasthefinalandtotalcatastropheofthecurrencysystem involved. LudwigvonMises,HumanAction,1949 Alltheperplexities,confusion,anddistressinAmericaarise,notfromdefectsintheirConstitution, notfromwantofhonororvirtue,somuchasfromthedownrightignoranceofthenatureofcoin, credit,andcirculation. Therearetwowaystoconquerandenslaveanation.Oneisbysword.Theotherisbydebt.

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JohnAdams,lettertoThomasJefferson,25August1787 Thisinstitution[privatelyownedcentralbanks]isoneofthemostdeadlyhostilityagainstthe principlesofourConstitutionsupposeaseriesofemergenciesshouldoccuraninstitutionlike thisinacriticalmomentmightoverthrowthegovernment. ThomasJefferson,December1803lettertoTreasurySecretaryAlbertGallatin Wesayinourplatformthatwebelievethattherighttocoinandissuemoneyisafunctionof government.Webelieveit.Webelievethatitisapartofsovereignty,andcannomorewithsafety bedelegatedtoprivateindividualsthanwecouldaffordtodelegatetoprivateindividualsthe powertomakepenalstatutesorlevytaxesThosewhoareopposedtothispropositiontellusthat theissueofpapermoneyisafunctionofthebank,andthatthegovernmentoughttogooutofthe bankingbusiness.IstandwithJeffersonratherthanwiththem,andtellthem,ashedid,thatthe issueofmoneyisafunctionofgovernment,andthatthebanksoughttogooutofthegoverning businessWhenwehaverestoredthemoneyoftheConstitution,allotherreformwillbepossible, butuntilthisisdonethereisnootherreformthatcanbeaccomplished. WilliamJenningsBryan,inhisCrossofGoldspeech,1896 Therealmenaceofourrepublicisthisinvisiblegovernmentwhichlikeagiantoctopussprawlsits slimylengthovercity,stateandnation.Liketheoctopusofreallife,itoperatesundercoverofa selfcreatedscreen....AttheheadofthisoctopusaretheRockefellerStandardOilinterestsanda smallgroupofpowerfulbankinghousesgenerallyreferredtoasinternationalbankers.Thelittle coterieofpowerfulinternationalbankersvirtuallyruntheUnitedStatesgovernmentfortheirown selfishpurposes.Theypracticallycontrolbothpoliticalparties. NewYorkCityMayorJohnF.Hylan,1922 Therealtruthofthematteris,asyouandIknow,thatafinancialelementinthelargercentershas ownedtheGovernmenteversincethedaysofAndrewJacksonandIamnotwhollyexcepting theAdministrationofW.W.[WoodrowWilson].Thecountryisgoingthrougharepetitionof Jackson'sfightwiththeBankoftheUnitedStatesonlyonafarbiggerandbroaderbasis. FranklinRoosevelt,lettertoCol.EdwardMandellHouse,21November1933 ThedepressionwasthecalculatedshearingofthepublicbytheWorldMoneypowers,triggered bytheplannedsuddenshortageofsupplyofcallmoneyintheNewYorkmoneymarket....The OneWorldGovernmentleadersandtheireverclosebankershavenowacquiredfullcontrolofthe moneyandcreditmachineryoftheU.S.viathecreationoftheprivatelyownedFederalReserve Bank.

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CurtisDall(FDR'ssoninlaw),MyExploitedFatherinLaw,1967 Asthenameimplies,processpoliticsemphasizestheadequacyandfairnessoftherulesgoverning theprocessofpolitics.Iftheprocessisfair,then,asinatrialconductedaccordingtodueprocess, theoutcomeisassumedtobejustoratleastthebestthesystemcanachieve.Bycontrast, systemspoliticsisconcernedprimarilywithdesiredoutcomes;meansaresubordinatedto predeterminedends. WilliamOphuls&Boyan,EcologyandthePoliticsofScarcityRevisited:TheUnravelingof theAmericanDream,1992,page242 Butwhatcounterinsurgencyreallycomesdowntoistheprotectionofthecapitalistsbackin America,theirproperty,andtheirprivileges.USnationalsecurity,aspreachedbyUSleaders,is thesecurityofthecapitalistclassintheUS,notthesecurityoftherestofthepeople.(page562) Americancapitalism,basedasitisonexploitationofthepoor,withitsfundamentalmotivationin personalgreed,simplycannotsurvivewithoutforcewithoutasecretpoliceforce.Now,more thanever,eachofusisforcedtomakeaconsciouschoicewhethertosupportthesystemof minoritycomfortandprivilegewithallitssecurityapparatusandrepression,orwhetherto struggleforrealequalityofopportunityandfairdistributionofbenefitsforallofsociety,inthe domesticaswellastheinternationalorder.It'shardernownottorealizethattherearetwosides, hardernottounderstandeach,andhardernottorecognizethatlikeitornotwecontributedayin anddayouteithertotheonesideortotheother.(page597) PhilipAgee,InsidetheCompany:CIADiary,1975 Isrealpolitikpartofhumannature?Asubset?Yesandno.Realpolitikisacollectiveaspectof humannature(although,itcouldbeappliedtochimps,wolves,lions,etc.)Itsthepractical politicalsituationasitexistsataspecificpointintime. Aswehavediscussedbefore,thewayourgovernmentactuallyworksisnttaughtinschools except(apparently)tolobbyists.InsteadAmericans(evenacademics)aretaughtidealism,and thisignorantviewofhowgovernmentsactuallyworkishammereddownthethroatsofordinary AmericansontalkradioandtalkingheadTV24/7. Americansarebrainwashedintothinkingthattheonlychoicesarelaissezfaireorgovernment intervention,whichisportrayedasSovietUnionstyleofgovernment),butthisisaliepromotedby theRight.Thesearethesameargumentsmadebeforetheminimumwage,socialsecurity,etc.were enacted.Infact,businesscouldnotevenexistwithoutgovernmentinterference(toenforce contracts,etc.).Moreover,those35,000lobbyistsareaftermoregovernmentinterference,notless. Thesepointsweremadeby[Thurmond]Arnoldinhiswork,byRobertH.Nelson,andnowby CassSunstein.Hereissomehistoryastohowwegothere:

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http://www.warsocialism.com/gospelOfEfficiency.htm Unlessactivistsconsidertheactualpoliticalsystem,theyaregoingtofailagainandagainand againuntilanewversionofJulianSimonistrottedoutofsomeclosetsomewhere,givenascript thatissostupidthatachimpwouldgagonit,andAmericanswillsimplysendthetroopsformore supplies. JayHanson,16June2009,personalcommunication Iwillnotwillinglycedemorepowertoanyone,nottothestate,nottoGeneralMotors,nottothe CIO.Iwillhoardmypowerlikeamiser,resistingeveryefforttodrainitawayfromme.Iwillthen usemypower,asIseefit.Imeantolivemylifeanobedientman,butobedienttoGod,subservient tothewisdomofmyancestors;nevertotheauthorityofpoliticaltruthsarrivedatyesterdayatthe votingbooth. WilliamF.BuckleyJr.,UpFromLiberalism,1959 Peopleofprivilegewillalwaysrisktheircompletedestructionratherthansurrenderanymaterial partoftheiradvantage. JohnKennethGalbraith(19082006) Thelittleknownninthlawofthermodynamicsstatesthatthemoremoneyagroupreceivesfrom thetaxpayer,themoreitdemandsandthemoreitcomplains. MattRidley,1994 Thedecadentinternationalbutindividualisticcapitalisminthehandsofwhichwefound ourselvesafterthewarisnotasuccess.Itisnotintelligent.Itisnotbeautiful.Itisnotjust.Itisnot virtuous.Anditdoesntdeliverthegoods. JohnMaynardKeynes(apocryphal) Economicsisamagicaltechniqueformakingapoliticalproblem(disempowerment)anda spiritualproblem(nohigherpurpose)looklikeatechnicalproblem(notenoughgoods). KAPOConsensus Althoughithasbeensaidrepeatedlythatweneedanewconceptionoftheworldtoreplacethe ideologyofselfhelp,freeenterprise,competition,andbeneficentcupidityuponwhichAmericans havebeennourishedsincethefoundationoftheRepublic,nonewconceptionsofcomparable strengthhavetakenrootandnostatesmanwithagreatmassfollowinghasarisentopropound them...

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AlmosttheentirespanofAmericanhistoryunderthepresentConstitutionhascoincidedwiththe riseandspreadofmodernindustrialcapitalism.InmaterialpowerandproductivitytheUnited Stateshasbeenaflourishingsuccess.Societiesthatareinsuchgoodworkingorderhaveakindof muteorganicconsistency.Theydonotfosterideasthatarehostiletotheirfundamentalworking arrangements.Suchideasmayappear,buttheyareslowlyandpersistentlyinsulated,asanoyster depositsnacrearoundanirritant.Theyareconfinedtosmallgroupsofdissentersandalienated intellectuals,andexceptinrevolutionarytimestheydonotcirculateamongpracticalpoliticians. RichardHofstadter,TheAmericanPoliticalTraditionandtheMenWhoMadeIt,pagesvii ix,1948 Whatexperienceandhistoryteachisthisthatpeopleandgovernmentsneverhavelearned anythingfromhistory,oractedonprinciples. GeorgeWilhelmHegel Wewerekeepingoureyeon1984.Whentheyearcameandtheprophecydidnt,thoughtful Americanssangsoftlyinpraiseofthemselves.Therootsofliberaldemocracyhadheld.Wherever elsetheterrorhadhappened,we,atleast,hadnotbeenvisitedbyOrwelliannightmares. ButwehadforgottenthatalongsideOrwellsdarkvision,therewasanotherslightlyolder, slightlylesswellknown,equallychilling:AldousHuxleysBraveNewWorld.Contraryto commonbeliefevenamongtheeducated,HuxleyandOrwelldidnotprophesythesamething. Orwellwarnsthatwewillbeovercomebyanexternallyimposedoppression.ButinHuxleys vision,noBigBrotherisrequiredtodeprivepeopleoftheirautonomy,maturityandhistory.Ashe sawit,peoplewillcometolovetheiroppression,toadorethetechnologiesthatundotheir capacitiestothink. WhatOrwellfearedwerethosewhowouldbanbooks.WhatHuxleyfearedwasthattherewould benoreasontobanabook,fortherewouldbenoonewhowantedtoreadone.Orwellfeared thosewhowoulddepriveusofinformation.Huxleyfearedthosewhowouldgiveussomuchthat wewouldbereducedtopassivityandegoism.Orwellfearedthatthetruthwouldbeconcealed fromus.Huxleyfearedthetruthwouldbedrownedinaseaofirrelevance.Orwellfearedwe wouldbecomeacaptiveculture.Huxleyfearedwewouldbecomeatrivialculture,preoccupied withsomeequivalentofthefeelies,theorgyporgy,andthecentrifugalbumblepuppy.AsHuxley remarkedinBraveNewWorldRevisited,thecivillibertariansandrationalistswhoareeveronthe alerttoopposetyrannyfailedtotakeintoaccountmansalmostinfiniteappetitefordistractions. In1984,Orwelladded,peoplearecontrolledbyinflictingpain.InBraveNewWorld,theyare controlledbyinflictingpleasure.Inshort,Orwellfearedthatwhatwefearwillruinus.Huxley fearedthatourdesirewouldruinus. NeilPostman,AmusingOurselvestoDeath,1985,Foreword

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Wehavealargepublicthatisveryignorantaboutpublicaffairsandverysusceptibletosimplistic slogansbycandidateswhoappearoutofnowhere,havenotrackrecord,butmouthappealing slogans. Thetechnotronicerainvolvesthegradualappearanceofamorecontrolledsociety.Suchasociety wouldbedominatedbyanelite,unrestrainedbytraditionalvalues.Soonitwillbepossibleto assertalmostcontinuoussurveillanceovereverycitizenandmaintainuptodatecompletefiles containingeventhemostpersonalinformationaboutthecitizen.Thesefileswillbesubjectto instantaneousretrievalbytheauthorities. Inthetechnotronicsocietythetrendwouldseemtobetowardstheaggregationoftheindividual supportofmillionsofuncoordinatedcitizens,easilywithinthereachofmagneticandattractive personalitiesexploitingthelatestcommunicationstechniquestomanipulateemotionsandcontrol reason. ZbigniewBrzezinski,BetweenTwoAges:America'sRoleintheTechnetronicEra,ca.1970 Theeraofprocrastination,ofhalfmeasures,ofsoothingandbafflingexpedients,ofdelays,is comingtoaclose.Initsplaceweareenteringaperiodofconsequences WinstonChurchill,November1936 ThedivisionoftheUnitedStatesintotwofederationsofequalforcewasdecidedlongbeforethe civilwarbythehighfinancialpowerofEurope.ThesebankerswereafraidthattheUnitedStates, iftheyremainedinoneblockandasonenation,wouldattaineconomicalandfinancial independence,whichwouldupsettheirfinancialdominationovertheworld.Thevoiceofthe Rothschildspredominated.Theyforesawthetremendousbootyiftheycouldsubstitutetwofeeble democracies,indebtedtothefinanciers,tothevigorousRepublic,confidentandselfproviding. Thereforetheystartedtheiremissariesinordertoexploitthequestionofslaveryandthusdigan abyssbetweenthetwopartsoftheRepublic. OttovonBismarck,1876(apocryphal) Thefewwhounderstandthesystem,willeitherbesointerestedfromitsprofitsorsodependent onitsfavors,thattherewillbenooppositionfromthatclass. RothschildBrothersofLondon,1863 ThementheAmericanpeopleadmiremostextravagantlyarethegreatestliars;thementheydetest mostviolentlyarethosewhotrytotellthemthetruth. H.L.Mencken

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Andthegreatowners,whomustlosetheirlandinanupheaval,thegreatownerswithaccessto history,witheyestoreadhistoryandtoknowthegreatfact:whenpropertyaccumulatesintoo fewhandsitistakenaway.Andthatcompanionfact:whenamajorityofthepeoplearehungry andcoldtheywilltakebyforcewhattheyneed.Andthelittlescreamingfactthatsoundsthrough allhistory:repressionworksonlytostrengthenandknittherepressed. JohnSteinbeck,TheGrapesofWrath,1939 [Itwas]thepovertycausedbythebadinfluenceoftheEnglishbankersontheParliamentwhich hascausedinthecolonieshatredoftheEnglishand...theRevolutionaryWar. BenjaminFranklin(apocryphal) [C]ommerceisbutameanstoanend,thediffusionofcivilizationandwealth.Toallow commercetoproceeduntilthesourceofcivilizationisweakenedandoverturnedislikekillingthe goosetogetthegoldenegg.Istheimmediatecreationofmaterialwealthtobeouronlyobject? Havewenothereditarypossessionsinourjustlaws,ourfreeandnoblydevelopedconstitution, ourrichliteratureandphilosophy,incomparablyabovematerialwealth,andwhichwearebeyond allthingsboundtomaintain,improve,andhanddowninsafety?Anddoweaccomplishthisduty inencouragingagrowthofindustrywhichmustproveunstable,andperhapsinvolveallthingsin itsfall? WilliamStanleyJevons,1865 Whatisbafflingiswhyourregulatorshavefailedandcontinuetofailtoactontheprecautionary principle.Theytendtorelyinsteadonwhatwemightcalltheantiprecautionaryprinciple.Whena newtechnologyisbeingproposed,itmustbepermittedunlessitcanbeshownbeyondreasonable doubtthatitisdangerous.Theburdenofproofisnotontheinnovator;itisontherestofus. Dr.PeterSaunders,ProfessorofAppliedMathematicsatKing'sCollegeLondon,co FounderofISIS(InstituteforScienceinSociety),UseandAbuseofthePrecautionary Principle,2000 Theneoclassicalschoolisthedominant(andprobablythenumericallylargest)schoolin contemporaryeconomics.Forneoclassicaleconomists,microeconomictheory(i.e.,welfare economics)underlieseverytheoreticalsubfieldofspecializationandeverytheoretical,practical, andpolicyorientedconclusionatwhichtheyarrive.Alloftheircostbenefitanalyses,their demonstrationsoftheuniversalgainsfromforeigntrade,theirnotionsofmarketefficiencythatare encounteredineverybranchofappliedeconomics,aswellastheirnotionofrationalprices,have absolutelynomeaningwhatsoeverotherthanthatmanifestedintheirfaiththatafreeenterprise, competitivemarketsystemwilltendtowardaParetooptimalsituation.WithoutaParetooptimal situationineffect,thesephrasesandnotionscannotbedefended.Infact,intheabsenceofan

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optimalsituation,thesephraseshavenomeaningwhatsoever.Theyaregivenmeaningonlywhen theneoclassicaleconomistsfirstposittheexistenceofaParetooptimum;then,bydefinition,all exchangersaresaidtogain,resourcesaresaidtobeefficientlyallocated,pricesaresaidtobe rationalandthereforeconducivetomakingaccurateassessmentsonutilitariangroundsof thesocialcostsandsocialbenefitsofvariousgovernmentprojects.Utilitarianneoclassicalwelfare economicspervadesanddominatesnearlyallneoclassicalanalysesonalltheoreticalandpractical matters. E.K.Hunt&MarkLautzenheiser,DestructionofTheInvisibleHand,Historyof EconomicThought:ACriticalPerspective,ThirdEdition,2011 Itisnotneeded,norfittinghere[indiscussingtheCivilWar]thatageneralargumentshouldbe madeinfavorofpopularinstitutions;butthereisonepoint,withitsconnections,notsohackneyed asmostothers,towhichIaskabriefattention.Itistheeffecttoplacecapitalonanequalfooting with,ifnotabove,labor,inthestructureofgovernment.Itisassumedthatlaborisavailableonly inconnectionwithcapital;thatnobodylaborsunlesssomebodyelse,owningcapital,somehowby theuseofitinduceshimtolabor.Thisassumed,itisnextconsideredwhetheritisbestthatcapital shallhirelaborers,andthusinducethemtoworkbytheirownconsent,orbuythem,anddrive themtoitwithouttheirconsent.Havingproceededthusfar,itisnaturallyconcludedthatall laborersareeitherhiredlaborersorwhatwecallslaves.Andfurther,itisassumedthatwhoeveris onceahiredlaborerisfixedinthatconditionforlife. Now,thereisnosuchrelationbetweencapitalandlaborasassumed,noristhereanysuchthingas afreemanbeingfixedforlifeintheconditionofahiredlaborer.Boththeseassumptionsarefalse, andallinferencesfromthemaregroundless. Laborispriorto,andindependentof,capital.Capitalisonlythefruitoflabor,andcouldnever haveexistediflaborhadnotfirstexisted.Laboristhesuperiorofcapital,anddeservesmuchthe higherconsideration.Capitalhasitsrights,whichareasworthyofprotectionasanyotherrights. Norisitdeniedthatthereis,andprobablyalwayswillbe,arelationbetweenlaborandcapital producingmutualbenefits.Theerrorisinassumingthatthewholelaborofcommunityexists withinthatrelation.Afewmenowncapital,andthatfewavoidlaborthemselves,andwiththeir capitalhireorbuyanotherfewtolaborforthem.Alargemajoritybelongtoneitherclassneither workforothersnorhaveothersworkingforthem.Itisnotforgottenthataconsiderablenumber ofpersonsmingletheirownlaborwithcapital;thatis,theylaborwiththeirownhandsandalso buyorhireotherstolaborforthem;butthisisonlyamixedandnotadistinctclass.Noprinciple statedisdisturbedbytheexistenceofthismixedclass. AbrahamLincoln,AddresstoJointSessionofCongress,3December1861 Whattomanyappearstobeaconspiracyofelitesisjustourwayoflife.Evidenceofthisisthe increasinglyeeriewaythatthefinancialcrimesofrecentyearssomehowvanishintotheethersof historywithoutanyofficialnoticefromeitherthemediaorthepolicepowersofsociety.

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Somewouldblameourcurrentproblemsonanorganizedconspiracy.Iwishitweresosimple. Membersofaconspiracycanberootedoutandbroughttojustice.Thissystem,however,isfueled bysomethingfarmoredangerousthanconspiracy.Itisdrivennotbyasmallbandofmenbutbya conceptthathasbecomeacceptedasgospel:theideathatalleconomicgrowthbenefitshumankind andthatthegreaterthegrowth,themorewidespreadthebenefits.Thisbeliefalsohasacorollary: thatthosepeoplewhoexcelatstokingthefiresofeconomicgrowthshouldbeexaltedand rewarded,whilethosebornatthefringesareavailableforexploitation. Theconceptisofcourse,erroneous.Weknowthatinmanycountrieseconomicgrowthbenefits onlyasmallpotionofthepopulationandmayinfactresultinincreasinglydesperate circumstancesforthemajority.Thiseffectisreinforcedbythecorollarybeliefthatthecaptainsof industrywhodrivethissystemshouldenjoyaspecialstatus,abeliefthatistherootofmanyofour currentproblemsandisperhapsalsothereasonwhyconspiracytheoriesabound.Whenmenand womenarerewardedforgreed,greedbecomesacorruptingmotivator.Whenweequatethe gluttonousconsumptionoftheearthsresourceswithastatusapproachingsainthood,whenwe teachourchildrentoemulatepeoplewholiveunbalancedlives,andwhenwedefinehugesections ofthepopulationassubservienttoaneliteminority,weaskfortrouble.Andwegetit.(pagexii) ThatiswhatweEHMs[EconomicHitMen]dobest:webuildaglobalempire.Weareanelite groupofmenandwomenwhoutilizeinternationalfinancialorganizationstofomentconditions thatmakeothernationssubservienttothecorporatocracyrunningourbiggestcorporations,our government,andourbanks.LikeourcounterpartsintheMafia,EHMsprovidefavors.Thesetake theformofloanstodevelopinfrastructureelectricgeneratingplants,highways,ports,airports, orindustrialparks.Aconditionofsuchloansisthatengineeringandconstructioncompaniesfrom ourowncountrymustbuildalltheseprojects.Inessence,mostofthemoneyneverleavesthe UnitedStates;itissimplytransferredfrombankingofficesinWashingtontoengineeringofficesin NewYork,Houston,orSanFrancisco. Despitethefactthatthemoneyisreturnedalmostimmediatelytocorporationsthataremembers ofthecorporatocracy(thecreditor),therecipientcountryisrequiredtopayitallback,principal plusinterest.IfanEHMiscompletelysuccessful,theloansaresolargethatthedebtorisforcedto defaultonitspaymentsafterafewyears.Whenthishappens,thenliketheMafiawedemandour poundofflesh.Thisoftenincludesoneormoreofthefollowing:controloverUnitedNations votes,theinstallationofmilitarybases,oraccesstopreciousresourcessuchasoilorthePanama Canal.Ofcourse,thedebtorstillowesusthemoneyandanothercountryisaddedtoourglobal empire.(pagexx) JohnPerkins,ConfessionsofanEconomicHitMan,2004,Preface EventheveryearliestVedicpoems,composedsometimebetween1500and1200BC,evincea constantconcernwithdebtwhichistreatedassynonymouswithguiltandsin....InallIndo Europeanlanguages(suchasEnglishandFrench),wordsfordebtaresynonymouswiththose

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forsinorguilt,illustratingthelinksbetweenreligion,payment,andthemediationofthe sacredandprofanerealmsbymoney.Forexample,thereisaconnectionbetweenmoney (GermanGeld),indemnityorsacrifice(OldEnglishGeild),tax(GothicGild)and,ofcourse,guilt.... Why...dowerefertoChristastheredeemer?Theprimarymeaningofredemptionistobuy somethingback,ortorecoversomethingthathadbeengivenupinsecurityforaloan;toacquire somethingbypayingoffadebt.ItisratherstrikingtothinkthattheverycoreoftheChristian message,salvationitself,thesacrificeofGodsownsontorescuehumanityfrometernal damnation,shouldbeframedinthelanguageofafinancialtransaction.... TheauthorsoftheBrahmanaswerenotaloneinborrowingthelanguageofthemarketplaceasa wayofthinkingaboutthehumancondition.Indeed,toonedegreeoranother,allthemajorworld religionsdothis. ThereasonisthatallofthemfromZoroastrianismtoIslamaroseamidstintensearguments abouttheroleofmoneyandthemarketinhumanlife,andparticularlyaboutwhatthese institutionsmeantforfundamentalquestionsofwhathumanbeingsowedtooneanother.The questionofdebt,andargumentsaboutdebt,ranthrougheveryaspectofthepoliticallifeofthe time....Wehavespentthousandsofyearscontemplatingsacredtextsfullofpoliticalallusionsthat wouldhavebeeninstantlyrecognizabletoanyreaderatthetimewhentheywerewritten,but whosemeaningwenowcanonlyguessat. OneoftheunusualthingsabouttheBibleisthatitpreservessomebitsofthislargercontext....It wouldseemthattheeconomyoftheHebrewkingdoms,bythetimeoftheprophets,wasalready beginningtodevelopthesamekindofdebtcrisesthathadlongbeencommoninMesopotamia: especiallyinyearsofbadharvests,thepoorbecameindebtedtorichneighborsortowealthy moneylendersinthetowns,theywouldbegintolosetitletotheirfieldsandtobecometenantson whathadbeentheirownland,andtheirsonsanddaughterswouldberemovedtoserveas servantsintheircreditorshouseholds,orevensoldabroadasslaves. [ThisiswhatthebiblicalbookofNehemiahisreferringtointhepassage,]Someofourdaughters arebroughtuntobondagealready:neitherisitinourpowertoredeemthem.Onecanonly imaginewhatthosewordsmeant,emotionally,toafatherinapatriarchalsocietyinwhichamans abilitytoprotectthehonorofhisfamilywaseverything.Yetthisiswhatmoneymeanttothe majorityofpeopleformostofhumanhistory:theterrifyingprospectofonessonsanddaughters beingcarriedofftothehomesofrepulsivestrangerstocleantheirpotsandprovidetheoccasional sexualservices,tobesubjecttoeveryconceivableformofviolenceandabuse,possiblyforyears, conceivablyforever,astheirparentswaited,helpless,avoidingeyecontactwiththeirneighbors, whoknewexactlywhatwashappeningtothosetheyweresupposedtohavebeenabletoprotect... Throughmostofhistory,whenovertpoliticalconflictbetweenclassesdidappear,ittooktheform ofpleasfordebtcancellationthefreeingofthoseinbondage,andusually,amorejust reallocationoftheland.Whatwesee,intheBibleandotherreligioustraditions,aretracesofthe

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moralargumentsbywhichsuchclaimswerejustified,usuallysubjecttoallsortsofimaginative twistsandturns,butinevitably,tosomedegree,incorporatingthelanguageofthemarketplace itself. DavidGraeber,Debt:TheFirst5,000Years,2011,pages56,59,8081,85,87 WhatdrovetheArabsintheirtensofthousandsandthentheirmillionsontothestreetsofMiddle Eastcapitalswasademandfordignityandarefusaltoacceptthatthelocalfamilyruleddictators actuallyownedtheircountries.AndthatisthetrueparallelintheWest.Theprotestmovements areindeedagainstBigBusinessaperfectlyjustifiedcauseandagainstgovernments.What theyhavereallydivined,however,albeitabitlateintheday,isthattheyhavefordecadesbought intoafraudulentdemocracy:theydutifullyvoteforpoliticalpartieswhichthenhandtheir democraticmandateandpeoplespowertothebanksandthederivativetradersandtherating agencies,allthreebackedupbytheslovenlyanddishonestcoterieofexpertsfromAmericastop universitiesandthinktanks,whomaintainthefictionthatthisisacrisisofglobalizationrather thanamassivefinancialcontrickfoistedonthevoters. ThebanksandtheratingagencieshavebecomethedictatorsoftheWest.LiketheMubaraksand BenAlis,thebanksbelievedandstillbelievetheyareownersoftheircountries.Theelections whichgivethempowerhavethroughthegutlessnessandcollusionofgovernmentsbecome asfalseasthepollstowhichtheArabswereforcedtotroopdecadeafterdecadetoanointtheir ownnationalpropertyowners.GoldmanSachsandtheRoyalBankofScotlandbecamethe MubaraksandBenAlisoftheUSandtheUK,eachgobblingupthepeopleswealthinbogus rewardsandbonusesfortheirviciousbossesonascaleinfinitelymorerapaciousthantheirgreedy Arabdictatorbrotherscouldimagine. RobertFisk,BankersaretheDictatorsoftheWest,TheIndependent,10September2011 Innumeroustreatisesonthepassionsthatappearedintheseventeenthcentury,nochange whatevercanbefoundintheassessmentofavariceasthefoulestofthemallorinitspositionas thedeadliestDeadlySinthatithadcometooccupytowardtheendoftheMiddleAges. AlbertO.Hirschman,ThePassionsandtheInterests(withAlbertSen),Princeton,1997 Oneofthepainfulthingsaboutourtimeisthatthosewhofeelcertaintyarestupid,andthosewith anyimaginationandunderstandingarefilledwithdoubtandindecision. BertrandRussell(18721970) Ifyourenotpayingforsomething,yourenotthecustomer;youretheproductbeingsold. AndrewLewis

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Inwhateverpoliticaloreconomicgameyoureplaying,ifyoudontknowexactlywhothemarkis, andwhyandhow,thenyourethemark. VariousLate20thCenturyPoliticalPhilosophers

CORPORATIONS
fascism(fshizem)n.Asystemofgovernmentthatexercisesadictatorshipoftheextremeright, typicallythroughthemergingofstateandbusinessleadership,togetherwithbelligerent nationalism.[Ital.fascio,peasantcooperative,workersunion;Latin.fasces,bundle.]fascistn. fascistic(fashistik)adj. TheAmericanHeritageDictionary,HoughtonMifflin,1983 FascismshouldrightlybecalledCorporatism,asitisamergerofstateandcorporatepower. GiovanniGentile,EncyclopediaItalianaentry,appropriatedbyBenitoMussolini FascismwillcometoAmerica,butlikelyunderanothername,perhapsantifascism. HueyLong,1932 WhenfascismcomestoAmerica,itwillbewrappedintheflagandcarryingthecross. SinclairLewis,ItCantHappenHere,1935 Iftyrannyandoppressioncometothisland,itwillbeintheguiseoffightingaforeignenemy. JamesMadison Thelibertyofademocracyisnotsafeifthepeopletoleratethegrowthofprivatepowertoapoint whereitbecomesstrongerthantheirdemocraticStateitself.That,initsessence,isFascism, ownershipofgovernmentbyanindividual,byagroup,orbyanycontrollingprivatepower. FranklinDelanoRoosevelt,messagetoCongress,29April1938 Criminal.n.Apersonwithpredatoryinstinctwhohasnotsufficientcapitaltoformacorporation. HowardScott Manmusthaveanidol.Theamassingofwealthisoneoftheworstspeciesofidolatry.[Thereis]

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noidolmoredebasingthantheworshipofmoney....becarefultochoosethatlifewhichwillbethe mostelevatinginitscharacter. AndrewCarnegie SlaveryisthelegalfictionthataPersonisProperty.CorporatePersonhoodisthelegalfictionthat PropertyisaPerson. WomensInternationalLeagueforPeaceandFreedom Ofallthepossiblevaluesofhumansociety,oneandoneonlyisthetrulysovereign,truly universal,trulysound,trulyandcompletelyacceptablegoalofmaninAmerica.Thatgoalis money. C.WrightMills,ThePowerElite Wethoughtweweregettingsomethingfornothing,butweweregettingnothingforeverything. WendellBerry Eventhemostcourageousamongusonlyrarelyhasthecourageforwhathereallyknows...But tellme,mybrothers,ifhumanitystilllacksagoal,ishumanityitselfnotstilllackingtoo? FriedrichNietzsche,AlsoSprachZarathustra Ihopethatweshallcrushinitsbirththearistocracyofourmoniedcorporations,whichdare alreadytochallengeourgovernmenttoatrialofstrength,andbiddefiancetothelawsofour country. ThomasJefferson,1816,quotedbyLawrenceGoodwyn,ThePopulistMoment Thereisanevilwhichoughttobeguardedagainstintheindefiniteaccumulationofpropertyfrom thecapacityofholdingitinperpetuitybycorporations.Thepowerofallcorporationsoughttobe limitedinthisrespect.Thegrowingwealthacquiredbythemneverfailstobeasourceofabuses. JamesMadison Everymanisequallyentitledtoprotectionbylaw;butwhenthelawsundertaketoadd...artificial distinctions,togranttitles,gratuities,andexclusiveprivileges,tomaketherichricherandthe potentmorepowerful,thehumblemembersofsocietythefarmers,mechanics,andlaborers whohaveneitherthetimenorthemeansofsecuringlikefavorstothemselves,havearightto complainoftheinjusticeoftheirgovernment.

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AndrewJackson,vetoofNationalBankBill,10July1832 InthispointofthecasethequestionisdistinctlypresentedwhetherthepeopleoftheUnitedStates aretogovernthroughrepresentativeschosenbytheirunbiasedsuffragesorwhetherthemoney andpowerofagreatcorporationaretobesecretlyexertedtoinfluencetheirjudgmentandcontrol theirdecisions. AndrewJackson Wemaycongratulateourselvesthatthiscruelwarisnearingitsend.Ithascostavastamountof treasureandblood.IthasindeedbeenatryinghourfortheRepublic;butIseeinthenearfuturea crisisapproachingthatunnervesmeandcausesmetotrembleforthesafetyofmycountry.Asa resultofthewar,corporationshavebeenenthronedandaneraofcorruptioninhighplaceswill follow,andthemoneypowerofthecountrywillendeavortoprolongitsreignbyworkingupon theprejudicesofthepeopleuntilallwealthisaggregatedinafewhandsandtheRepublicis destroyed.Ifeelatthismomentmoreanxietyforthesafetyofmycountrythaneverbefore,evenin themidstofwar.Godgrantthatmysuspicionsmayprovegroundless. AbrahamLincoln,inaletterof21November1864toColonelWilliamF.Elkins Shalltherailroadsgovernthecountryorshallthepeoplegoverntherailroads?...Thisisa governmentofthepeople,bythepeople,andforthepeoplenolonger.Itisagovernmentofthe corporations,bythecorporations,andforthecorporations. RutherfordB.Hayes,exclaiminginamazementabouttheGildedAgeafewyearsafter Lincolns1864letter.BothHayesandLincolnhadbeenrailroadlawyers. Thesystemofcorporatelifeisanewpower,forwhichourlanguagecontainsnolife.Wehaveno wordtoexpressgovernmentbymoniedcorporations. CharlesFrancisAdams,AChapterofErie,1869 [The20thCenturyrepairedthatlack:fascism,q.v.] Iammorethaneverconvincedofthedangerstowhichthefreeandunbiasedexerciseofpolitical opiniontheonlysurefoundationandsafeguardofrepublicangovernmentwouldbeexposed byanyfurtherincreaseofthealreadyovergrowninfluenceofcorporateauthorities. MartinVanBuren Asweviewtheachievementsofaggregatedcapital,wediscovertheexistenceoftrusts, combinations,andmonopolies,whilethecitizenisstrugglingfarintherear,oristrampled beneathanironheel.Corporations,whichshouldbethecarefullyrestrainedcreaturesofthelaw andtheservantsofthepeople,arefastbecomingthepeoplesmasters.

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GroverCleveland,FourthAnnualMessagetoCongress,3December1888 Greatcorporationsexistonlybecausetheyarecreatedandsafeguardedbyourinstitutions;andit isthereforeourrightandourdutytoseethattheyworkinharmonywiththoseinstitutions. TheodoreRoosevelt,1901,FirstAnnualMessagetoCongress Whereatrustbecomesamonopolythestatehasanimmediaterighttointerfere. TheodoreRoosevelt,speechtoNewYorklegislature,3January1900 Iagainrecommendalawprohibitingallcorporationsfromcontributingtothecampaignexpenses ofanypartyLetindividualscontributeastheydesire;butletusprohibitineffectivefashionall corporationsfrommakingcontributionsforanypoliticalpurpose,directlyorindirectly. TheodoreRoosevelt Thefortunesamassedthroughcorporateorganizationarenowsolarge,andvestsuchpowerin thosethatwieldthem,astomakeitamatterofnecessitytogivetothesovereignthatis,tothe Government,whichrepresentsthepeopleasawholesomeeffectivepowerofsupervisionover theircorporateuse.Inordertoinsureahealthysocialandindustriallife,everybigcorporation shouldbeheldresponsibleby,andbeaccountableto,somesovereignstrongenoughtocontrolits conduct. TheodoreRoosevelt Whenmenattempttoamasssuchstupendouscapitalaswillenablethemtosuppresscompetition, controlprices,andestablishamonopoly,theyknowthepurposeoftheiracts.Mendonotdosuch thingswithouthavingitclearlyinmind. PresidentWilliamTaft,intheMessageofthePresidentoftheUnitedStatestotheSixty secondCongress,December5,1911,ontheantitruststatute Weallknowthat,asthingsactuallyare,manyofthemostinfluentialandmosthighly remuneratedmembersoftheBarineverycenterofwealth,makeittheirspecialtasktoworkout boldandingeniousschemesbywhichtheirwealthyclients,individualorcorporate,canevadethe lawswhichweremadetoregulate,intheinterestsofthepublic,theusesofgreatwealth. TheodoreRoosevelt,HarvardCommencementAddress,1905 Behindtheostensiblegovernmentsitsenthronedaninvisiblegovernmentowingnoallegianceand acknowledgingnoresponsibilitytothepeople.Todestroythisinvisiblegovernment,tobefoulthe

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unholyalliancebetweencorruptbusinessandcorruptpoliticsisthefirsttaskofthestatesmanship oftheday. TheodoreRoosevelt,19April1906 Agreatindustrialnationiscontrolledbyitssystemofcredit.Oursystemofcreditisprivately concentrated.Thegrowthofthenation,therefore,andallouractivitiesareinthehandsofafew men...Wehavecometobeoneoftheworstruled,oneofthemostcompletelycontrolledand dominated,governmentsinthecivilizedworld...nolongeragovernmentbyfreeopinion,no longeragovernmentbyconvictionandthevoteofthemajority,butagovernmentbytheopinion andtheduressofsmallgroupsofdominantmen.SomeofthebiggestmenintheUnitedStates,in thefieldofcommerceandmanufacture,areafraidofsomething.Theyknowthatthereisapower somewheresoorganized,sosubtle,sowatchful,sointerlocked,socomplete,sopervasive,that theyhadbetternotspeakabovetheirbreathwhentheyspeakinthecondemnationofit. Iamamostunhappyman.Ihaveunwittinglyruinedmycountry. WoodrowWilson,inreferencetohissigningtheFederalReserveActin1913 Aninvisibleempirehasbeensetupabovetheformsofdemocracy. WoodrowWilson(apocryphal) Everysingleempire,initsofficialdiscourse,hassaidthatitisnotlikealltheothers,thatits circumstancesarespecial,thatithasamissiontoenlighten,civilize,bringorderand democracy,andthatitusesforceonlyasalastresort. EdwardSaid WhenthePresidentsignsthisact[FederalReserveActof1913],theinvisiblegovernmentbythe moneypowerproventoexistbytheMonetaryTrustInvestigationwillbelegalized.Thenew lawwillcreateinflationwheneverthetrustswantinflation.Fromnowon,depressionswillbe scientificallycreated. CharlesLindbergh Ourgovernment,nationalandstate,mustbefreedfromthesinisterinfluenceorcontrolofspecial interests.Exactlyasthespecialinterestsofcottonandslaverythreatenedourpoliticalintegrity beforetheCivilWar,sonowthegreatspecialbusinessintereststoooftencontrolandcorruptthe menandmethodsofgovernmentfortheirownprofit.Wemustdrivethespecialinterestsoutof politics.Thatisoneofourtaskstoday...ThecitizensoftheUnitedStatesmusteffectivelycontrol themightycommercialforceswhichtheyhavethemselvescalledintobeing.Therecanbeno effectivecontrolofcorporationswhiletheirpoliticalactivityremains.Toputanendtoitwillbe

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neitherashortnoraneasytask,butitcanbedone. TheodoreRoosevelt,1910(fromhttp://www.grannyd.com) Weareabusinesspeople.Thetillersofthesoil,thewageworkers,thebusinessmentheseare thethreebigandvitallyimportantdivisionsofourpopulation.Thewelfareofeachdivisionis vitallynecessarytothewelfareofthepeopleasawhole. Thegreatmassofbusinessisofcoursedonebymenwhosebusinessiseithersmallorofmoderate size.Themiddlesizedbusinessmenformanelementofstrengthwhichisofliterallyincalculable valuetothenation.Takenasaclass,theyareamongourbestcitizens.Theyhavenotbeenseekers afterenormousfortunes;theyhavebeenmoderatelyandjustlyprosperous,byreasonofdealing fairlywiththeircustomers,competitors,andemployees.Theyaresatisfiedwithalegitimateprofit thatwillpaytheirexpensesoflivingandlaybysomethingforthosewhocomeafter,andthe additionalamountnecessaryforthebettermentandimprovementoftheirplant.Theaverage businessmanofthistypeis,asarule,aleadingcitizenofhiscommunity,foremostineverything thattellsforitsbetterment,amanwhomhisneighborslookuptoandrespect;heisinnosense dangeroustohiscommunity,justbecauseheisanintegralpartofhiscommunity,boneofitsbone andfleshofitsflesh.Hislifefibersareintertwinedwiththelifefibersofhisfellowcitizens Somuchforthesmallbusinessmanandthemiddlesizedbusinessman.Nowforbigbusiness. Itisimperativetoexerciseoverbigbusinessacontrolandsupervisionwhichisunnecessaryas regardssmallbusiness.Allbusinessmustbeconductedunderthelaw,andallbusinessmen,big orlittle,mustactjustly.Butawickedbiginterestisnecessarilymoredangeroustothecommunity thanawickedlittleinterest.Bigbusinessinthepasthasbeenresponsibleformuchofthespecial privilegewhichmustbeunsparinglycutoutofournationallife. Idonotbelieveinmakingmeresizeofandbyitselfcriminal.Themerefactofsize,however,does unquestionablycarrythepotentialityofsuchgravewrongdoingthatthereshouldbebylaw provisionmadeforthestrictsupervisionandregulationofthesegreatindustrialconcernsdoingan interstatebusiness,muchaswenowregulatethetransportationagencieswhichareengagedin interstatebusiness.Theantitrustlawdoesgoodinsofarasitcanbeinvokedagainstcombinations whichreallyaremonopoliesorwhichrestrictproductionorwhichartificiallyraiseprices. Theimportantthingisthis:that,undersuchgovernmentrecognitionaswemaygivetothatwhich isbeneficentandwholesomeinlargebusinessorganizations,weshallbemostvigilantneverto allowthemtocrystallizeintoaconditionwhichshallmakeprivateinitiativedifficult.Itisofthe utmostimportancethatinthefutureweshallkeepthebroadpathofopportunityjustasopenand easyforourchildrenasitwasforourfathersduringtheperiodwhichhasbeenthegloryof Americasindustrialhistorythatitshallbenotonlypossiblebuteasyforanambitiousmen, whosecharacterhassoimpresseditselfuponhisneighborsthattheyarewillingtogivehimcapital andcredit,tostartinbusinessforhimself,and,ifhissuperiorefficiencydeservesit,totriumph

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overthebiggestorganizationthatmayhappentoexistinhisparticularfield.Whateverpractices uponthepartoflargecombinationsmaythreatentodiscouragesuchaman,ordenytohimthat whichinthejudgmentofthecommunityisasquaredeal,shouldbespecificallydefinedbythe statutesascrimes.Andineverycasetheindividualcorporationofficerresponsibleforsuchunfair dealingshouldbepunished. Wegrudgenomanafortunewhichrepresentshisownpowerandsagacityexercisedwithentire regardtothewelfareofhisfellows.Wehaveonlypraiseforthebusinessmanwhosebusiness successcomesasanincidenttodoinggoodworkforhisfellows.Butweshouldsoshape conditionsthatafortuneshallbeobtainedonlyinhonorablefashion,insuchfashionthatits gainingrepresentsbenefittothecommunity. Westandfortherightsofproperty,butwestandevenmorefortherightsofman.Wewill protecttherightsofthewealthyman,butwemaintainthatheholdshiswealthsubjecttothe generalrightofthecommunitytoregulateitsbusinessuseasthepublicwelfarerequires. TheodoreRoosevelt Bigbusinessisnotdangerousbecauseitisbig,butbecauseitsbignessisanunwholesomeinflation createdbyprivilegesandexemptionswhichitoughtnottoenjoy. WoodrowWilson,AcceptanceSpeech,DemocraticNationalConvention,7July1912 Ifmonopolypersists,monopolywillalwayssitatthehelmofgovernment.Idonotexpect monopolytorestrainitself.Iftherearemeninthiscountrybigenoughtoownthegovernmentof theUnitedStates,theyaregoingtoownit. WoodrowWilson Ifitcanbedone,itwillbedone. AndyGrove,CEOofIntelCorporation.AvariationofMurphysLaw. Thefirstthingtounderstandisthedifferencebetweenthenaturalpersonandthefictitiousperson calledacorporation.Theydifferinthepurposeforwhichtheyarecreated,inthestrengthwhich theypossess,andintherestraintsunderwhichtheyact. ManisthehandiworkofGodandwasplaceduponearthtocarryoutaDivinepurpose;the corporationisthehandiworkofmanandcreatedtocarryoutamoneymakingpolicy. Thereiscomparativelylittledifferenceinthestrengthofmen;acorporationmaybeonehundred, onethousand,orevenonemilliontimesstrongerthantheaverageman.Manactsunderthe restraintsofconscience,andisinfluencedalsobyabeliefinafuturelife.Acorporationhasnosoul

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andcaresnothingaboutthehereafter Acorporationhasnorightsexceptthosegivenitbylaw.Itcanexercisenopowerexceptthat conferreduponitbythepeoplethroughlegislation,andthepeopleshouldbeasfreetowithhold astogive,publicinterestandnotprivateadvantagebeingtheendinview. WilliamJenningsBryan,U.S.SecretaryofStateandthreetimePresidentialcandidate Nobusinessisabovegovernment;andgovernmentmustbeempoweredtodealadequatelywith anybusinessthattriestoriseabovegovernment. Privateenterpriseisceasingtobefreeenterprise.Privateenterprise,indeed,becametooprivate.It becameprivilegedenterprise,notfreeenterprise. FranklinD.Roosevelt(quotedinMoneyTalks) Outofthismoderncivilizationroyalistscarvednewdynasties...Theroyalistsoftheeconomic orderhaveconcededthatpoliticalfreedomwasthebusinessoftheGovernment,buttheyhave maintainedthateconomicslaverywasnobodysbusiness. FranklinD.Roosevelt,RenominationSpeech,27June1936 Thatverywordfreedom,initselfandofnecessity,suggestsfreedomfromsomerestrainingpower. In1776wesoughtfreedomfromthetyrannyofapoliticalautocracyfromtheeighteenth centuryroyalistswhoheldspecialprivilegesfromthecrown.Itwastoperpetuatetheirprivilege thattheygovernedwithouttheconsentofthegoverned;thattheydeniedtherightoffreeassembly andfreespeech;thattheyrestrictedtheworshipofGod;thattheyputtheaveragemansproperty andtheaveragemanslifeinpawntothemercenariesofdynasticpower;thattheyregimentedthe people. AndsoitwastowinfreedomfromthetyrannyofpoliticalautocracythattheAmericanRevolution wasfought.Thatvictorygavethebusinessofgoverningintothehandsoftheaverageman,who wontherightwithhisneighborstomakeandorderhisowndestinythroughhisowngovernment. PoliticaltyrannywaswipedoutatPhiladelphiaonJuly4,1776. Sincethatstruggle,however,mansinventivegeniusreleasednewforcesinourlandwhich reorderedthelivesofourpeople.Theageofmachinery,ofrailroads;ofsteamandelectricity;the telegraphandtheradio;massproduction,massdistributionallofthesecombinedtobring forwardanewcivilizationandwithitanewproblemforthosewhosoughttoremainfree. Foroutofthismoderncivilizationeconomicroyalistscarvednewdynasties.Newkingdomswere builtuponconcentrationofcontrolovermaterialthings.Throughnewusesofcorporations,banks, andsecurities,newmachineryofindustryandagriculture,oflaborandcapitalallundreamed

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ofbytheFathersthewholestructureofmodernlifewasimpressedintothisroyalservice. Therewasnoplaceamongthisroyaltyforourmanythousandsofsmallbusinessmenand merchantswhosoughttomakeaworthyuseoftheAmericansystemofinitiativeandprofit.They werenomorefreethantheworkerorthefarmer.Evenhonestandprogressivemindedmenof wealth,awareoftheirobligationtotheirgeneration,couldneverknowjustwheretheyfittedinto thisdynasticschemeofthings. Itwasnaturalandperhapshumanthattheprivilegedprincesoftheseneweconomicdynasties, thirstingforpower,reachedoutforcontrolovergovernmentitself.Theycreatedanewdespotism andwrappeditintherobesoflegalsanction.Initsservicenewmercenariessoughttoregimentthe people,theirlabor,andtheirproperty.Andasaresulttheaveragemanoncemoreconfrontsthe problemthatfacedtheMinuteMan. Thehoursmenandwomenworked,thewagestheyreceived,theconditionsoftheirlaborthese hadpassedbeyondthecontrolofthepeople,andwereimposedbythisnewindustrial dictatorship.Thesavingsoftheaveragefamily,thecapitalofthesmallbusinessmen,the investmentssetasideforoldageotherpeoplesmoneytheseweretoolswhichthenew economicroyaltyusedtodigitselfin. Thosewhotilledthesoilnolongerreapedtherewardswhichweretheirright.Thesmallmeasure oftheirgainswasdecreedbymenindistantcities. Throughoutthenation,opportunitywaslimitedbymonopoly.Individualinitiativewascrushedin thecogsofagreatmachine.Thefieldopenforfreebusinesswasmoreandmorerestricted.Private enterprise,indeed,becametooprivate.Itbecameprivilegedenterprise,notfreeenterprise. AnoldEnglishjudgeoncesaid:Necessitousmenarenotfreemen.Libertyrequiresopportunity tomakealivingalivingdecentaccordingtothestandardofthetime,alivingwhichgivesman notonlyenoughtoliveby,butsomethingtolivefor. Fortoomanyofusthepoliticalequalityweoncehadwonwasmeaninglessinthefaceofeconomic inequality.Asmallgrouphadconcentratedintotheirownhandsanalmostcompletecontrolover otherpeople'sproperty,otherpeoplesmoney,otherpeopleslaborotherpeopleslives.Fortoo manyofuslifewasnolongerfree;libertynolongerreal;mencouldnolongerfollowthepursuitof happiness. Againsteconomictyrannysuchasthis,theAmericancitizencouldappealonlytotheorganized powerofgovernment.Thecollapseof1929showedupthedespotismforwhatitwas.Theelection of1932wasthepeoplesmandatetoendit.Underthatmandateitisbeingended. Theroyalistsoftheeconomicorderhaveconcededthatpoliticalfreedomwasthebusinessofthe government,buttheyhavemaintainedthateconomicslaverywasnobodysbusiness.They

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grantedthatthegovernmentcouldprotectthecitizeninhisrighttovote,buttheydeniedthatthe governmentcoulddoanythingtoprotectthecitizeninhisrighttoworkandhisrighttolive. Todaywestandcommittedtothepropositionthatfreedomisnohalfandhalfaffair.Iftheaverage citizenisguaranteedequalopportunityinthepollingplace,hemusthaveequalopportunityinthe marketplace. TheseeconomicroyalistscomplainthatweseektooverthrowtheinstitutionsofAmerica.What theyreallycomplainofisthatweseektotakeawaytheirpower.OurallegiancetoAmerican institutionsrequirestheoverthrowofthiskindofpower.Invaintheyseektohidebehindtheflag andtheConstitution.IntheirblindnesstheyforgetwhattheflagandtheConstitutionstandfor. Now,asalways,theystandfordemocracy,nottyranny;forfreedom,notsubjection;andagainsta dictatorshipbymobruleandtheoverprivilegedalike. Thebraveandclearplatformadoptedbythisconvention,towhichIheartilysubscribe,setsforth thatgovernmentinamoderncivilizationhascertaininescapableobligationstoitscitizens,among whichareprotectionofthefamilyandthehome,theestablishmentofademocracyofopportunity, andaidtothoseovertakenbydisaster. Buttheresoluteenemywithinourgatesiseverreadytobeatdownourwordsunlessingreater couragewewillfightforthem. Formorethanthreeyearswehavefoughtforthem.Thisconvention,ineverywordanddeed,has pledgedthatthefightwillgoon. Thedefeatsandvictoriesoftheseyearshavegiventousasapeopleanewunderstandingofour governmentandofourselves.NeversincetheearlydaysoftheNewEnglandtownmeetinghave theaffairsofgovernmentbeensowidelydiscussedandsoclearlyappreciated.Ithasbeenbrought hometousthattheonlyeffectiveguideforthesafetyofthismostworldlyofworlds,thegreatest guideofall,ismoralprinciple. Wedonotseefaith,hope,andcharityasunattainableideals,butweusethemasstoutsupportsof anationfightingthefightforfreedominamoderncivilization. Faithinthesoundnessofdemocracyinthemidstofdictatorships. Hoperenewedbecauseweknowsowelltheprogresswehavemade. Charityinthetruespiritofthatgrandoldword.Forcharityliterallytranslatedfromtheoriginal meanslove,thelovethatunderstands,thatdoesnotmerelysharethewealthofthegiver,butin truesympathyandwisdomhelpsmentohelpthemselves. Weseeknotmerelytomakegovernmentamechanicalimplement,buttogiveitthevibrant personalcharacterthatistheveryembodimentofhumancharity.

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WearepoorindeedifthisnationcannotaffordtoliftfromeveryrecessofAmericanlifethedread fearoftheunemployedthattheyarenotneededintheworld.Wecannotaffordtoaccumulatea deficitinthebooksofhumanfortitude. Intheplaceofthepalaceofprivilegeweseektobuildatempleoutoffaithandhopeandcharity. Itisasoberingthing,myfriends,tobeaservantofthisgreatcause.Wetryinourdailyworkto rememberthatthecausebelongsnottous,buttothepeople.Thestandardisnotinthehandsof youandmealone.ItiscarriedbyAmerica.Weseekdailytoprofitfromexperience,tolearntodo betterasourtaskproceeds. Governmentscanerr,presidentsdomakemistakes,buttheimmortalDantetellsusthatDivine justiceweighsthesinsofthecoldbloodedandthesinsofthewarmheartedondifferentscales. Bettertheoccasionalfaultsofagovernmentthatlivesinaspiritofcharitythantheconsistent omissionsofagovernmentfrozenintheiceofitsownindifference. Thereisamysteriouscycleinhumanevents.Tosomegenerationsmuchisgiven.Ofother generationsmuchisexpected.ThisgenerationofAmericanshasarendezvouswithdestiny. Inthisworldofoursinotherlands,therearesomepeople,who,intimespast,havelivedand foughtforfreedom,andseemtohavegrowntoowearytocarryonthefight.Theyhavesoldtheir heritageoffreedomfortheillusionofaliving.Theyhaveyieldedtheirdemocracy. Ibelieveinmyheartthatonlyoursuccesscanstirtheirancienthope.Theybegintoknowthathere inAmericawearewagingagreatandsuccessfulwar.Itisnotaloneawaragainstwantand destitutionandeconomicdemoralization.Itismorethanthat;itisawarforthesurvivalof democracy.Wearefightingtosaveagreatandpreciousformofgovernmentforourselvesandfor theworld. Iacceptthecommissionyouhavetenderedme.Ijoinwithyou.Iamenlistedforthedurationof thewar. FranklinDelanoRoosevelt,AcceptanceSpeech,DemocraticNominating Convention,1936 Ourmilitaryorganizationtodaybearslittlerelationtothatknownbyanyofmypredecessorsin peacetime,orindeedbythefightingmenofWorldWarIIorKorea.Untilthelatestofourworld conflicts,theUnitedStateshadnoarmamentsindustry.Americanmakersofplowsharescould, withtimeandasrequired,makeswordsaswell.Butnowwecannolongerriskemergency improvisationofnationaldefense;wehavebeencompelledtocreateapermanentarmaments industryofvastproportions.Addedtothis,threeandahalfmillionmenandwomenaredirectly engagedinthedefenseestablishment.Weannuallyspendonmilitarysecuritymorethanthenet

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incomeofallUnitedStatescorporations. Thisconjunctionofanimmensemilitaryestablishmentandlargearmsindustryisnewinthe Americanexperience.Thetotalinfluenceeconomic,political,evenspiritualisfeltinevery city,everystatehouse,everyofficeofthefederalgovernment.Werecognizetheimperativeneed forthedevelopment.Yetwemustnotfailtocomprehenditsgraveimplications.Ourtoil, resources,andlivelihoodareallinvolved;soistheverynatureofoursociety.Inthecouncilsof government,wemustguardagainsttheacquisitionofunwarrantedinfluence,whethersoughtor unsought,bythemilitaryindustrial[congressional*]complex.Thepotentialfordisastrousriseof misplacedpowerexistsandwillpersist. Wemustneverlettheweightofthiscombinationendangerourlibertiesordemocraticprocesses. Weshouldtakenothingforgranted.Onlyanalertandknowledgeablecitizenrycancompelthe propermeshingofthehugeindustrialandmilitarymachineryofdefensewithourpeaceful methodsandgoals,sothatsecurityandlibertymayprospertogether. Akinto,andlargelyresponsibleforthesweepingchangesinourindustrialmilitaryposture,has beenthetechnologicalrevolutionduringrecentdecades.Inthisrevolution,researchhasbecome central;italsobecomesmoreformalized,complex,andcostly.Asteadilyincreasingshareis conductedfor,by,oratthedirectionof,theFederalgovernment. Today,thesolitaryinventor,tinkeringinhisshop,hasbeenovershadowedbytaskforcesof scientistsinlaboratoriesandtestingfields.Inthesamefashion,thefreeuniversity,historicallythe fountainheadoffreeideasandscientificdiscovery,hasexperiencedarevolutionintheconductof research.Partlybecauseofthehugecostsinvolved,agovernmentcontractbecomesvirtuallya substituteforintellectualcuriosity.Foreveryoldblackboardtherearenowhundredsofnew electroniccomputers.Theprospectofdominationofthenation'sscholarsbyFederalemployment, projectallocations,andthepowerofmoneyiseverpresentandisgravelytoberegarded. Yet,inholdingscientificresearchanddiscoveryinrespect,asweshould,wemustalsobealertto theequalandoppositedangerthatpublicpolicycoulditselfbecomethecaptiveofascientific technologicalelite. Itisthetaskofstatesmanshiptomold,tobalance,andtointegratetheseandotherforces,newand old,withintheprinciplesofourdemocraticsystemeveraimingtowardthesupremegoalsof ourfreesociety. Anotherfactorinmaintainingbalanceinvolvestheelementoftime.Aswepeerintosocietys future,weyouandI,andourgovernmentmustavoidtheimpulsetoliveonlyfortoday, plundering,forourowneaseandconvenience,thepreciousresourcesoftomorrow.Wecannot mortgagethematerialassetsofourgrandchildrenwithoutaskingthelossalsooftheirpoliticaland spiritualheritage.Wewantdemocracytosurviveforallgenerationstocome,nottobecomethe insolventphantomoftomorrow.

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DwightDavidEisenhower,FarewellAddress,17January1961 [*inoriginaldraft,perSusanEisenhower,Granddaughter] Vietnamshowedusthatforeignwarsdontendwhentheinvadercannolongerfight,butwhen theinvasionisnolongerprofitable. GregPalast Democracymaintainsthatgovernmentisestablishedforthebenefitoftheindividual,andis chargedwiththeresponsibilityofprotectingtherightsoftheindividualandhisfreedominthe exerciseofhisabilities.Democracyisbasedontheconvictionthatmanhasthemoraland intellectualcapacity,aswellastheinalienableright,togovernhimselfwithreasonandjustice. HarryTruman Thebestargumentagainstdemocracyisafiveminuteconversationwiththeaveragevoter. (A)liegetshalfwayaroundtheworldbeforethetruthhasachancetogetitspantson. WinstonChurchill Ineverintendtoadjustmyselftothemadnessofmilitarism. MartinLutherKing,Jr. WehaventdoneanythingforbusinessthisweekbutitisonlyMondaymorning. LyndonBainesJohnson,speechtoU.S.ChamberofCommerce,27April1964 Oligarchy?Agovernmentrestingonavaluationofproperty,inwhichtherichhavepowerandthe poormanisdeprivedofit. Plato(428347B.C.),TheRepublic,BookVIII In1945,corporationspaid50percentofallfederaltaxrevenues.Todaytheypay7percent.The governmentisborrowingmoneyfromthepeopleitshouldbetaxingamajorreasonforthe hugedeficits. MichaelParenti,AgainstEmpire In1886,inastunningvictoryfortheproponentsofcorporatesovereignty,theSupremeCourt ruledinSantaClaraCountyv.SouthernPacificRailroad[118U.S.394]thataprivatecorporationisa naturalpersonundertheU.S.Constitutionalthoughtheconstitutionmakesnomentionof

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corporationsandistherebyentitledtotheprotectionsoftheBillofRights,includingtherightto freespeechandotherconstitutionalprotectionsextendedtoindividuals. Thuscorporationsfinallyclaimedthefullrightsenjoyedbyindividualcitizenswhilebeing exemptedfrommanyoftheresponsibilitiesandliabilitiesofcitizenship.Furthermore,inbeing guaranteedthesamerighttofreespeechasindividualcitizens,theyachieved,inthewordsofPaul Hawken,preciselywhattheBillofRightswasintendedtoprevent:dominationofpublicthought anddiscourse.Thesubsequentclaimbycorporationsthattheyhavethesamerightasany individualtoinfluencethegovernmentintheirowninterestpitstheindividualcitizenagainstthe vastfinancialandcommunicationsresourcesofthecorporationandmockstheconstitutional intentthatallcitizenshaveanequalvoiceinthepoliticaldebatessurroundingimportantissues. DavidC.Korten,WhenCorporationsRuletheWorld

Thecourtdoesnotwishtohearargumentonthequestionofwhethertheprovisioninthe FourteenthAmendmenttotheConstitution,whichforbidsastatetodenytoanypersonwithinits jurisdictiontheequalprotectionofthelaws,appliestothesecorporations.Wearealloftheopinion thatitdoes. ChiefJusticeMorrisonR.WaiteinSantaClaraCountyv.SouthernPacificRailroad,118 U.S.394,396(1886) Alsosee:http://www.thomhartmann.com/search/node/Waite ThePersonificationofCorporation INwhichitisexplainedhowgreatorganizationscanbetreatedasindividuals,andthecurious ceremonieswhichattendthiswayofthinking. Oneoftheessentialandcentralnotionswhichgiveourindustrialfeudalismlogicalsymmetryis thepersonificationofgreatindustrialenterprise.Theidealthatagreatcorporationisendowed withtherightsandprerogativesofafreeindividualisasessentialtotheacceptanceofcorporate ruleintemporalaffairsaswastheidealofthedivinerightofkingsinanearlierday.Its exemplification,asinthecaseofallvitalideals,hasbeenaccomplishedbyceremony.Sinceithas beenacentralidealinourindustrialgovernment,ourjudicialinstitutionshavebeenparticularly concernedwithitscelebration.Courts,underthemantleoftheConstitution,havemadealiving thingoutofthisfiction.Menhavecometobelievethattheirownfuturelibertiesanddignityare tiedupinthefreedomofgreatindustrialorganizationsfromrestraint,inmuchthesamewaythat theythoughttheirsalvationinthefuturewasdependentontheirreverenceandsupportofgreat ecclesiasticalorganizationsintheMiddleAges.Thisidealexplainssomanyofoursocialhabits, rituals,andinstitutionsthatitisnecessarytoexamineitinsomedetail.(page186) Theoriginofthiswayofthinkingaboutorganizationistheresultofapioneercivilizationinwhich

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theprevailingidealwasthatofthefreedomanddignityoftheindividualengagedinthe accumulationofwealth.Theindependenceofthefreemanfromcentralauthoritywastheslogan forwhichmenfoughtanddied.Thisfreemanwasatrader,whogotaheadbyaccumulating money.Therewassomethingverysacredinthenineteenthcenturyconceptionofthisactivity.In theseventiesthemostpopulartextineconomicswasoneoriginallywrittenbyaclergyman, BishopFrancisWayland,andrevisedin1878byA.L.Chapin,PresidentoftheCongregational CollegeatBeloit.JosephDorfman,inhisbrilliantbookonThorsteinVeblenandHisAmerica, summarizesthisphilosophyoftheholycharacterofthetradersfunctionasfollows: 1)Godhasmademanacreatureofdesiresandhasestablishedthematerialuniversewith qualitiesandpowers...forthegratificationofthosedesires.Desireisthestimulusto productionandinvention.2)Tosatisfydesires,toobtainpleasures,manmustbyirksome labourforcenaturetoyieldherhiddenresources.3)Theexertionoflabourestablishesaright ofPROPERTYinthefruitsoflabour,andtheideaofexclusivepossessionisanecessary consequence.Originallytheobjectbelongstotheproducerbyanintuitiveconceptionof right,andtheactofappropriationisasinstinctiveastheactofbreathing.Therightof propertymaybeconceivedasalawofnaturaljustice,asBowenofHarvardputit,because theproducerwouldnotputforthhisforceandingenuityifothersdeprivedhimoftheir fruits.Thusisestablished4)TheRightofEXCHANGE. Hereisthebeginningofthereligionoftheessentialdignityofanindividualsaccumulatingwealth bytradingwhichlaterbecamethemysticalphilosophythatputthecorporateorganizationahead ofthegovernmentalorganizationinprestigeandpower,byidentifyingitwiththeindividual.Our fathersbreathedthisatmosphereineverydayoftheirschooling.Forapointedsummaryoftheir attitudetowarddistributionofgoodsbysocalledgovernmentalorganizations,wequoteagain fromMr.Dorfmansbook:(page187) Sincesocialismistheutternegationoftherightofprivateproperty,manisnomore adaptedtoitthanthebarnfowlistoliveinthewater.Philanthropyoranyotheraidofthe poorisaviolationofthesamelawsofGodandproperty.Allattemptstorelievethenatural penaltiesofindolenceandimprovidencebringaboutunexpectedandsevereevil.The doctrinethatthegovernmentshouldprovidefortheunemployedisthemostsubversiveofall socialorder.EventheclaimofRuskinthatalllaboursoflikeamountsshouldreceivethe samereward,meansthesuppressionofcommerciallaw,whichisGodsmethod.If labourandcapitalarefree,astheyareintheorderofnatureundisturbedunderthelawof competition,thentheflowofeach...towardanequilibrium,isasnaturalasthatofwaters oftheoceanundergravitation.Inrealitythelabourerhasnocomplaintagainstthe competitivesystem.AsPerryputit,employerandemployeecometogetherofnecessityintoa relationofmutualdependence,whichGodhasordained,andwhich,thoughmanmay temporarilydisturbit,hecanneveroverthrow. Herewasthephilosophyofthemenwhocamelatertodominateourlargeindustrialorganizations andalsotoworkforthem.Therewasnothinginthatphilosophywhichjustifiedfarflung

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industrialempires.Indeed,thegreatorganizationinwhichmostmenwereemployees,andafew atthetopweredictators,wasacontradictionofthatphilosophy.Thegreatorganizationcameinas aresultofmechanicaltechniqueswhichspecializedtheworkofproductionsothatmencouldnot operatebythemselves.Nothingcouldstoptheprogressofsuchorganization,andthereforein ordertotolerateit,menhadtopretendthatcorporationswereindividuals.Whenfacedwiththe factthattheywerenotindividuals,theydidnotseektocontrol,butdenouncedandtriedtobreak themupintosmallerorganizations.Thosewhodidnotchoosetodissent,however,soughtrefuge intransferringthesymbolismoftheindividualtothegreatindustrialarmiesinwhichtheywere soldiers. Mencheerfullyacceptthefactthatsomeindividualsaregoodandothersbad.Therefore,since greatindustrialorganizationswereregardedasindividuals,itwasnotexpectedthatallofthem wouldbegood.Corporationscouldthereforeviolateanyoftheestablishedtabooswithout creatinganyalarmaboutthesystemitself.Sinceindividualsaresupposedtodobetteriflet alone,thissymbolismfreedindustrialenterprisefromregulationintheinterestoffurtheringany currentmorality.Thelaissezfairereligion,basedonaconceptionofasocietycomposedof competingindividuals,wastransferredautomaticallytoindustrialorganizationswithnationwide poweranddictatorialformsofgovernment. ThismythologygavetheGovernmentatWashingtononlyaminorparttoplayinsocial organization.Itcreatedtheillusionthatwewerelivingunderapioneereconomycomposedof selfsufficientmenwhoweretradingwitheachother.InthatatmospherethenotionofThomas Jefferson,thatthebestgovernmentwastheonewhichinterferedtheleastwithindividualactivity, hamperedanycontrolofourindustrialgovernmentbyourpoliticalgovernment.TheGovernment atWashingtongraduallychangedintowhatwasessentiallyaspiritualgovernmentwhoseevery actionwasdesignedtoreconciletheconflictbetweenmythandrealitywhichmenfeltwhena creedofindividualismwasappliedtoahighlyorganizedindustrialworld.Governmentin Washingtonwassupposedtoactsoastoinstillconfidenceingreatbusinessorganizations.The SupremeCourtoftheUnitedStates,becauseitcouldexpressbetterthananyotherinstitutionthe mythofthecorporatepersonality,wasabletohamperFederalpowerstoanextentwhich foreigners,notrealizingtheemotionalpowerofthemyth,couldnotunderstand.Thiscourt inventedmostoftheceremonieswhichkeptthemythaliveandpreachedabouttheminamost dramaticsetting.Itdressedhugecorporationsintheclothesofsimplefarmersandmerchantsand thusmadeattemptstoregulatethemappearasattacksonlibertyandthehome.Solongasmen instinctivelythoughtofthesegreatorganizationsasindividuals,theemotionalanalogiesofhome andfreedomandalltheothertrappingsofruggedindividualismbecametheirmostpotent protection. Symbolismmadepracticallegislationlegalisticandcomplicatedsothatitwouldnotcontradict

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fixedbeliefs.Forexample,theSocialSecurityActwasdrawntoresembleaninsurancecorporation, becauseinsurancecorporationsweresupposedtobeverypiousandrespectableindividuals indeed.TheGovernmentputmoneyinahugereserve.Thisreservehadtobeinvestedinitsown bondsandthereforehadnomeaningwhatever,excepttomakesocialsecuritylegislationlooklike anoldlineinsurancecompany.InotherenterprisestheGovernmentfoundthatbyadoptingthe deviceofagovernmentcorporationitgaveitsactivitiesalittleofthefreedomwhichwasenjoyed byprivatecorporationsandescapedtherulesandprincipleswhichhamperedactionwhenitwas donebyagovernmentdepartmentinsteadofagovernmentcorporation.Inotherwords,itgave theGovernmentsomeoftherobesoftheindividual. Theextenttowhichfreedomofrestraintofgreatindustrialgovernmentwasdramatizedas individualfreedomisillustratedbythefactthatitwaspossibleforJohnW.Davis,aslateas1936, torousehisaudiencetoahighpitchofindignationagainstanactregulatingholdingcompaniesby speakingasfollows: Thereissomethinginthisactthatarousesmefarbeyondthescopeandtenoroftheactitself.In onerespectitisuniqueinthehistoryofourlegislation;inonerespectitconstitutesthegravest threattothelibertiesofAmericancitizensthathasemanatedfromthehallsofCongressinmy lifetime.Thatisstronglanguage.ButImeantomakeitso.(NewYorkTimes,August26,1936.) Itwasthepersonificationofthecorporationasanindividualwhichgavemovingforcetosuch remarks,whichotherwisewouldseemalmostincredible.Anyonewhoactuallystruggledforthe libertiesofactualindividuals,ratherthanidealizedones,wasgreetedwiththehostilitythatgreets anyonewhotearstheveilawayfromagreatsymbol. ThurmondArnold,ChapterVIIIinTheFolkloreofCapitalism,1937 Theexerciseofthepolicepowerofthestateshallneverbesoabridgedorconstruedastopermit corporationstoconducttheirbusinessinsuchmannerastoinfringetherightsofindividualsorthe generalwellbeingoftheState. CaliforniaConstitutionof1879,ArticleXII,Section8 Thelegalmakebelievethatthecorporationisaperson,theingenuitiesbywhichithasbeenfitted outwithadomicile,theelaboratewebofasifswhichthecourtshavewoven,haveputcorporate affairsprettylargelyoutoftheregulationswedecree.[Thecorporation,unlikerealpersons,has] noanatomicalpartstobekickedorconsignedtothecalaboose;noconsciencetokeepitawakeall night;nosoulforwhosesalvationtheparsonmaystruggle;nobodytoberoastedinhellorpurged forcelestialenjoyment.[Noonecanlay]bodilyhandsuponGeneralMotorsorWestinghouse...or incarceratethePennsylvaniaRailroadorStandardOilofNewJerseywithallitsworks. WaltonH.Hamilton,economistandlawyer,OntheCompositionofthe CorporateVeil,194_

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Acorporation,essentially,isapileofmoneytowhichanumberofpersonshavesoldtheirmoral allegiance.Assuch,unlikeaperson,acorporationdoesnotage.Itdoesnotarrive,asmostpersons finallydo,atarealizationoftheshortnessandsmallnessofhumanlives;itdoesnotcometosee thefutureasthelifetimesofthechildrenandgrandchildrenofanybodyinparticular.Itcan experiencenopersonalhopeorremorse,nochangeofheart.ItcannothumbleitselfItgoes aboutitsbusinessasifitwereimmortal,withthesinglepurposeofbecomingabiggerpileof money. WendellBerry,TheIdeaofaLocalEconomy,Orion,Winter2001 Thecorporationisnotapersonanditdoesnotlive.Itisalifelessbundleoflegallyprotected financialrightsandrelationshipsbrilliantlydesignedtoservemoneyanditsimperatives.Itis moneythatflowsinitsveins,notblood.Thecorporationhasneithersoulnorconscience. DavidKorten,ThePostCorporateWorld,page75 Asasociallyresponsiblebusiness,ourintentionistotakeanactiveroleinprovidingeducational andlifeenhancingexperiencesthathavesignificantlypositiveeffectsonthequalityoflife.This requiresmuchmorethananintellectualstance.Itcallsforthadailycommitmenttohonorthe sacrednessofalllife...tovaluewisdom,flexibility,andthecultivationofcompassion. DavidC.Korten Ourchallengeistocreateaglobalsystemthatisbiasedtowardthesmall,local,cooperative, resourceconserving,andlongterm.Onethatempowerspeopletocreategoodlivinginbalance withnature.Healthysocietiesdependonhealthy,empoweredlocalcommunitiesthatbuildcaring relationshipsamongpeopleandhelpusconnecttoaparticularpieceofthelivingEarthwith whichourlivesareintertwined.Suchsocietiesmustbebuiltthroughlocallevelaction,household byhousehold,communitybycommunity,individualbyindividual.Tocorrectthedeep dysfunction,wemustshedtheillusionsofourcollectiveculturaltrance,reclaimthepowerwe haveyieldedtofailinginstitutions,takebackresponsibilityforourlives,andreweavethebasic fabricofcaringfamiliesandcommunitiestocreateplacesforpeopleandotherlivingthings. DavidC.Korten,WhenCorporationsRuletheWorld Warisaracket.Italwayshasbeen.Itispossiblytheoldest,easilythemostprofitable,surelythe mostvicious.Itistheonlyoneinternationalinscope.Itistheonlyoneinwhichtheprofitsare reckonedindollarsandthelossesinlives.Aracketisbestdescribed,Ibelieve,assomethingthatis notwhatitseemstothemajorityofthepeople.Onlyasmallinsidegroupknowswhatitisabout. Itisconductedforthebenefitoftheveryfew,attheexpenseoftheverymany.Outofwarafew peoplemakehugefortunes

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Thereisn'tatrickintheracketeeringbagthatthemilitarygangisblindto.Ithasitsfingermen(to pointoutenemies),itsmusclemen(todestroyenemies),itsbrainguys(toplanwar preparations),andaBigBoss(supernationalisticcapitalism).Itmayseemoddforme,amilitary man,toadoptsuchacomparison.Truthfulnesscompelsmetodoso.Ispent33yearsandfour monthsinactivemilitaryserviceasamemberofourcountry'smostagilemilitaryforcethe MarineCorps.IservedinallcommissionedranksfromsecondlieutenanttoMajorGeneral.And duringthatperiodIspentmoreofmytimebeingahighclassmusclemanforBigBusiness,for WallStreetandforthebankers.Inshort,Iwasaracketeer,agangsterforcapitalism. IsuspectedIwasjustapartofaracketatthetime.NowIamsureofit.Likeallmembersofthe militaryprofessionIneverhadanoriginalthoughtuntilIlefttheservice.Mymentalfaculties remainedinsuspendedanimationwhileIobeyedtheordersofthehigherups.Thisistypicalwith everyoneinthemilitaryservice.ThusIhelpedmakeMexicoandespeciallyTampicosafefor Americanoilinterestsin1914.IhelpedmakeHaitiandCubaadecentplacefortheNationalCity Bankboystocollectrevenuesin.IhelpedintherapingofhalfadozenCentralAmericanrepublics forthebenefitofWallStreet.Therecordofracketeeringislong.IhelpedpurifyNicaraguaforthe internationalbankinghouseofBrownBrothersin190912.IbroughtlighttotheDominican RepublicforAmericansugarinterestsin1916.InChinain1927IhelpedseetoitthattheStandard Oilwentitswayunmolested.Duringthoseyears,Ihad,astheboysinthebackroomwouldsay,a swellracket.Iwasrewardedwithhonors,medalsandpromotion.Lookingbackonit,IfeelImight havegivenAlCaponeafewhints.Thebesthecoulddowastooperatehisracketinthreecity districts.Ioperatedonthreecontinents MajorGeneralSmedleyDarlingtonButler,U.S.MarineCorps(18811940),twotime recipientoftheCongressionalMedalofHonor,inCommonSense,1935.Butleralso exposedaplannedcoupdetatinWashingtonin1934. Oilhasliterallymadeforeignandsecuritypolicyfordecades.Justsincetheturnofthiscentury,it hasprovokedthedivisionoftheMiddleEastafterWorldWarI;arousedGermanyandJapanto extendtheirtentaclesbeyondtheirborders;theArabOilEmbargo;IranversusIraq;theGulfWar. Thisisallclear. U.S.SecretaryofEnergyBillRichardson,9December1999 YouneverhearofanydisturbancesinNorthernLuzon[Philippines]...becausethereisntanybody theretorebel.Thatcountrywasmarchedoverandclearedout...ThegoodlordinHeavenonly knowsthenumberofFilipinosthatwereputundertheground;oursoldierstooknoprisoners; theykeptnorecords;theysimplysweptthecountryandwhereverorhowevertheycouldgethold ofaFilipinotheykilledhim. ARepublicanmemberofCongressinaneyewitnessreportontheUSinvasionofthe Philippines,1899(apocryphal)

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Corporation:aningeniousdeviceforobtainingindividualprofitwithoutindividual responsibility. Impunity:wealth. Conservative:astatesmanwhoisenamoredofexistingevils,asdistinguishedfromtheLiberal whowishestoreplacethemwithothers. AmbroseBierce,TheDevil'sDictionary Theyhavegivenusintothehandofnewunhappylords,Lordswithoutangerandhonour,who darenotcarrytheirswords.Theyfightbyshufflingpapers;theyhavebrightdeadalieneyes;they lookatourlabourandlaughterasatiredmanlooksatflies.Andtheloadoftheirlovelesspityis worsethantheancientwrongs.Theirdoorsareshutintheevening;andtheyknownosongs. G.K.Chesterton,TheSecretPeople

Corporationsarewormsinthebodypolitic. ThomasHobbes ThomasJefferson,themanwhowantedanamendmenttotheConstitutionprohibitingmonopoly, wouldbeaghastatourbilliondollarcorporations.Jefferson,whoabolishedprimogenitureand entailinVirginiainordertopreventmonopolyinland,wouldbeappalledbyourhighpercentage oftenancy.Jeffersonasthemanwhodreadedthedaywhenmanyofourcitizensmightbecome landless,wouldperhapsfeelourcivilizationwastremblingonthebrinkofruin,ifheweretofind somanyofourpeoplewithouteitherlandortools,andsubjecttothehireandpowerofdistant corporations.IftheJeffersonof1820couldseehisnameusedbymencryingStatesrights!in ordertoprotectnotindividuallibertiesbutcorporateproperty,thenhewouldshudder. HenryA.Wallace,formerpopulistU.S.SecretaryofAgricultureandVice PresidentoftheUnitedStates,17November1937 Ingeneral,theartofgovernmentconsistsintakingasmuchmoneyaspossiblefromoneclassof thecitizenstogivetoanother. Voltaire Civilgovernment,sofarasitisinstitutedforthesecurityofproperty,isinrealityinstitutedforthe defenseoftherichagainstthepoor,orofthosewhohavesomepropertyagainstthosewhohave noneatall. AdamSmith,WealthofNations,1776,BookV,ChapterI,PartII

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Governmenthasnootherendbutthepreservationofproperty. JohnLocke,CivilGovernment Themodernconservativeisengagedinoneofmansoldestexercisesinmoralphilosophy;thatis, thesearchforasuperiormoraljustificationforselfishness. JohnKennethGalbraith Wasthereeverdominationthatdidnotappearnaturaltothosewhopossessit? JohnStuartMill Whenevermenholdunequalpowerinsociety,theywillstrivetomaintainit.Theywilluse whatevermeansareconvenienttothatendandwillseektojustifythembythemostplausible argumentstheyareabletodevise. ReinholdNeibuhr Commerceisentitledtoacompleteandefficientprotectioninallitslegalrights,butthemomentit presumestocontrolacountry,ortosubstituteitsfluctuatingexpedientsforthehighprinciplesof naturaljusticethatoughttolieattherootofeverypoliticalsystem,itshouldbefrownedon,and rebuked. JamesFenimoreCooper,TheAmericanDemocrat,1838 Subjecttocompensationwhencompensationisdue,thelegislaturemayforbidorrestrictany businesswhenithassufficientforceofpublicopinionbehindit. U.S.SupremeCourtJusticeOliverWendellHolmes,Jr.,1926 Iknowofnooriginalproductinvention,notevenelectricshaversorheatingpads,madebyanyof thegiantlaboratoriesorcorporations...Therecordofthegiantsisoneofmovingin,buyingout, andabsorbingthesmallcreators. GeneralElectricVicePresidentJohnMolloy,LiveforSuccess,NewYork,Bantam,1983 WhyshouldnttheAmericanpeopletakehalfmymoneyawayfromme?Itookallofitfromthem. EdwardFilene,quotedinSchlesingersTheComingofaNewDeal,1959 Ifyou'renotpayingforsomething,you'renotthecustomer;you'retheproductbeingsold.

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AndrewLewis Doyouwanttoknowthecauseofwar?Itiscapitalism,greed,thedirtyhungerfordollars.Take awaythecapitalistandyouwillsweepwarfromtheearth. HenryFord,interview,DetroitNews,1915(?) Capitalism,inevitablyandbyvirtueoftheverylogicofitscivilization,creates,educates,and subsidizesavestedinterestinsocialunrest. JosephSchumpeter,Capitalism,SocialismandDemocracy,1942 Ifsmallbusinessgoes,bigbusinessdoesnothaveanyfutureexcepttobecometheeconomicarm ofatotalitarianstate. PhilipD.Reed Corporationshaveatdifferenttimesbeensofarunabletodistinguishfreedomofspeechfrom freedomoflyingthattheirfreedomhastobecurbed. CarlBecker,18731945 Thereisnothingmutuallyexclusiveaboutmakingaprofitandservingtheneedsofsociety. Personally,Ihavenodoubtthatthecompaniesthatwillbethemostprofitableinthelongrunwill bethosethatservesocietybest...Societywillrewardthosethathelpunclogourhighways,rebuild andvitalizeourcities,cleanseourstreamsandconquerpovertyanddiseasenotthosewhose pursuitofthedollarblindsthemtosuchneeds. CharlesB.McCoy,DuPontCorporation Businessisameanstoanendforsocietyandnotanendinitself,andthereforebusinessmustact inconcertwithabroadpublicinterestandservetheobjectivesofmankindandsocietyoritwill notsurvive. LammotduPontCopeland,ChairmanofDuPont CapitalismintheUnitedStateshasundergoneprofoundmodification,notjustundertheNew DealbutthroughaconsensusthatcontinuedaftertheNewDeal...GovernmentintheU.S.todayis aseniorpartnerineverybusinessinthecountry. NormanCousins

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Whatkindofsocietyisntstructuredingreed?Theproblemofsocialorganizationisnowtosetup anarrangementunderwhichgreedwilldotheleastharm;capitalismisthatkindofasystem. MiltonFriedman,inPlayboyMagazine,1973 Capitalismistheastoundingbeliefthatthemostwickedestofmenwilldothemostwickedestof thingsforthegreatestgoodofeveryone. LordKeynes Freeenterpriseisdeadinsomesegmentsofoureconomyandseeminglyonitsdeathbedinothers. It,however,isnotbeyondcure.ThemedicineIproposeisalargedoseofantitrust. U.S.SenatorPhilipA.Hart,19121976 Ihaveaconsistentrule:theAmericanpeopleshouldknowasmuchaboutthePentagonasthe SovietUnionandChinado,asmuchaboutGeneralMotorsasForddoes,andasmuchaboutCity BankasChaseManhattandoes. RalphNader Thebusinessofgovernmentistokeepgovernmentoutofbusinessthatis,unlessbusinessneeds governmentaid. WillRogers Thereisnothingwrittenintheskythatsaystheworldwouldnotbeaperfectlysatisfactoryplaceif therewereonly100companies. ReaganantitrustchiefWilliamBaxter,quotedinPlantClosures:Myths, RealitiesandResponses,byGildaHaas&PlantClosuresProject;Boston, SouthEndPress,PamphletNo.3,1985,page22 Nothingisillegalif100businessmendecidetodoit. AndrewYoung Thelimitedliabilitycorporationisthegreatestsinglediscoveryofmoderntimes. NicholasMurrayButler,presidentofColumbiaUniversity Thepowerofcapitalismtomediatethegapbetweenrichandpoorisprettyincredible.Indeed,I think,yearbyyear,thegapgetsless.

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MicrosoftchairmanBillGates,attheWorldEconomicForum, Switzerland,1997,quotedinSeattleWeekly,Oct.15,1998 Thegrowthofalargebusinessismerelyasurvivalofthefittest,theworkingoutofalawofnature andalawofGod...Thetimewasripeforit.Ithadtocome,thoughallwesawatthemomentwas theneedtosaveourselvesfromwastefulconditions...Thedayofcombinationisheretostay. Individualismhasgone,nevertoreturn. JohnD.Rockefeller,citedinTrachtenberg'sTheIncorporationofAmerica Giantcorporations...trustsandmergers...[are]thenatural,evenlogicaloutcomeof[theprofit motive]coupledwiththenewtechnologiesofmassproductionandcorporateorganization... Mergers...soughtto...removethedisturbinginfluencesofthemarketplacefromtheproduction anddistributionofcommodities.Mergers...wereeffortstoreplacetheinvisiblehandofmarket forceswiththevisiblehandofmanagerialadministration HeilbronerandSinger,TheEconomicTransformationofAmerica:1600tothePresent,page 220 Themenwhoruntheglobalcorporationsarethefirstinhistorywiththeorganisation,technology, money,andideologytomakeacredibletryatmanagingtheworldasanintegratedeconomicunit. RichardJ.BarnetandRonaldE.Mueller,GlobalReach(1974) Thefreestgovernmentifitcouldexistwouldnotbeacceptedifthetendencyofthelawswasto createarapidaccumulationofpropertyinafewhandsandtorenderthegreatmassofthepeople dependent. DanielWebster,citedinTheMonopolyMakers Thereisnotonegrainofanythingintheworldthatissoldinthefreemarket.Notone.Theonly placeyouseeafreemarketisinthespeechesofpoliticians. WayneAndreas,CEOofArcherDanielsMidland,ZMagazine,April1997,page29 Sogreatistheregardofthelawforprivateproperty,thatitwillnotauthorizetheleastviolationof it;no,notevenforthecommongoodofthewholecommunity. BlackstonesCommentariesontheLawsofEngland,17651769, citedinZinn,APeople'sHistoryoftheUnitedStates,page256 WhenoneofJ.P.Morganslawyersadvisedhimaboutsomethinghewasabouttodo,Idont

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thinkyoucandothatlegally,Morganreplied,IdontknowasIwantalawyertotellmewhatI cannotdo.IhirehimtotellmehowtodowhatIwanttodo. IdaM.Tarbell,TheLifeofElbertH.Gary:TheStoryofSteel,NewYork, D.Appleton&Co,1925,page81 Whenthestreetsrunwithblood,Ibuy. ____Rothschild,quotedinTheHouseofMorgan,page13 ThegreatestevilisnotnowdoneinthosesordiddensofcrimethatDickenslovedtopaint.Itis notdoneeveninconcentrationcampsandlabourcamps.Inthoseweseeitsfinalresult.Butitis conceivedandordered(moved,seconded,carried,andminuted)inclean,carpeted,warmedand welllightedoffices,byquietmenwithwhitecollarsandcutfingernails,andsmoothshaven cheekswhodonotneedtoraisetheirvoices.Hence,naturallyenough,mysymbolforHellis somethinglike...theofficesofathoroughlynastybusinessconcern. C.S.Lewis,TheScrewtapeLetters Thereareneverwantingsomepersonsofviolentandundertakingnatures,who,sotheymayhave powerandbusiness,willtakeitatanycost. FrancisBacon,quotedonthetitlepageofTheRobberBarons,byMatthewJosephson Thethiefwhoisinprisonisnotnecessarilymoredishonestthanhisfellowsatlarge,butmostly onewho,throughignoranceorstupiditystealsinawaythatisnotcustomary.Hesnatchesaloaf fromthebakerscounterandispromptlyrunintogaol.Anothermansnatchesbreadfromthetable ofhundredsofwidowsandorphansandsimilarcreduloussoulswhodonotknowthewaysof companypromoters;and,aslikelyasnot,heisrunintoParliament. GeorgeBernardShaw MendozatoTanner:Iamabrigand;Ilivebyrobbingtherich. TannertoMendoza:Iamagentleman;Ilivebyrobbingthepoor.Shakehands. GeorgeBernardShaw,ManandSuperman Icanbefreeonlytotheextentthatothersareforbiddentoprofitfromtheirphysical,economic,or othersuperioritytothedetrimentofmyliberty. EmileDurkheim,SocialAnthropologist Whenacountryiswellgoverned,povertyandameanconditionaresomethingtobeashamedof.

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Whenacountryisillgoverned,richesandhonorsaretobeashamedof. Confucius Anewspapermustatalltimesantagonizetheselfishinterestsofthatveryclasswhichfurnishes thelargerpartofanewspaper'sincome...Thepressinthiscountryisdominatedbythewealthy few...thatitcannotbedependedupontogivethegreatmassofthepeoplethatcorrectinformation concerningpolitical,economicalandsocialsubjectswhichitisnecessarythatthemassofpeople Shallhaveinorderthattheyvote...inthebestwaytoprotectthemselvesfromthebrutalforceand chicaneryoftherulingandemployingclasses. E.W.Scripps Thepressisthehiredagentofamoniedsystem,andsetupfornootherpurposethantotelllies wheretheinterestsareinvolved. HenryAdams,quotedinDerrickJensen,Remembering(April1997draft) Thewholefabricofsocietywillgotowrackifwereallylayhandsofreformonourrotten institutions.Fromtoptobottomthewholesystemisafraud,allofusknowit,laborersand capitalistsalike,andallofusareconsentingpartiestoit. HenryAdams(18381918),1910 Newsiswhatsomeonewantstosuppress.Everythingelseisadvertising. RubinFrank,formerNBCnewsPresident Wefallshortofpresentingall,orevenagoodlypart,ofthenewseachdaythatacitizenwould needtointelligentlyexercisehisfranchiseinthisdemocracy.Soashedependsmoreandmoreon us,presumablythedepthofknowledgeoftheaveragemanisdiminished.Thisclearlycanleadto adisasterindemocracy. WalterCronkite Benotintimidated,therefore,byanyterrors,frompublishingwiththeutmostfreedomwhatever canbewarrantedbythelawsofyourcountry;norsufferyourselvestobewheedledoutofyour libertybypretensesofpoliteness,delicacyordecency.These,astheyareoftenused,arebutthree differentnamesforhypocrisy,chicaneryandcowardice. JohnAdams Hearmepeople:Wenowhavetodealwithanotherrace,smallandfeeblewhenourfathersfirst

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metthem,butnowgreatandoverbearing.Strangelyenoughtheyhaveamindtotillthesoiland theloveofpossessionsisadiseasewiththem.Thesepeoplehavemademanyruleswhichtherich maybreakbutthepoormaynot.Theytaketheirtithesfromthepoorandweaktosupporttherich andthosewhorule. ChiefSittingBull,speakingatthePowderRiverConference,1877 Thewaragainstworkingpeopleshouldbeunderstoodtobearealwar.Itsnotanewwar.Itsan oldwar.Furthermore,itsaperfectlyconsciouswareverywhere,butspecificallyintheUS...which happenstohaveahighlyclassconsciousbusinessclass...Andtheyhavelongseenthemselvesas fightingabitterclasswar,excepttheydontwantanybodyelsetoknowaboutit. Theresnodoubtthatoneofthemajorissuesoftwentiethcenturyhistory,surelyintheUS,is corporatepropaganda...Itsgoalfromthebeginning,perfectlyopenlyandconsciously,wasto controlthepublicmind,astheyputit.Thereasonwasthatthepublicmindwasseenasthe greatestthreattocorporations. NoamChomsky,HarvardTradeUnionProgram,Cambridge,MA,7February1997 Propagandadepictingunionsastheenemyoftheworker,welfarequeensdrivingCadillacsand breedinglikerabbits,liberalelitesandpointyheadedbureaucratsstealingourmoneyand interferinginourlives,andtherestofthefamiliarrefrain,mayhaveleftattitudessubstantially unchanged.Butithasreducedmuchofthepopulationtobewildermentandirrationality.Ifthe currentmoodisoneofantipolitics,thatisinnosmallmeasureatributetothesuccessof campaignstoerasetheunderstandingofelementaryrealityexpressedbytheUMWleaderquoted earlier.Thatreality,traceablebackatleasttoAdamSmith,waswelldescribedbyJohnDewey: Politicsistheshadowcastonsocietybybigbusiness,andaslongasthisisso,theattenuationof theshadowwillnotchangethesubstance. Thescaleandintensityofthesepropagandacrusadesisrarelyappreciated,andlittlestudied.What hasbeenunearthedconfirmsthejudgmentofthelateAlexCarey,theAustraliansocialscientist whopioneeredtheinvestigationofcorporatepropaganda,includinghisstudyofAmericanization campaigns,fromwhichIdrewearlier.Thetwentiethcenturyhasbeencharacterizedbythree developmentsofgreatpoliticalimportance,Careywroteina1978paper:thegrowthofdemocracy; thegrowthofcorporatepower;andthegrowthofcorporatepropagandaasameansofprotecting corporatepoweragainstdemocracy.Fromtheirmodernorigins,thecorporationsthatnow dominatemuchofthedomesticandglobaleconomies,castingtheirshadowonallotheraspectsof life,recognizedtheneedtocontrolthepublicmindandengineerconsentbywhattheirleaders franklycalledpropagandainmorehonestdays. LetterfromNoamChomsky,http://mediafilter.org/caq/caq54chmky.html HistorywillbekindtousbecauseIplantowriteit.

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IwillleavejudgementsonthismattertohistorybutIwillbeoneofthehistorians. WinstonChurchill,variousinstancesafter1939 Iagreethatwehadbetterleavethepasttohistory,butrememberifIlivelongenoughImaybe oneofthehistorians. WinstonChurchill,ina1944lettertoJosephStalin ThepointofpublicrelationssloganslikeSupportourtroopsisthattheydontmeananything... Thatsthewholepointofgoodpropaganda.Youwanttocreateasloganthatnobodysgoingtobe against,andeverybodysgoingtobefor.Nobodyknowswhatitmeans,becauseitdoesntmean anything.Itscrucialvalueisthatitdivertsyourattentionfromaquestionthatdoesmean something:Doyousupportourpolicy?Thatstheoneyou'renotallowedtotalkabout. NoamChomsky Ifweunderstandthemechanismandmotivesofthegroupmind,itisnowpossibletocontroland regimentthemassesaccordingtoourwillwithoutthemknowingit. EdwardBernays Theconsciousandintelligentmanipulationoftheorganizedhabitsandopinionsofthemassesis animportantelementindemocraticsociety.Thosewhomanipulatethisunseenmechanismof societyconstituteaninvisiblegovernmentwhichisthetruerulingpowerofourcountry.Weare governed,ourmindsaremolded,ourtastesformed,ourideassuggested,largelybymenwehave neverheardof.Thisisalogicalresultofthewayinwhichourdemocraticsocietyisorganized. Vastnumbersofhumanbeingsmustcooperateinthismanneriftheyaretolivetogetherasa smoothlyfunctioningsociety.Inalmosteveryactofourdailylives,whetherinthesphereof politicsorbusiness,inoursocialconductorourethicalthinking,wearedominatedbythe relativelysmallnumberofpersonswhounderstandthementalprocessesandsocialpatternsof themasses.Itistheywhopullthewireswhichcontrolthepublicmind. EdwardBernays,Propaganda,1928 Theaveragecitizenistheworldsmostefficientcensor.Hisownmindisthegreatestbarrier betweenhimandthefacts.Hisownlogicproofcompartments,hisownabsolutismarethe obstacleswhichpreventhimfromseeingintermsofexperienceandthoughtratherthaninterms ofgroupreaction. EdwardBernays,CrystallizingPublicOpinion

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MassmindcontrolwasanartinOldTestamenttimesanditisnotalostartnow,butaperfected one. Unattributed Corporationsareneitherphysicalnormetaphysicalphenomena.Theyaresocioeconomicploys legallyenactedgameplayingagreedupononlybetweenoverwhelminglypowerful socioeconomicindividualsandbythemimposeduponhumansocietyanditsallunwitting members. BuckminsterFuller,TheGrunchofGiants TothosewhofollowedColumbusandCortez,theNewWorldtrulyseemedincrediblebecauseof thenaturalendowments.Thelandoftenannounceditselfwithaheavyscentmilesoutintothe ocean.GiovannidaVerrazanoin1524smelledthecedarsoftheEastCoastahundredleaguesout. ThemenofHenryHudsonsHalfMoonweretemporarilydisarmedbythefragranceoftheNew Jerseyshore,whileshipsrunningfartherupthecoastoccasionallyswamthroughlargebedsof floatingflowers.Wherevertheycameinlandtheyfoundarichriotofcolorandsound,ofgame andluxuriantvegetation.Hadtheybeenotherthantheywere,theymighthavewrittenanew mythologyhere.Asitwas,theytookinventory. FrederickTurner Dependablesociopathsareallaroundus.Theydon'tcarehowmuchmiserytheycause,theydont carehowmuchthepublichatesthem,nordotheycarehowmuchbeautytheydestroy.Theironly interestisindoingtheirjobs.Theyarecalledcorporations. JayHanson Capitalismhasdefeatedcommunism.Itisnowwellonitswaytodefeatingdemocracy. DavidKorten Wecannotmortgagethematerialassetsofourgrandchildrenwithoutriskingthelossalsooftheir politicalandspiritualheritage. DwightDavidEisenhower Understoodinitstotality,thespectacleisboththeresultandtheprojectofthedominantmodeof production.Itisnotameredecorationaddedtotherealworld.Itistheveryheartofthisreal societysunreality.Inallofitsparticularmanifestationsnews,propaganda,advertising, entertainmentthespectaclerepresentsthedominantmodeloflife.

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GuyDebord,SocietyofSpectacle,1967 Imtalkingabouttherealownersnow,thebigwealthybusinessintereststhatcontrolthingsand makealltheimportantdecisions.Forgetthepoliticians.Theyreirrelevant.Theyaretheretogive youtheideayouhavefreedomofchoice.Youdont.Youhavenochoice.Youhaveowners.They ownyou.Theyowneverything.Theyownalltheimportantland,theyownandcontrolthe corporations.TheyvelongsinceboughtandpaidfortheSenate,theCongress,thestatehouses; thecityhalls.Theyvegotthejudgesintheirbackpockets.Andtheyownallthebigmedia companiessotheycontroljustaboutalltheinformationyougettohear.Theyvegotyoubythe balls.Theyspendbillionsofdollarseveryyearlobbying,lobbyingtogetwhattheywant.Well,we knowwhattheywant:theywantmoreforthemselvesandlessforeverybodyelse. ButIlltellyouwhattheydontwanttheydontwantapopulationofcitizenscapableofcritical thinking.Theydontwantwellinformed,welleducatedpeoplecapableofcriticalthinking. Theyrenotinterestedinthat.Thatdoesnthelpthem.Thatsagainsttheirinterest.Youknow something,theydontwantpeoplethataresmartenoughtositaroundtheirkitchentableand figureouthowbadlytheyregettingfuckedbyasystemthatthrewthemoverboard30fucking yearsago.Becausetheownersofthiscountryknowthetruth,itscalledtheAmericanDream, becauseyouhavetobeasleeptobelieveit. GeorgeCarlin,2008 ...themediaservetheinterestsofstateandcorporatepower,whicharecloselyinterlinked,framing theirreportingandanalysisinamannersupportiveofestablishedprivilegeandlimitingdebate anddiscussionaccordingly. NoamChomsky Them,Inc.:ifyoudontknowwhoTheyare,yourenotoneofus. Unattributed Ifthecorporationsonlycanbestoppedbyhumandieoff,thenthecorporationswillbestoppedby humandieoff. JayHansonsTheorem,11November1997 Whoevercontrolsthevolumeofmoneyinourcountryisabsolutemasterofallindustryand commerce,andwhenyourealizethattheentiresystemisveryeasilycontrolled,onewayor another,byafewpowerfulmenatthetop,youwillnothavetobetoldhowperiodsofinflation anddepressionoriginate. JamesA.Garfield,20thU.S.president,twoweeksbeforehewasassassinatedin1881

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Ahundredyearsago,evenfiftyyearsago,itdidnotseemurgentthatweunderstandthe relationshipbetweenbusinessandahealthyenvironment,becausenaturalresourcesseemed unlimited.Butonthevergeofanewmillenniumweknowthatwehavedecimatedninetyseven percentoftheancientforestsinNorthAmerica;everydayourfarmersandranchersdrawout20 billionmoregallonsofwaterfromthegroundthanarereplacedbyrainfall;theOgalalaAquifer, anunderwaterriverbeneaththeGreatPlainslargerthananybodyoffreshwateronearth,willdry upwithinthirtytofortyyearsatpresentratesofextraction;globallywelose25billiontonsof fertiletopsoileveryyear,theequivalentofallthewheatfieldsinAustralia.Thesecriticallossesare occurringwhiletheworldpopulationisincreasingattherateof90millionpeopleperyear.Quite simply,ourbusinesspracticesaredestroyinglifeonearth.Givencurrentcorporatepractices,not onewildlifereserve,wilderness,orindigenousculturewillsurvivetheglobalmarketeconomy. Weknowthateverynaturalsystemontheplanetisdisintegrating.Theland,water,airandsea havebeenfunctionallytransformedfromlifesupportingsystemsintorepositoriesforwaste.There isnopolitewaytosaythatbusinessisdestroyingtheworld. PaulHawkin,TheEcologyofCommerce:ADeclarationofSustainability,1993 Wearenowprettyobviouslyfacingthepossibilityofaworldthatthesupranationalcorporations, andthegovernmentsandeducationalsystemsthatservethem,willcontrolentirelyfortheirown enrichmentand,incidentallyandinescapably,fortheimpoverishmentofalltherestofus. WendellBerry Corporationscareverymuchaboutmaintainingthemyththatgovernmentisnecessarily ineffective,exceptwhenitisspendingmoneyonthemilitaryindustrialcomplex,buildingprisons, orprovidinginfrastructuralsupportforthebusinesssector. MichaelLerner,ThePoliticsofMeaning,1997,page315 Thehopethatwecancuretheillsofindustrialismbythehomeopathyofmoretechnologyseemsat lasttobelosingstatus. WendellBerry,FaustianEconomics:HellHathNoLimits,HarpersMagazine,May2008. http://www.harpers.org/archive/2008/05/0082022 Itisaparadoxoftheacquisitivesocietyinwhichwenowlivethatalthoughprivatemoralsare regulatedbylaw,theentrepreneurisallowedconsiderablefreedomtouseandabusethe publicinordertomakemoney.TheAmericanpursuitofhappinessmightbelessdesperateifthe situationwerereversed. GoreVidal

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Armaments,universaldebt,andplannedobsolescencethosearethethreepillarsofWestern prosperity.Ifwar,waste,andmoneylenderswereabolished,youdcollapse.Andwhileyou peopleareoverconsuming,therestoftheworldsinksmoreandmoredeeplyintochronic disaster. AldousHuxley,Island

POLITY
Truth?Youdontwanttoknowthetruth;youcanthandlethetruth! ColonelJessep,playedbyJackNicholsoninthefilmAFewGoodMen,1992 Manypeopletodaydontwanthonestanswersinsofarashonestmeansunpleasantordisturbing, Theywantasoftanswerthatturnethawayanxiety. LouisKronenberger Thegeneralpopulationdoesntknowwhatishappening,anditdoesntevenknowthatitdoesnt know. NoamChomsky Logicandreasonarenottheprimarydeterminantsofhumanaffairs. BarbaraTuchman SoIhavejustonewishforyouthegoodlucktobesomewherewhereyouarefreetomaintain thekindofintegrityIhavedescribed,andwhereyoudonotfeelforcedtoloseyourintegritybya needtomaintainyourpositionintheorganization,orfinancialsupport,orsoon,Mayyouhave thatfreedom. RichardFeynman,1974 Ifanethicalfoundationislacking,acivilizationcollapses.Civilizationexistsintheefforttoperfect humanity,andoriginateswhenapopulationisinspiredtoattainprogressandtoserve. AlbertSchweitzer Forthefirsttimeinitshistory,WesternCivilizationisindangerofbeingdestroyedinternallybya corrupt,criminalrulingcabalwhichiscenteredaroundtheRockefellerinterests,whichinclude elementsfromtheMorgan,Brown,Rothschild,DuPont,Harriman,KuhnLoeb,andother[Bush?]

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groupingsaswell.Thisjuntatookcontrolofthepolitical,financial,andculturallifeofAmericain thefirsttwodecadesofthetwentiethcentury. CarrollQuigley,(19101977)ProfessorofInternationalRelations,Georgetown UniversityForeignServiceSchool,Washington,D.C.,memberoftheCouncilon ForeignRelations(CFR),mentortoBillClinton,TragedyandHope:AHistoryoftheWorld inOurTime,1966 Theargumentthatthetwopartiesshouldrepresentopposedidealsandpolicies,one,perhaps,of theRightandtheotheroftheLeft,isafoolishideaacceptableonlytothedoctrinaireandacademic thinkers.Instead,thetwopartiesshouldbealmostidentical,sothattheAmericanpeoplecan throwtherascalsoutatanyelectionwithoutleadingtoanyprofoundorextremeshiftsinpolicy. CarrollQuigley Thebestwaytocontroltheoppositionistoleaditourselves. VladimirIlyichLenin Whatyouknowyoucantexplain,butyoufeelit.Youvefeltityourentirelife,thattheres somethingwrongwiththeworld.Youdontknowwhatitis,butitsthere,likeasplinterinyour mind,drivingyoumad. Morpheus,inTheMatrix Wehavenowsunktoadepthatwhichrestatementoftheobviousisthefirstdutyofintelligent men. Politicallanguageisdesignedtomakeliessoundtruthfulandmurderrespectable,andtogive anappearanceofsoliditytopurewind. GeorgeOrwell Inpolitics,nothinghappensbyaccident.Ifithappened,youcanbetitwasplannedthatway. FranklinDelanoRoosevelt Politicsisnottheartofthepossible.Itconsistsofchoosingbetweenthedisastrousandthe unpalatable. JohnKennethGalbraith Eventhemostcourageousamongusonlyrarelyhasthecourageforwhathereallyknows...But

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tellme,mybrothers,ifhumanitystilllacksagoal,ishumanityitselfnotstilllackingtoo? FriedrichNietzsche,AlsoSprachZarathustra Courageconsistsnotinhazardingwithoutfear;butbeingresolutelymindedinajustcause. Plutarch TheAbnormalIsNotCourage ThePolesrodeoutfromWarsawagainsttheGerman Tanksonhorses.Rodeknowing,insunlight,withsabers, Amagnitudeofbeautythatallowsmenopeace. Andyetthispoemwouldlessenthatday.Question Thebravery.Sayit'snotcourage.Callitapassion. Wouldsaycourageisn'tthat.Notatitsbest. Itwasimpossible,andwithform.Theyrodeinsunlight, Weremangled.ButIsaycourageisnottheabnormal. Notthemarvelousact.NotMacbethwithfinespeeches. Theworthlesscanmanageinpublic,orforthemoment. Itistoonearthewhoresheart:thebountyofimpulse, Andthefailuretosustainevensmallkindness. Notthemarvelousact,buttheevidentconclusionofbeing. Notstrangeness,butaleapforwardofthesamequality. Accomplishment.Theevenloyalty.Butfresh. NottheProdigalSon,norFaustus.ButPenelope. Thethingsteadyandclear.Thenthecrescendo. Therealform.Theculmination.Andtheexceeding. Notthesurprise.Theamazedunderstanding.Themarriage, Notthemonthsrapture.Nottheexception.Thebeauty Thatisofmanydays.Steadyandclear. Itisthenormalexcellence,oflongaccomplishment. JackGilbert(19252012),inViewsofJeopardy,1962 Cowardiceasksthequestionisitsafe?Expediencyasksthequestionisitpolitic?Vanityasksthe questionisitpopular?Butconscienceasksthequestionisitright?Andtherecomesatimewhen onemusttakeapositionthatisneithersafe,norpolitic,norpopular;butonemusttakeitbecause itisright. Dr.MartinLutherKing,Jr. Corruptissimarepublicae,plurimaeleges.

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(Themorecorruptthestate,themorelawsithas.) Tacitus,______________ Themorerestrictionsandprohibitionsthereare,thepoorerthepeoplebecome.Thesharperthe peoplesweaponsare,themorenationalconfusionincreases.Themoreskillartisansrequire,the morebizarretheirproductsare. LaoTzu,TaoTeChing Leadershipisthewiseuseofpower.Poweristhecapacitytotranslateintentionintorealityand sustainit. WarrenBennis Leadershipisapotentcombinationofstrategyandcharacter.Butifyoumustbewithoutone,be withoutthestrategy. GeneralNormanSchwartzkopf Thetrueromancewhichtheworldexiststorealizewillbethetransformationofgeniusinto practicalpower. RalphWaldoEmerson,Experience Inordertogetpowerandretainit,itisnecessarytolovepower;butloveofpowerisnotconnected withgoodnessbutwithqualitiesthataretheoppositeofgoodness,suchaspride,cunningand cruelty. CountLeoTolstoy Nearlyallmencanstandadversity,butifyouwanttotestamanscharacter,givehimpower. AbrahamLincoln Itisoneofthemanyparadoxesofpowerthatitcanneverbesafelybought. TimothyLeary,TheCurseoftheOvalRoom Ofallmanifestationsofpower,restraintimpressesmenmost. Thucydides(ca.460ca.395B.C.),GreekHistorian

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Moneytogainpower,powertoprotectmoney. MottooftheMedicifamily(apocryphal) Amongthebarbarians,andamonganimals,wefindcourageassociatednotwiththegreatest ferocity,butwithagentleandlionliketemper. Aristotle(384322B.C.),Politics,VII Captain,itisfareasierforcivilizedmentobehavelikebarbariansthanforbarbarianstobehave likecivilizedmen. LieutenantSpock,Mirror,Mirrorepisode,StarTrek Theresareasonweseparatemilitaryandthepolice:onefightstheenemyofthestate;theother servesandprotectsthepeople.Whenthemilitarybecomesboth,thentheenemiesofthestatetend tobecomethepeople. CommanderWilliamAdama,Waterepisode,BattlestarGalactica,2004 Who,afterall,speakstodayoftheannihilationoftheArmenians? AdolfHitler(1936?1940?explainingtonervousgeneralshisplantorid theEarthofJews) Abhonestovirumbonumnihildeterret. (Nothingdetersagoodmanfromdoingwhatishonorable.) LuciusAnnaeusSeneca(4B.C.A.D.65) Difficileestsaturamnonscribere. (Itsdifficulttonotwritesatire.) Juvenal,Satires,i.30 Thesatiristispreventedbyrepulsionfromgainingabetterknowledgeoftheworldheisattracted to,yetheisforcedbyattractiontoconcernhimselfwiththeworldthatrepelshim. ItaloCalvino Quiscustodietipsoscustodes? (Whowillprotectusfromourguardians?or Whowillguardourguardians?)

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Juvenal,Satires,VI,347 AndiftheGuardiansarenothappy,whoelsecanbe? Aristotle,ThePolitics,Book2,Chapter5 Ifevilscomenot,thenourfearsareinvain; andiftheydo,fearbutaugmentsthepain. SirThomasMore,EnglishDivine Amanwhofearssufferingisalreadysufferingfromwhathefears. MicheldeMontaigne(15331592) Justitiaesororfides. (FaithisthesisterofJustice.) RomanSaying Anationthatisafraidtoletitspeoplejudgethetruthandfalsehoodofideasinanopenmarketisa nationthatisafraidofitspeople. JohnF.Kennedy Weliveatatimewhenonecannotspeakthetruthwithoutrunningtheriskofoutragingsome grouporother. AlexanderDumasfils,1878 Theradicalofonecenturyistheconservativeofthenext.Theradicalinventstheviews.Whenhe haswornthemouttheconservativeadoptsthem. MarkTwain'sNotebook,1898 Historydoesntrepeatbutitsuredoesrhyme. MarkTwain(apocryphal) HistorywillbekindtousbecauseIplantowriteit. WinstonChurchill,tohisToryassociates

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Sunlightissaidtobethebestofdisinfectants. LouisD.Brandeis,U.S.SupremeCourtJustice,19161939 Apatriotmustalwaysbereadytodefendhiscountryagainstitsgovernment. EdwardAbbey,AVoiceCryingintheWilderness(VoxClamantisinDeserto) Itisthedutyofthepatriottoprotecthiscountryfromhisgovernment. ThomasPaine Patriotismmeansbeingloyaltoyourcountryallthetimeandtoitsgovernmentwhenitdeserves it. MarkTwain Atruepatriotwouldkeeptheattentionofhisfellowcitizensawaketotheirgrievances,andnot allowthemtoresttillthecausesoftheirjustcomplaintsareremoved. SamuelAdams,1771 Ifevertimeshouldcome,whenvainandaspiringmenshallpossessthehighestseatsin Government,ourCountrywillstandinneedofitsexperiencedpatriotstopreventitsruin. SamuelAdams,1780 Iliketothinkofmyselfasapatriot,butevenmoresoasaman.Wherethetwodisagree,Isaythe manisright. HermannHesse(18771962) Whenpowershifts,menshiftwithit. GeorgeOrwell Wevegotthefoolsonourside,andthatsamajorityinanytown. MarkTwain,HuckleberryFinn Whenyoufindyourselfonthesideofthemajority,itistimetoreform.

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SamuelClements,akaMarkTwain Whenatruegeniusappearsinthisworldyoumayknowhimbythissign;thattheduncesareall inconfederacyagainsthim. JonathanSwift Ifyouprotectmenfromfolly,youwillsoonhaveanationoffools. WilliamPenn(16441718) Theultimateresultofshieldingmenfromtheeffectsoffollyistofilltheworldwithfools. HerbertSpencer(18201903),StateTamperingswithMoneyBanks Itisimpossibletotreatquietlyanddisputeorderlywithafool. Montaigne,FrenchWriter Thereisnothingmoreterrifyingthanignoranceinaction. Goethe Themostdifficultthingofallistoseewhatisrightinfrontofyoureyes. Goethe. Behold,theseareasmalltroop,andindeedtheyareenragingus;andweareahostonourguard. TheKoran InthathourwhentheEgyptiansdiedintheRedSeatheministerswishedtosingthesongofpraise beforetheHolyOne,butherebukedthemsaying,Myhandiworkisdrowninginthesea;would youutterasongbeforemeinhonorofthat? TheSanhedrin ThemanwhocomesbackthroughtheDoorintheWallwillneverbequitethesameastheman whowentout.Hewillbewiserbutlesssure,happierbutlessselfsatisfied,humblerin acknowledginghisignoranceyetbetterequippedtounderstandtherelationshipofwordsto things,ofsystematicreasoningtotheunfathomablemysterywhichittries,forevervainly,to comprehend.

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Atanygivenmomentofhistoryitisthefunctionofassociationsofdevotedindividualsto undertaketaskswhichclearsightedpeopleperceivetobenecessary,butwhichnobodyelseis willingtoperform. AldousHuxley,TheDoorsofPerception,1954 Neverdoubtthatasmallgroupofthoughtfulcommittedcitizenscanchangetheworld.Indeed,it istheonlythingthateverhas. MargaretMead(apocryphal) Themomentonedefinitelycommitsoneself,providencemovestoo...Thingsoccur...thatwould neverotherwisehaveoccurred.Awholestreamofeventsissuesfromthedecision,raising...all mannerofunforeseenincidents...andmaterialassistance,whichnomancouldhave[foreseen]. W.H.Murray ...itdoesnotrequireamajoritytoprevail,butratheranirate,tirelessminoritykeentosetbrush firesinpeoplesminds. SamuelAdams Forgetaboutlikesanddislikes;theyareofnoconsequence.Justdowhatmustbedone. Thismaynotbehappiness,butitisgreatness. GeorgeBernardShaw Iftherearestillmenwhoreallywanttoliveinthisworld,theyshouldfirstdaretospeakout,to laugh,tocry,tobeangry,toaccuse,tofightthattheymayatleastcleansethisaccursedplaceof itsaccursedatmosphere. LuXun,ChineseWriter Whoeverthinksheisobjectivemustalreadybehalfdrunk. LuXun,ChineseWriter Itisacapitalmistaketotheorizebeforeonehasdata.Insensiblyonebeginstotwistfactstosuit theories,insteadoftheoriestosuitfacts. SherlockHolmes.SirArthurConanDoyle,ScandalinBohemia Knowingisnotenough;wemustapply.Willingisnotenough;wemustdo.

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JohannWolfgangvonGoethe Tolearnandnottothinkoverwhatyouhavelearnedisperfectlyuseless. Tothinkwithouthavingfirstlearnedisdangerous. Agentlemanshouldbecautiousinspeechbutquickinaction. Confucius,MinorChineseBureaucrat Allgreattruthsbeginasblasphemies. GeorgeBernardShaw Itisthecustomaryfateofnewtruthstobeginasheresiesandendassuperstitions. ThomasHuxley,TheComingofAgeoftheOriginofSpecies,xii Therootofallsuperstitionisthatmenobservewhenathinghits,butnotwhenitmisses. FrancisBacon,essayist,philosopher,andstatesman(15611626) Everygreatcausebeginsasamovement,becomesabusiness,andeventuallydegeneratesintoa racket. EricHoffer Whysitinjudgmentwhenyoucanstandincontempt? RichardAubreyStewart,American Theconspiracytheoryofsociety...comesfromabandoningGodandthenasking, Whoisinhisplace? KarlPopper,ConjecturesandRefutations,London,Routelege,1969,iv,page123 Allpoliticalpartiesdieatlastofswallowingtheirownlies. JohnArbuthnot In[Platos]Republic,reasonisforthefew;honorandsocialcommitmentsareforanotherminority, separatefromthefirst;themajorityhasnothingbutappetite.Itsthereforefairtosaythatinthe Republic,nobodyisallowedtobemorethanonethirdofacompletehumanbeing.

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Thatsalwaystheproblemwithutopianschemes;theinhabitantsareneverallowedtobefully human,thoughtherestrictionsarerarelyhandledwiththegeometricprecisionPlatodisplayed. Whenautopianschemeisputintopractice,inturn,whatinevitablyhappensisthatwhatever dimensionofthehumanissupposedlyabolishedhappensanyway,anddefinesthefaultlinealong whichtheschemebreaksdown.Marxismisagreatexample;intheory,peopleinMarxistsocieties aremotivatedsolelybynobleideals;inpractice,gettingpeopletogothroughthemotionsofbeing motivatedsolelybynobleidealsrequiredaneverexpandingsystemofapparatchiks,secretpolice, andprisoncamps,andeventhatultimatelyfailedtodothejob.Onewayoranother,tryingto createheavenonearthreliablyyieldstheopposite;whateverresemblesPlatosRepubliconpaper turnsintoPlutosRepublicinpractice. Thewouldbepoliticalthaumaturge,thepersonwhowantstousemagicalmanipulationtomake peopledowhathethinksistherightthing,issubjecttothesamerule.Hestryingtodothesame thingPlatowantedtodoinhisimaginaryRepublicbydifferentmeans.Asthaumaturgyissubtler thanjackboots,thepoliticalthaumaturgegetshisdisastrousresultsinasubtlerway. Whenyourepracticingthaumaturgyforyourselforanotherpersonwhowantstoworkwithyou, itspossibletoaimsymbolicandritualstimuliverycarefullyatspecificdetailsofthenonrational mind,andtheeffectsareobservedandmanagedbytherationalmind;thissortofthaumaturgy veryoftenspillsoverintotheurgyifthepersonreceivingtheworkisopentothat.Whenaclient comestoapractitionerofoldfashionedSouthernconjuremagic,forexample,mostofwhat happensonthefirstvisitismeanttogivetherootdoctoraclearideaofexactlywhattheclients realissuesare.Manypractitionershaveacanneddivinationrapthetermforthisinthetradeis coldreadingthatcoversalltheusualbases;itsoundsveryimpressive,whichisgoodfor buildingtheclientsconfidence,buttheskilledrootdoctorwatchestheclientcarefullywhile givingthecoldreading,lookingforthesignsthatshowwhatsreallygoingon,sothemagiccanbe aimedpreciselywhereitsneeded. Youcantdothatwithpoliticalthaumaturgy.Ifyouwanttoinfluencethethinkingofanation,or evenacommunity,youhavetopaintwithaverybroadbrush.Thatmeans,first,youhavetoaim atoneofafewpowerfulnonrationaldrivesthataffectmostpeopleinmuchthesameway;second, youhavetopileasmuchpressureaspossibleontowhateverdriveyouhaveinmind,sothatyou canoverwhelmwhateverthepsycheoftheindividualmightthrowatyou;andthird,youhaveto weakenthereasoningmind,becausethatsthepartoftheselfthatmostoftentripsupeffortsto workmagicoffbasicdrives,especiallywhenthoseeffortsaimatgoalsthatmostofthetargets thinkareagainsttheirbestinterests. Twoawkwardconsequencesfollowfromtheseconsiderations.Thefirstisthattherearethingsthat politicalthaumaturgycantdoatall,becausetheycontradicttherequirementsofthemethod. Gettingpeopletothinkclearlybyencouragingthemnottothinkclearlyisnotapromising strategy,anditsnotmuchbettertotrytousebasicdrivestoconvincepeoplenottogiveintotheir basicdrives.Theolddelusionthattechniquesarevaluefreeisasmisleadinghereaselsewhere;

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anytechniqueisbetterforsomeendsthanothers,andthusprivilegesthevaluesthatfavorthose endsaboveothers.(Itsprobablyworthpointingoutthatasaneresponsetopeakoil,which requiresclearreasoningandtheabilitytolookbeyondthosebasicbiologicaldrives,isamongthe thingspoliticalthaumaturgyisalmostuniquelyunsuitedtoaccomplish.) Thesecondawkwardconsequenceisthatthepoliticalthaumaturgeisalwaysaffectedbyhisorher ownmagic.TheoldfashionedSouthernrootdoctorjustmentionedisinnodangerofbeingcaught intheworkhedoesforhisclient;heaimshismagicattheclientspsychologicalbuttonsrather thanhisown,andtherootdoctorisntevenpresentformostoftheworkthecleansingbaths thatremoveunwantedemotionalstates,thedailyriteofputtingadropofVanVanoilonamojo bagthatdirectsconsciousnesstowardcertainthingsandawayfromothers,andagooddealmore, aredonebytheclientinprivate.Politicalthaumaturgycantbepreciselyaimed,though,andcant usuallyrelyontalkingpeopleintopracticingcomplexritualsintheirsparetime;instead,itrelies onmassmedia,andreliesonrepetitionandcompellingverbalorvisualpatternsthatsidestepthe criticalfacultiesofthereasoningmind. Justasyoucantspreadraspberryjamontoastwithoutgettingitonyourfingers,though,you cantspendyourtimecreatingwordsandimagesthatappealtothenonrationalmindwithout yourownnonrationalmindbeinginfluencedbythem,andthemorecompellingyour thaumaturgyis,themoresurelyyouwillbecaughtbyyourownspell.Sincepoliticalthaumaturgy requiresyoutoweakenthereasoningmindandoverwhelmthedefensesoftheselfbypounding onsimple,powerfulnonrationaldrives,theimpactofthisworkonthemindofthepolitical thaumaturgeisfarfromhelpful,andithelpsexplainwhypractitionersofpoliticalthaumaturgyso oftenendupmessilydead. [M]odernindustrialsocietiesaremagicianstatesthatrulebymanufacturingamanaged consensusbythemanipulationofnonrationallures... JohnMichaelGreer,PlutosRepublic,TheArchdruidReport, http://thearchdruidreport.blogspot.com/2011/10/plutosrepublic.html,October2011 Howistheworldruledandledtowar?Diplomatslietojournalistsandbelievetheselieswhen theyseetheminprint. KarlKraus,Austriansatirist Wheneverapeopleoraninstitutionforgetsitshardbeginnings,itisbeginningtodecay. CarlSandberg,1963 WhilepublicschoolhistorycoursesintheUnitedStatesstressthehorrorsoftheGermanNazi murderofsixmillionJewsandJosefStalinspogromsagainstracialminoritiesandpolitical dissidentsintheSovietUnion,thefactsthattheU.S.ArmyssolutiontotheIndianProblemwas

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theprototypefortheNaziFinalSolutiontotheJewishProblemandthattheNorthAmerican IndianReservationwasthemodelforthetwentiethcenturygulagandconcentrationcamp,are convenientlyoverlooked. JonathanOtt

Philosophytriumphseasilyoverpastandfutureevils;butpresentevilstriumphoverit. Wewouldoftenbeashamedofourfinestactionsiftheworldunderstoodallthemotiveswhich producedthem. laRochefoucauld Theinflictionofcrueltywithagoodconscienceisadelighttomoralists. BertrandRussell Moralindignationisjealousywithahalo. H.G.Wells,EnglishWriter Menandnationsbehavewiselyoncetheyhaveexhaustedalltheotheralternatives. AbbaEban,IsraeliPolitician Theworldisnearlyallparceledout,andwhatthereisleftofitisbeingdividedup,conquered,and colonized.Tothinkofthesestarsthatweseeoverheadatnight,thesevastworldswhichwecan neverreach.IwouldannextheplanetsifIcould;Ioftenthinkofthat.Itmakesmesosadtosee themsoclearandyetsofar. CecilRhodes,LastWillandTestament,1902 Theearth,thatissufficient. Idonotwanttheconstellationsanynearer, Iknowtheyareverywellwheretheyare, Iknowtheysufficeforthosewhobelongtothem. WaltWhitman,LeavesofGrass,SongoftheOpenRoad,1855 Idealistsmakeagreatmistakeinnotfacingtherealfactssincerelyandresolutely.Theybelievein thepowerofthespirit,inthegoodnesswhichisattheheartofthings,inthetriumphwhichisin storeforthegreatmoralidealsoftherace.Butthisfaithonlytoooftenleadstoanoptimismwhich issadlyandfatallyatvariancewithactualresults.Itistherealistandnottheidealistwhois

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generallyjustifiedbyevents.Weforgetthatthehumanspirit,thespiritofgoodnessandtruthin theworld,isstillonlyaninfantcryinginthenight,andthatthestrugglewithdarknessisasyet mostlyanunequalstruggle...[ThepostWorldWarIarmisticetermsexactedin]Parisprovedthis terribletruthoncemore.ItisnotWilsonwhofailedthere,buthumanityitself.Itwasnotthe statesmenthatfailedsomuchasthespiritofthepeoplesbehindthem. JanChristiaanSmuts,SouthAfrican,18701950 TheAlliedstatesmenwhocametogetherinParisinJanuary1919tomakethepeacesettlement wereinaverydifferentsituationfromtheirpredecessorsinViennain1814.Theywereresponsible toelectoratesstillinthegripofwarfeverwhosepassionsandprejudicescouldnotbeignored. MichaelHoward,TheFirstWorldWar WhiletotalitarianregimeswereconsolidatingtheirpowerinRussiaandItaly[afterWorldWarI], anexperimentwasbeingconductedinGermanytodeterminewhetherademocraticrepublic couldbemadetoworkinthatcountry.Afterfifteenyearsoftrialandcrisisitfailed,andthe ultimateconsequencesofthatfailurewereasecondworldwarandthedeathsofmillionsofmen, women,andchildren. IfsomebenevolentspirithadgrantedthepeoplesofGermanyandtheneighboringEuropean statesevenafragmentaryglimpseofwhatlayinstorefortheminthe1940s,itisimpossibleto believethattheywouldnothavemadeeverypossiblesacrificetomaintaintheWeimarrepublic againstitsenemies.Butthatkindofforesightisnotgiveninthisworld,andtheGermanrepublic alwayslackedfriendsandsupporterswhenitneededthemmost. GordonA.Craig,Europesince1815 Grownmendonotneedleaders. EdwardAbbey,AVoiceCryingintheWilderness(VoxClamantisinDeserto) Modernmanwillneverfindpeaceuntilhecomesintoharmonywiththeplacewherehelives. CarlGustavJung Nothingcanbringyoupeacebutyourself. Nothingcanbringyoupeacebutthetriumphofprinciples. RalphWaldoEmerson,SelfReliance Whatliesbehindusandwhatliesbeforeusaretinymatters,comparedtowhatlieswithinus.

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RalphWaldoEmerson(also,inerror,attributedtoOliverWendellHolmes) Thereisnoinstitutionmorecorruptiblethanapriestking. AlexanderCarpenter,American Wemustrememberthatanthropologyisinitsinfancy,inspiteoftheheavendescendedpreceptof antiquityandthecopybookpentameterlineofPope.InstinctstillmovesinusasitdidinCainand thoserelativesofhiswhohewasafraidwouldlynchhim.Lawcomestousfromasetof marauderswhocasedthemselvesiniron,andthepossessionstheyhadwonbyconquestinedicts aslittlehumanintheirfeaturesasthebarredvisorsthatcoveredtheirfaces.PoorfantasticDr. RobertKnox[aScottishracetheorist]wasstillgroaningin1850overthebattleofHastings;not quiteinaptly,itmaybe.Ourmostwidelyacceptedtheologiesowetheirdogmastoafewmajority votespassedbymenwhowouldhavehangedourgrandmothersaswitchesandburnedour ministersasheretics. OliverWendellHolmes,Jr.,inTheAtlanticMonthly,April1875 Ourcivilizationisadingyungentlemanlybusiness;itdropssomuchoutofaman. RobertLouisStevenson Wherethereisnovision,thepeopleperish:buthethatkeepeththelaw,happyishe. Bible,Proverbs29:18 TheVisionaryistheonlytruerealist. FredericoFellini Asharedvisionisnotanidea.Itis,rather,aforceinpeopleshearts,aforceofimpressivepower. PeterSenge,TheFifthDiscipline Vision:theartofseeingthingsinvisible. JonathanSwift Itisnotinformationorknowledge,butvision,thatequalspower. DominiqueGoupil,President,FileMaker,Inc. Visionwithoutactionisadaydream.Actionwithoutvisionisanightmare.

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JapaneseProverb Mypeoplearedestroyedforlackofknowledge. Bible,Hosea4:16 Inaconsumersociety,thereareinevitablytwokindsofslaves:theprisonersofaddiction,andthe prisonersofenvy. IvanIllich,ToolsforConviviality,1973 Unjustlawsexist;shallwebecontenttoobeythem,orshallweendeavortoamendthem,andobey themuntilwehavesucceeded,orshallwetransgressthematonce? Underagovernmentwhichimprisonsanyunjustly,thetrueplaceforajustmanisalsoaprison. HenryThoreau,CivilDisobedience Ifthereisaproblemwithdemocracy,thesolutionismoredemocracy. AndrewJackson,7thAmericanPresidentandtheoriginalWashingtonOutsider Thesalvationofmankindliesonlyinmakingeverythingtheconcernofall. AlexanderSolzhenitsyn,NobelLecture,1970 Theonlyjustifiablepurposeofpoliticalinstitutionsistoinsuretheunhindereddevelopmentofthe individual. AlbertEinstein Theonlypurposeforwhichpowercanberightfullyexercisedoveranymemberofthecivilized communityagainsthiswill,istopreventharmtoothers.Hisowngood,eitherphysicalormoral,is notasufficientwarrant. JohnStuartMill Mankindalwayssetsitselfonlysuchproblemsasitcansolve;since,lookingatthemattermore closely,itwillalwaysbefoundthatthetaskitselfarisesonlywhenthematerialconditionsforits solutionalreadyexistorareatleastintheprocessofformation. KarlMarx,ACritiqueofPoliticalEconomy,1859,Preface

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Thesignificantproblemswefacecannotbesolvedatthesamelevelofthinkingwewereatwhen wecreatedthem.or Itisimpossibletotrulysolveaproblemfromwithinthemindsetthatcreated.(paraphrased)or Youcantsolveaproblemwiththesamekindofthinkingthatcreateditinthefirstplace. (paraphrased)or Theworldthatwehavemadeasaresultofthelevelofthinkingwehavedonethusfarcreates problemsthatwecannotsolveatthesamelevelasthelevelwecreatedthemat.(paraphrasedby RamDass)or Ourthinkinghascreatedproblemswhichcannotbesolvedbythatsamelevelofthinking.(Ram Dassparaphrasinghimself) AlbertEinstein ImanoldmanandIvehadalotofproblems,mostofwhichneveroccurred. MarkTwain Itaintwhatyadontknowthathurtsya.Whatreallyputsahurtinonyaiswhatyaknowsfor sure,thatjustaintso. UncleRemus Theproblemisneverhowtogetnew,innovativethoughtsintoyourmind,buthowtogetoldones out. DeeHock,personalcommunication Ihavefoundthatthegreatesthelpinmeetinganyproblemwithdecencyandselfrespectand whatevercourageisdemanded,istoknowwhereyouyourselfstand.Thatis,tohaveinwords whatyouyourselfbelieveandareactingfrom. WilliamFaulkner Ifaproblemhasnosolution,itmaynotbeaproblem,butafact,nottobesolved,buttobecoped withovertime.[i.e.,apredicament] ShimonPerez

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Ifaproblemcannotbesolved,enlargeit. DwightDavidEisenhower BRITTANNUS(shocked): Caesar,thisisnotproper! THEODOTUS(outraged): How? CAESAR(recoveringhisselfpossession): Pardonhim,Theodotus:heisabarbarian,andthinksthatthecustoms ofhistribeandislandarethelawsofnature. GeorgeBernardShaw,CaesarandCleopatra,ActII Intheendmorethantheywantedfreedom,theywanted.WhentheAtheniansfinallywantednot togivetosocietybutforsocietytogivetothem,whenthefreedomtheywishedforwasfreedom fromresponsibility,thenAthensceasedtobefree. EdwardGibbon(17371794) Ifyouhavebeenvotingforpoliticianswhopromisetogiveyougoodiesatsomeoneelsesexpense, thenyouhavenorighttocomplainwhentheytakeyourmoneyandgiveittosomeoneelse, includingthemselves. ThomasSowell AgovernmentwiththepolicytorobPetertopayPaulcanbeassuredofthesupportofPaul. Thefactthatabelieverishappierthanaskepticisnomoretothepointthanthefactthatadrunken manishappierthanasoberone.Thehappinessofcredulityisacheapanddangerousquality. GeorgeBernardShaw BernardShawhasnoenemies,butheisintenselydislikedbyhisfriends. OscarWilde Whenbuyingandsellingarecontrolledbylegislation,thefirstthingstobeboughtandsoldare legislators. Givingmoneyandpowertogovernmentislikegivingwhiskeyandcarkeystoteenageboys. P.J.ORourke,ParliamentofWhores

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Wehateourpoliticianssomuchthateveniftheytellustheylied,wedontbelievethem. PeterNewman Politicsisthegentleartofgettingvotesfromthepoorandcampaignfundsfromtherichby promisingtoprotecteachfromtheother. OscarAmeringer ThetwogreatestobstaclestodemocracyintheUnitedStatesare,first,thewidespreaddelusion amongthepoorthatwehaveademocracy,andsecond,thechronicterroramongtherich,lestwe getit. EdwardDowling Theyareafraidoftheoldfortheirmemory.Theyareafraidoftheyoungfortheirinnocence.They areafraidofthegravesoftheirvictimsinfarawayplaces.Theyareafraidofhistory.Theyare afraidoffreedom.Theyareafraidoftruth.Theyareafraidofdemocracy.Sowhythehellarewe afraidofthem?...Fortheyareafraidofus. CzechGroup,PlasticPeopleoftheUniverse,Prague,1968 Democracyisthetheorythatthecommonpeopleknowwhattheywant,anddeservetogetitgood andhard. ThereisnounderestimatingtheintelligenceoftheAmericanpublic. Thewholeaimofpracticalpoliticsistokeepthepopulacealarmed(andhenceclamoroustobeled tosafety)bymenacingitwithanendlessseriesofhobgoblins,allofthemimaginary. H.L.Mencken,1918 Wefindtwogreatgangsofpoliticalspeculators,whoalternatelytakepossessionofthestatepower andexploititbythemostcorruptendsthenationispowerlessagainstthesetwogreatcartelsof politicianswhoareostensiblyitsservants,butinrealitydominateandplunderit. FriedrichEngels Oneofthepenaltiesforrefusingtoparticipateinpoliticsisthatyouendupbeinggovernedby yourinferiors. Plato(428347B.C.)

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Everyindividualnecessarilylaborstorendertheannualrevenueofsocietyasgreatashecan.He generallyneitherintendstopromotethepublicinterest,norknowshowmuchheispromotingit. Heintendsonlyhisowngain,andheis,inthis,asinmanyothercases,ledbyaninvisiblehandto promoteanendwhichwasnotpartofhisintention. AdamSmith,WealthofNations Youneedonlyreflectthatoneofthebestwaystogetyourselfareputationasadangerouscitizen thesedaysistogoaboutrepeatingtheveryphraseswhichourfoundingfathersusedinthe struggleforindependence. CharlesAustinBeard,historian TheycamefirstfortheCommunists,butIwasnotaCommunistandsoIdidnothing.Thenthey camefortheSocialDemocrats,butIwasnotaSocialDemocratandsoIdidnothing.Thenthey camefortheJews,andIdidnothingbecauseIwasntaJew.Thentheycameforthetrade unionists,andIdidntspeakupbecauseIwasnotatradeunionist.Thentheycameforthe Catholics,andIdidntspeakupbecauseIwasaProtestant.Andthentheycameformeandbythat timenoonewaslefttostandupforme. PastorMartinNiemller(18921984),aConfessingChurchministerinNaziGermany whoopposedHitlerpublicly,in1945aftersevenyearsofimprisonment(including Dachau);fromPoliticalQuotations,DanielB.Baker,ed.AlsoattributedtoDietrich Boenhoeffer,whoseexecutionwaspersonallyorderedbyAdolfHitler. Whentheytookthefourthamendment,IwassilentbecauseIdontdealdrugs.Whentheytook thesixthamendment,IkeptquietbecauseIknowIminnocent.Whentheytookthesecond amendment,IsaidnothingbecauseIdontownagun.Nowtheyvecomeforthefirstamendment, andIcan'tsayanythingatall. TimFreeman,tsf@cs.cmu.edu Iguessyouwillhavetogotojail.IfthatistheresultofnotunderstandingtheIncomeTaxLaw,I willmeetyouthere.Weshallhaveamerry,merrytime,forallourfriendswillbethere.Itwillbe anintellectualcenter,fornooneunderstandstheIncomeTaxLawexceptpersonswhohavenot sufficientintelligencetounderstandthequestionsthatariseunderit. SenatorElihuRootofNewYork,1913 Asuresignofageniusisthatalloftheduncesareinaconfederacyagainsthim. FrankLloydWright

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Thepoliticiansdontjustwantyourmoney.Theywantyoursoul.Theywantyoutobeworndown bytaxesuntilyouaredependentandhelpless. Whenyousubsidizepovertyandfailure,yougetmoreofboth. JamesDaleDavidson,NationalTaxpayersUnion Ifyouthinkofyourselvesashelplessandineffectual,itiscertainthatyouwillcreateadespotic governmenttobeyourmaster.Thewisedespot,therefore,maintainsamonghissubjectsapopular sensethattheyarehelplessandineffectual. FrankHerbert,TheDosadiExperiment Virtuallyallreasonablelawsareobeyed,notbecausetheyarethelaw,butbecausereasonable peoplewoulddothatanyway.Ifyouobeyalawsimplybecauseitisthelaw,that'saprettylikely signthatitshouldntbealaw. TheU.S.Constitutionmaybeflawed,butitsawholelotbetterthanwhatwehavenow. Itsdangeroustoberightwhenthegovernmentiswrong. Thewelfarestatereducesacitizentoaclient,subordinatesthemtoabureaucrat,andsubjectsthem torulesthatareantiwork,antifamily,antiopportunity,andantiproperty...Humansforcedto sufferundersuchantihumanrulesnaturallydeveloppathologies.Theeveningnewsisthenatural resultofthewelfarestate. Unattributed IfCONistheoppositeofPRO,doesthatmeanthatCONgressistheoppositeofPROgress? Gallagher SincewhenispublicsafetytherootpasswordtotheConstitution? C.D.Tavare Americadoesnotgoabroadinsearchofmonsterstodestroy.Sheisthewellwishertofreedom andindependenceofall.Sheisthechampionandvindicatoronlyofherown. JohnQuincyAdams Idonotbelievethatthegovernmentshouldhaveitslongnosepokedintotheprivateconsensual

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relationshipsbetweenpeople. JohnAnderson,Independentpresidentialcandidate,1980 Whengoodsdontcrossborders,soldierswill. Thestateisthegreatfictitiousentitybywhicheveryoneseekstoliveattheexpenseofeveryone else. Whenplunderhasbecomeawayoflifeforagroupofpeoplelivingtogetherinsociety,theycreate forthemselvesinthecourseoftimealegalsystemthatauthorizesit,andamoralcodethat glorifiesit. FredricBastiat(18011850),Frenchsocialphilosopherandeconomist Manufacturingandcommercialmonopoliesowetheiroriginnottoatendencyimminentina capitalisteconomybuttogovernmentalinterventionistpolicydirectedagainstfreetradeand laissezfaire. LudwigMises,Socialism Foreverynewmouthtofeed,therearetwohandstoproduce. PeterT.Bauer(andMaoTseDong) [ThemakersoftheConstitution]conferred,asagainstthegovernment,therighttobeletalone themostcomprehensiveofrightsandtherightmostvaluedbycivilizedmen. Experienceshouldteachustobemostonourguardtoprotectlibertywhenthegovernments purposesarebeneficial.Menborntofreedomarenaturallyalerttorepelinvasionoftheirliberty byevilmindedrulers.Thegreatestdangerstolibertylurkininsidiousencroachmentbymenof zeal,wellmeaningbutwithoutunderstanding. U.S.SupremeCourtJusticeLouisD.Brandeis,Olmsteadv.U.S.,277U.S.438,1928 Tariffs,quotasandotherimportrestrictionsprotectthebusinessoftherichattheexpenseofhigh costoflivingforthepoor.Theirintentistodepriveyouoftherighttochoose,andtoforceyouto buythehighpricedinferiorproductsofpoliticallyfavoredcompanies. AlanBurris,ALibertyPrimer Perhapstheremovaloftraderestrictionsthroughouttheworldwoulddomoreforthecauseof universalpeacethancananypoliticalunionofpeoplesseparatedbytradebarriers.

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FrankChodorov Politiciansarethesameallover.Theypromisetobuildabridgewherethereisnoriver. NikitaKhrushchev Wehaverights,asindividuals,togiveasmuchofourownmoneyaswepleasetocharity;butas membersofCongresswehavenorightsotoappropriateadollarofpublicmoney. DavidDaveyCrockett,Congressman182735 ThelegacyofDemocratsandRepublicansapproaches:Libertarianismbybankruptcy. NickNuessle,1992 Truthandnewsarenotthesamething. KatharineGraham,ownerofTheWashingtonPost Thetruthismoreimportantthanthefacts. FrankLloydWright Thedifficultwedorightaway;theimpossibletakesalittlelonger. ThemottooftheSeeBees,theU.S.ArmyConstructionBattalionsofWorldWarII Theillegalwedoimmediately;theunconstitutionaltakesalittlelonger. The[apocryphal]mottoofHenryKissinger,RichardNixonsNationalSecurityAdvisor Imapolitician,andasapoliticianIhavetheprerogativetoliewheneverIwant. CharlesPeacock,exdirectorofMadisonGuaranty,theArkansasS&L atthecenterofWhitewatergate. Wehavetoofferupscaryscenarios,makesimplifieddramaticstatements,andmakelittlemention ofanydoubtswemayhave.Eachofushastodecidewhattherightbalanceisbetweenbeing effectiveandbeinghonest. StephenSchneider,climatescientistandenvironmentalactivist,inDiscover,October 1989

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Ibelieveitisappropriatetohaveanoverrepresentationofthefactsonhowdangerousitis,asa predicateforopeninguptheaudience. AlGore,formerU.S.VicePresidentandHighPriestofAnthropogenicGlobalWarming Nothingcandestroyagovernmentmorequicklythanitsfailuretoobserveitsownlaws,orworse, itsdisregardofthecharterofitsownexistence. U.S.SupremeCourtJusticeTomC.Clark,Mappv.Ohio Apolicyofsubsidizingfailureswillendinaneconomystrewnwithcapitalguzzlingindustries longpasttheirtimeofprofitabilityoldcompaniesthatcannotcreatejobsthemselves,butcan standinthewayofjobcreation. GeorgeGilder,WealthandPoverty Agovernmentthatisbigenoughtogiveyouallyouwantisbigenoughtotakeitallaway. BarryGoldwater Nomanhaseverruledothermenfortheirowngood. GeorgeD.Herron Theprincipalfunctionofmoderngovernmentistokeeppeopleapart.or Keepingcitizensaparthasbecomethefirstmaximofmodernpolitics. JeanJacquesRousseau(17121778) Awiseandfrugalgovernment,whichshallrestrainmenfrominjuringoneanother,whichshall leavethemotherwisefreetoregulatetheirownpursuitsofindustryandimprovement,andshall nottakefromthemouthoflaborthebreadithasearned.Thisisthesumofgoodgovernment,and thisisnecessarytoclosethecircleofourfelicity. Ourlibertydependsonfreedomofthepress,andthatcannotbelimitedwithoutbeinglost. Peace,commerce,andhonestfriendshipwithallnationsentanglingalliancewithnone. Sometimesitissaidthatmancannotbetrustedwiththegovernmentofhimself.Canhe,then,be trustedwiththegovernmentofothers?Orhavewefoundangelsintheformsofkingstogovern him?Lethistoryanswerthisquestion.

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Thatgovernmentisbestwhichgovernstheleast,becauseitspeopledisciplinethemselves. Thecareofeverymanssoulbelongstohimself.Butwhatifheneglectthecareofit?Wellwhatif heneglectthecareofhishealthorhisestate,whichwouldmorenearlyrelatetothestate.Willthe magistratemakealawthathenotbepoororsick?Lawsprovideagainstinjuryfromothers;but notfromourselves.Godhimselfwillnotsavemenagainsttheirwills. Ineversubmittedthewholesystemofmyopinionstothecreedofanypartyofmenwhatever,in religion,inphilosophy,inpoliticsorinanythingelse,whereIwascapableofthinkingformyself. Suchanaddictionisthelastdegradationofafreeandmoralagent.IfIcouldnotgotoHeavenbut withaparty,Iwouldnotgothereatall. Itdoesmenoinjuryformyneighbortosaytherearetwentygodsornogod.Itneitherpicksmy pocketnorbreaksmyleg. ThomasJefferson,various Ourforefathersmadeonemistake.Whattheyshouldhavefoughtforwasrepresentationwithout taxation. FletcherKnebel,historian ...Youcannothelpthepoorbydestroyingtherich.Youcannotliftthewageearnerbypulling downthewagepayer... AbrahamLincoln Thosewhodonotlearnfromthemistakesofhistoryaredoomedtorepeatthem.or Thosewhocannotrememberthepastarecondemnedtorepeatit. GeorgeSantayana(18631952) Peopleplacethemselvesfirst,familysecond,tribethird,andtherestoftheworldadistantfourth. Theirgenesalsopredisposethemtoplanaheadforatmostoneortwogenerations.Sotodaythe humanmindstillworkscomfortablybackwardandforwardonlyafewyears,spanningaperiod notexceedingoneortwogenerations. E.O.Wilson,IsHumanitySuicidal?,1996 Everymanhasapropertyinhisownperson.Thisnobodyhasanyrighttobuthimself.Thelabor ofhisbodyandtheworkofhishandsareproperlyhis.

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JohnLocke,1690 Ibelievetherearemoreinstancesoftheabridgementofthefreedomofthepeoplebythegradual andsilentencroachmentofthoseinpowerthanbyviolentandsuddenusurpation... JamesMadison Thesoleendforwhichmankindarewarranted,individuallyorcollectively,ininterferingwiththe libertyofanyoftheirnumberisselfprotection. JohnStuartMill Theprimaryreasonforatariffisthatitenablestheexploitationofthedomesticconsumerbya processindistinguishablefromsheerrobbery. AlbertJayNock Tolaywithonehandthepowerofgovernmentonthepropertyofacitizen,andwiththeotherto bestowitonfavoredindividuals...isnonethelessrobberybecauseitwasdoneundertheformsof lawandiscalledtaxation. JusticeMiller,U.S.SupremeCourt,LoanAssociationv.Topeka,20Wall(87US)664(1874) Taxationofearningsfromlaborisonaparwithforcedlabor.Seizingtheresultsofsomeoneslabor isequivalenttoseizinghoursfromhimanddirectinghimtocarryonvariousactivities. RobertNozick,Harvardphilosopher ThemoralandconstitutionalobligationsofourrepresentativesinWashingtonaretoprotectour liberty,notcoddletheworld,precipitatingnowinwars,whilebringingbankruptcyandeconomic turmoiltoourpeople. U.S.CongressmanRonPaul,1987 Necessityisthepleaforeveryinfringementofhumanfreedom.Itistheargumentoftyrants;itis thecreedofslaves. WilliamPittintheHouseofCommons,18November1783 Astateofwaronlyservesasanexcusefordomestictyranny. AleksandrI.Solzhenitsyn(apocryphal)

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WorldWarThreewillbeaguerillainformationwarwithnodivisionbetweenmilitaryandcivilian participation. MarshallMcLuhan,1968 Theconceptofmilitarynecessityisseductivelybroad,andhasadangerousplasticity.Becausethey invariablyhavethevisageofoverridingimportance,thereisalwaysatemptationtoinvoke securitynecessitiestojustifyanencroachmentuponcivilliberties.Forthatreason,themilitary securityargumentmustbeapproachedwithahealthyskepticism. JusticeWilliamBrennan,Brownv.Glines,444US348(1980) Altruismdoesnotmeanmerekindnessorgenerosity,butthesacrificeofthebestamongmento theworst,thesacrificeofvirtuestoflaws,ofabilitytoincompetence,ofprogresstostagnation andthesubordinatingofalllifeandofallvaluestotheclaimsofanyone'ssuffering. Themanwhoproduceswhileothersdisposeofhisproductisaslave. Itstandstoreasonthatwheretheressacrifice,theressomeonecollectingsacrificialofferings. Wherethereisservice,thereissomeonebeingserved.Themanwhospeakstoyouofsacrifice speaksofslavesandmasters.Andintendstobemaster. IaminterestedinpoliticssothatonedayIwillnothavetobeinterestedinpolitics. AynRand Pragmatismistheconvenientconclusionreachedbythosewholackthepatienceorintelligenceto formulateaconsistentideology. MarkG.Hanley Regulationwhichisbasedonforceandfearunderminesthemoralbaseofbusinessdealings. Itbecomescheapertobribeabuildinginspectorthantomeethisstandardsofconstruction.Afly bynightsecuritiesoperatorcanquicklymeetalltheS.E.C.requirements,gaintheinferenceof respectability,andproceedtofleecethepublic.Inanunregulatedeconomy,theoperatorwould havehadtospendanumberofyearsinreputabledealingsbeforehecouldearnapositionoftrust sufficienttoinduceanumberofinvestorstoplacefundswithhim.Protectionoftheconsumerby regulationisthusillusory. AlanGreenspan Iopposeregistrationforthedraft...becauseIbelievethesecurityoffreedomcanbestbeachieved

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bysecuritythroughfreedom. RonaldReagan WhenIwasakidIwastoldanyonecouldbecomePresident.NowImbeginningtobelieveit. ThedifferencebetweendeathandtaxesisdeathdoesntgetworseeverytimeCongressmeets. WillRogers,inthe1920s Itsnolongeranissueofcontentionthatprivatizationisasolution.Youcanalwaysrelyon governmenttomaketherightdecision,butonlyafterithasexhaustedeveryotherconceivable alternative. E.S.Savas,amanagementprofessoratBaruchCollegeinNewYork whoadvisedGiulianiduringhismayoralcampaign(c.f.AbbaEban) NowwhatIcontendisthatmybodyismyown,atleastIhavealwayssoregardedit.IfIdoharm throughmyexperimentingwithit,itisIwhosuffers,notthestate. Supposeyouwereanidiot.AndsupposeyouwereamemberofCongress.ButIrepeatmyself. Dontgoaroundsayingtheworldowesyoualiving.Theworldowesyounothing.Itwashere first. ItcouldprobablybeshownbyfactsandfiguresthattheonlydistinctlynativeAmericancriminal classisCongress. MarkTwain Intheendmorethantheywantedfreedom,theywanted.WhentheAtheniansfinallywantednot togivetosocietybutforsocietytogivetothem,whenthefreedomtheywishedforwasfreedom fromresponsibility,thenAthensceasedtobefree. EdwardGibbon(17371794) Ademocracyisalwaystemporaryinnature;itsimplycannotexistasapermanentformof government.Itcanonlyexistuntilthevotersdiscoverthattheycanvotethemselvesmoneyfrom thePublicTreasury.Fromthatmomenton,themajorityalwaysvotesforthecandidatepromising themostbenefitsfromthePublicTreasurywiththeresultthatademocracyalwayscollapsesover loosefiscalpolicyalwaysfollowedbydictatorship.Theaverageageoftheworldsgreatest civilizationshasbeen200years.Duringthose200years,theseNationshaveprogressedthrough thefollowingsequence:frombondagetospiritualfaith,fromspiritualfaithtogreatcourage,from

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greatcouragetoliberty,fromlibertytoabundance,fromabundancetoselfishness,fromselfishness tocomplacency,fromcomplacencytoapathy,fromapathytodependence,fromdependenceback intobondage. AlexanderFraserTyler[ScottishLordWoodhouslee,AlexanderFraserTytler](1748 1813),TheDeclineandFalloftheAthenianRepublic,1787(apocryphal) Theaverageageoftheworldsgreatestdemocraticnationshasbeen200years...frombondageto spiritualfaith,fromfaithtogreatcourage,fromcouragetoliberty,fromlibertytoabundance,from abundancetocomplacency,fromcomplacencytoselfishness,fromselfishnesstoapathy,from apathytodependency,andfromdependencybackagainintobondage. LordMacaulay(1857) Democracy...whileitlastsismorebloodythaneither[aristocracyormonarchy].Remember, democracyneverlastslong.Itsoonwastes,exhausts,andmurdersitself.Therewasnevera democracythatdidnotcommitsuicide. JohnAdams,inalettertoJohnTaylor,1814 Asfortheragetobelievethatwehavefoundthesecretoflibertyingeneralpermissivenessfrom thecradleon,thisseemstomeadisastroussentimentality,which,whateverlibertiesitsetsloose, loosensalsothecementthatalonecanbindsocietyintoastablecompoundacodeofobeyed taboos.IcanonlyrecallthesayingofawiseFrenchmanthatlibertyistheluxuryofself discipline.Historically,thosepeoplesthatdidnotdisciplinethemselveshaddisciplinethruston themfromtheoutside.Thatiswhythenormalcycleinthelifeanddeathofgreatnationshasbeen firstapowerfultyrannybrokenbyrevolt,theenjoymentofliberty,theabuseoflibertyandback totyrannyagain.AsIseeit,inthiscountryalandofthemostpersistentidealismandthe blandestcynicismtheraceisonbetweenitsdecadenceanditsvitality. AlistairCooke Ironically,onthe200thanniversaryofourBillofRights,wefindfreespeechunderassault throughouttheUnitedStates,includingonsomecollegecampuses. GeorgeHerbertWalkerBush,4May1991 Tothinkofthefutureandwaitwasmerelyanotherwayofsayingthatonewasacoward;anyidea ofmoderationwasjustanotherattempttodisguiseonesunmanlycharacter;abilitytounderstand thequestionfromallsidesmeantthatonewastotallyunfittedforaction;fanaticalenthusiasmwas themarkofarealman...Anyonewhoheldviolentopinionscouldalwaysbetrusted,andanyone whoobjectedtothembecameasuspect.

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Thucydides,referringtothedisastrous415B.C.Athenianmilitary expeditiontoinvadeSicilyandkickAlcibiadesass. Peoplethatarereallyveryweirdcangetintosensitivepositionsandhaveatremendousimpacton history. DanQuayle Hardlyapurescience,historyisclosertoanimalhusbandrythanitistomathematics,inthatit involvesselectivebreeding.Theprincipaldifferencebetweenthehusbandrymanandthehistorian isthattheformerbreedssheeporcowsorsuch,andthelatterbreeds(assumed)facts.The husbandrymanuseshisskillstoenrichthefuture;thehistorianuseshistoenrichthepast.Bothare usuallyuptotheiranklesinbullshit. TomRobbins EventhemostBushhappy,flagsucklingjackarseknowsdeepdowninsidethatsomethingis wrong.Americaisoverandeveryoneknowsit.TheNewWorldOrderhasadyingempireodor andchangingthechannelaintgoingtomakethisgoaway. JelloBiafra Aprotectivetariffisatypicalconspiracyinrestraintoftrade. ThorsteinVeblen,economist Manisfreeatthemomenthewishestobe. Voltaire It'sillegaltosaytoavoterHeres$100,voteforme.Sowhatdothepoliticiansdo?Theyofferthe $100intheformofHealthCare,SocialSecurity,UnemploymentInsurance,FoodStamps,tobacco subsidies,grainpayments,NEApayments,andjobsprograms. DonFarrar,Averageguy,age51 Weproposeafivewordconstitutionalamendment:Thereshallbeopenborders.Peoplearethe greatresource,andsolongaswekeepoureconomyfree,morepeoplemeansmoregrowth,the morethemerrier.Studyafterstudyshowsthateventhemostrecentimmigrantsgivemorethan theytake. WallStreetJournal

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Ifthejuryfeelsthelawisunjust,werecognizetheundisputedpowerofthejurytoacquit,evenif itsverdictiscontrarytothelawasgivenbyajudge,andcontrarytotheevidence...andthecourts mustabidebythatdecision. U.S.v.Moylan,4thCircuitCourtofAppeals,1969,417F.2dat1006 Itisnotonlyhisright,buthisduty...tofindtheverdictaccordingtohisownbestunderstanding, judgmentandconscience,thoughindirectoppositiontothedirectionofthecourt. JohnAdams Loveyourcountrybutfearitsgovernment. N.E.folkwisdom,U.S.A.,fromanAlmanac Itisourtruepolicytosteerclearofentanglingallianceswithanyportionoftheforeignworld.The greatruleofconductforusinregardtoforeignnationsis,inextendingourcommercialrelations, tohavewiththemaslittlepoliticalconnectionaspossible. GeorgeWashington WhereisitwrittenintheConstitution,inwhatsectionorclauseisitcontained,thatyoumaytake childrenfromtheirparentsandparentsfromtheirchildren,andcompelthemtofightthebattlein anywarinwhichthefollyorthewickednessofgovernmentmayengageit? DanielWebster Reducedemploymentopportunitiesisoneeffectofminimumwagelegislation.Theminimum wagelawhasimposedincalculableharmonthedisadvantagedmembersofoursociety.Theonly moralthingtodoistorepealit. Therearemanyfarmhandouts;butletscallthemwhattheyreallyare:aformalegalizedtheft. Essentially,acongressmantellshisfarmconstituency,Voteforme.Illusemyofficetotake anotherAmericansmoneyandgiveittoyou. WalterWilliams,economistandsyndicatedcolumnist Thehighrateofunemploymentamongteenagers,andespeciallyblackteenagers,isbothascandal andaserioussourceofsocialunrest.Yetitislargelyaresultofminimumwagelaws.Weregard theminimumwagelawasoneofthemost,ifnotthemost,antiblacklawsonthestatutebooks. MiltonFriedman,NobelPrizewinningeconomist

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Minimumwagelawstragicallygenerateunemployment,especiallyamongthepoorestandleast skilledoreducatedworkers...Becauseaminimumwage,ofcourse,doesnotguaranteeany workersemployment;itonlyprohibits,byforceoflaw,anyonefrombeinghiredatthewage whichwouldpayhisemployertohirehim. MurrayN.Rothbard,ForaNewLiberty Bewaryofstrongspirits.Itcanmakeyoushootattaxcollectors...andmiss. RobertA.Heinlein SubstitutingGodforalcoholoranyotherdrugisindeedaswappingofdependencies.ButlastI looked,Goddidnteatyourliver. Judex NationalHealthInsurancemeanscombiningtheefficiencyofthePostalServicewiththe compassionoftheI.R.S....andthecostaccountingofthePentagon. LouisSullivan/ConnieHorner,quotedbyNovakinForbes Everyonehastherighttofreedomofmovementandresidencewithinthebordersofeachstate. Everyonehastherighttoleaveanycountry,includinghisown,andtoreturntohiscountry. Everyonehastherighttoseekandtoenjoyinothercountriesasylumfrompersecution... UniversalDeclarationofHumanRights(Dec.10,1948)Approvedbythe UnitedNationswiththenationsoftheSovietbloc,SaudiArabia,&South Africaabstaining. See,whentheGovernmentspendsmoney,itcreatesjobs;whereaswhenthemoneyisleftinthe handsofTaxpayers,Godonlyknowswhattheydowithit.Bakeitintopies,probably.Anythingto avoidcreatingjobs. Mostofthepresidentialcandidateseconomicpackagesinvolvetaxbreaks,whichiswhenthe government,amidgreatfanfare,generouslydecidesnottotakequitesomuchofyourincome.In otherwords,thesecandidatesaretryingtobuyyourvoteswithyourownmoney. DaveBarry ThepigifIamnotmistaken Suppliesussausage,ham,andbacon. Letotherssayhisheartisbig Icallitstupidofthepig.

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OgdenNash IswearbymylifeandmyloveforitthatIwillneverliveforthesakeofanothermanorask anothermantoliveformine. AynRandsJohnGalt(apocryphal) Asallthosewhowriteaboutcivicmattersshowandasallhistoryprovesbyamultitudeof examples,whoeverorganizesastateandestablishesitslawsmustassumethatallmenarewicked andwillactwickedlywhenevertheyhavethechancetodoso.Hemustalsoassumethat whenevertheirwickednessremainshiddenforatimethereisahiddenreasonforitwhichremains unknownforwantofoccasiontomakeitmanifest.Buttime,whichiscalledthefatherofalltruth, uncoversit. NiccolMachiavelli(14691527),Discourses Nordidaprinceeverlacklegitimatereasonsbywhichtocolorhisbadfaith.Onecouldciteahost ofmodernexamplesandlistthemanypeacetreaties,themanypromisesthatweremadenulland voidbyprinceswhobrokefaith,withtheadvantagegoingtotheonewhobestknewhowtoplay thefox.Butonemustknowhowtomaskthisnatureskillfullyandbeagreatdissembler.Menare sosimpleandsomuchinclinedtoobeyimmediateneedsthatadeceiverwillneverlackvictimsfor hisdeceptions. NiccolMachiavelli(14691527),ThePrince Acorruptanddisorderlymultitudecanbespokentobysomeworthypersonandcaneasilybe broughtaroundtotherightway,butabadprincecannotbespokentobyanyone,andtheonly remedyforhiscaseiscoldsteel. Governmentisthemanagementofcitizenssothattheyareneitherablenorinclinedtoopposeyou. NiccolMachiavelli(14691527),Discourses Theleastcorruptgovernmentsinhistoryarethosewhospendtheirfirstdayinofficecleaningtheir predecessorsbloodstainsoutofthecarpets. MichaelRivero,http://www.whatreallyhappened.com DuringtheCongressofViennain1815,AustriasPrincevonMetternich,whentoldthatthe Russianambassadorhaddied,issaidtohavereplied,Whatcanhavebeenhismotive? (apocryphal)

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...andthroughthismeans[separationofpowersleadingtofreetrade]commercecouldelude violence,andmaintainitselfeverywhere;fortherichesttraderhadonlyinvisiblewealthwhich couldbesenteverywherewithoutleavinganytrace.Inthismannerweowe..,totheavariceof rulerstheestablishmentofacontrivancewhichsomehowliftscommercerightoutoftheirgrip. Sincethattime,therulershavebeencompelledtogovernwithgreaterwisdomthanthey themselvesmighthaveintended;for,owingtotheseevents,thegreatandsuddenarbitraryactions ofthesovereign(lesgrandscoupsdautorit)havebeenproventobeineffectiveand...onlygood governmentbringsprosperity[totheprince]. BarondeMontesquieu(16891755) ...commerceandmanufacturesgraduallyintroducedorderandgoodgovernment,andwiththem, thelibertyandsecurityofindividuals,amongtheinhabitantsofthecountry,whohadbeforelived inalmostinacontinualstateofwarwiththeirneighbors,andofserviledependencyupontheir superiors. AdamSmith(17231790),WealthofNations Thepowerofpopulationissosuperiortothepoweroftheearthtoproducesubsistenceforman, thatprematuredeathmustinsomeshapeorothervisitthehumanrace.Thevicesofmankindare activeandableministersofdepopulation.Theyaretheprecursorsinthegreatarmyofdestruction, andoftenfinishthedreadfulworkthemselves.Butshouldtheyfailinthiswarofextermination, sicklyseasons,epidemics,pestilence,andplagueadvanceinterrificarray,andsweepofftheir thousandsandtensofthousands.Shouldsuccessbestillincomplete,giganticinevitablefamine stalksintherear,andwithonemightyblowlevelsthepopulationwiththefoodoftheworld. Population,whenunchecked,increasesinageometricratio.Subsistenceonlyincreasesinan arithmeticalratio...thepowerofpopulationisindefinitelygreaterthanthepowerintheearthto producesubsistenceforman. TheDismalTheorem,ThomasRobertMalthus(17661834), ThePrincipleofPopulation,1,1798 Iftheonlythingwhichcancheckthegrowthofpopulationisstarvationandmisery,thenthe ultimateresultofanytechnologicalimprovementistoenablealargernumberofpeopletolivein misery. TheUtterlyDismalTheorem,KennethBoulding,TheMeaningofthe TwentiethCentury,1964 FirstTheorem:TheDismalTheorem

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Iftheonlyultimatecheckonthegrowthofpopulationismisery,thenthepopulationwillgrow untilitismiserableenoughtostopitsgrowth. SecondTheorem:"TheUtterlyDismalTheorem" Thistheoremstatesthatanytechnicalimprovementcanonlyrelievemiseryforawhile,forso longasmiseryistheonlycheckonpopulation,the[technical]improvementwillenablepopulation togrow,andwillsoonenablemorepeopletoliveinmiserythanbefore.Thefinalresultof [technical]improvements,therefore,istoincreasetheequilibriumpopulationwhichistoincrease thetotalsumofhumanmisery. ThirdTheorem:ThemoderatelycheerfulformoftheDismalTheorem Fortunately,itisnottoodifficulttorestatetheDismalTheoreminamoderatelycheerfulform, whichstatesthatifsomethingelse,otherthenmiseryandstarvation,canbefoundwhichwillkeep aprosperouspopulationincheck,thepopulationdoesnothavetogrowuntilitismiserableand starves,anditcanbestablyprosperous. KennethBoulding,CollectedPapers[by]KennethE.Boulding,Volume2,Colorado AssociatedUniversityPress,Boulder,Colorado(1971),page137 Politicsisthedismalsciencebecausewehavelearnedfromitthattherearenoequilibriatopredict. Intheabsenceofequilibriawecannotknowmuchaboutthefutureatall,whetheritislikelytobe palatableorunpalatable,andinthatsenseourfutureissubjecttothetricksandaccidentsofthe wayquestionsareposedandthewayalternativesareofferedandeliminated. WilliamH.Riker,ImplicationsfromtheDisequilibriumofMajorityRulefortheStudy ofInstitutions,AmericanPoliticalScienceReview,74,1980:page443 Moyers:Whathappenstotheideaofthedignityofthehumanspeciesifpopulationgrowth continuesatitspresentrate? Asimov:Itwillbecompletelydestroyed.IwillusewhatIcallmybathroommetaphor.Twopeople liveinanapartmentandtherearetwobathrooms,thenbothhavethefreedomofthebathroom. Youcangotothebathroomanytimeyouwant,andstayaslongasyouwant,forwhateveryou need.Everyonebelievesinthefreedomofthebathroom.Itshouldberightthereinthe Constitution.Butifyouhave20peopleintheapartmentandtwobathrooms,nomatterhowmuch everypersonbelievesinthefreedomofthebathroom,thereisnosuchthing.Youhavetosetup timesforeachperson,youhavetobangatthedoor,Aren'tyouthroughyet?andsoon Rightnowmostoftheworldislivingunderappallingconditions.Wecantpossiblyimprovethe conditionsofeveryone.Wecantraisetheentireworldtotheaveragestandardoflivinginthe

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UnitedStatesbecausewedon'thavetheresourcesandtheabilitytodistributewellenoughfor that.Sorightnowasitis,wehavecondemnedmostoftheworldtoamiserable,starvationlevelof existence.Anditwilljustgetworseasthepopulationcontinuestogoup... Thesameway,democracycannotsurviveoverpopulation.Humandignitycannotsurviveit. Convenienceanddecencycannotsurviveit.Asyouputmoreandmorepeopleintotheworld,the valueoflifenotonlydeclines,itdisappears.Itdoesntmatterifsomeonedies.Themorepeople therearethelessoneindividualmatters. IssacAsimov,quotedinAWorldofIdeasbyBillMoyers(26May1989),page276 Animalloversandprofessionalbiologistsshouldbeabletoagreeontheultimategoalofgame management:tominimizetheaggregatesufferingofanimals.Theydifferintheirtimehorizons andinthefocusoftheirimmediateattention.Biologistsinsistthattimehasnostopandthatwe shouldseektomaximizethewellbeingoftheherdoveranindefiniteperiodoftime.Todothatwe mustreadthelandscape,lookingforsignsofoverexploitationoftheenvironmentbya populationthathasgrownbeyondthecarryingcapacity. Bycontrast,thetypicalanimalloverignoresthelandscapewhilefocusingonindividualanimals. Toassertpreemptiveanimalrightsamountstoassertingthesanctityofanimallife,meaningeach andeveryindividuallife.Wereanecologisttouseasimilarrhetorichewouldspeakofthe sanctityofcarryingcapacity.Bythishewouldmeanthatwemustconsidertheneedsnotonlyof theanimalsinfrontofustodaybutalsoofunborndescendantsreachingintotheindefinitefuture. Timehasnostop,theworldisfinite,biologicalreproductionisnecessarilyexponential:forthese combinedreasonsthesanctitystrategyaspursuedbyanimalloversinthelongrunsavesfewer lives,andtheseatamoremiserablelevelofexistence,thandoesthecapacitystrategypursuedby ecologicallyknowledgeablebiologists. Thereisnothingmoredangerousthanashallowthinkingcompassionateperson. GarrettHardin Ifthereiseveratimeofplenty,thisveryfactwillautomaticallyleadtoanincreaseinpopulation untilthenaturalstateofstarvationandmiseryisrestored. RichardDawkins,RiveroutofEden Whenalltheworldisoverchargedwithinhabitants,thenthelastremedyofalliswar;which providethforeveryman,byvictory,ordeath. ThomasHobbs,Leviathan

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Beyondacriticalpointwithinafinitespace,freedomdiminishesasnumbersincrease....The humanquestionisnothowmanycanpossiblysurvivewithinthesystem,butwhatkindof existenceispossibleforthosewhodosurvive. FrankHerbert,Dune Whatbecomesofthesurplusofhumanlife?Itiseither,1st.destroyedbyinfanticide,asamongthe ChineseandLacedemonians;or2d.itisstifledorstarved,asamongothernationswhose populationiscommensuratetoitsfood;or3d.itisconsumedbywarsandendemicdiseases;or 4th.itoverflows,byemigration,toplaceswhereasurplusoffoodisattainable. JamesMadison,quotedinIfMenWereAngels:JamesMadison&The HeartlessEmpireofReason,page44,RichardK.Matthews,Kansas,1995 Today,infectiousdiseasescauseapproximately37%ofalldeathsworldwide.Moreover,wehave calculatedthatanestimated40%ofworlddeathscanbeattributedtovariousenvironmental factors,especiallyorganicandchemicalpollutants.Inaddition,morethan3billionhumanssuffer frommalnutrition,and4millioninfantsandchildrendieeachyearfromdiarrhea,whichiscaused largelybycontaminatedwaterandfood. DavidPimentel,etal.,PopulationGrowthandEnvironmentalDegradation;Bioscience Vol.48No.10,October,1998 Theragingmonsteruponthelandispopulationgrowth.Initspresence,sustainabilityisbuta fragiletheoreticalconstruct.Tosay,asmanydo,thatthedifficultiesofnationsarenotdueto peoplebuttopoorideologyandlandusemanagementissophistic. E.O.Wilson,TheDiversityofLife,1992,pages328329 TheevolutionofaspecieslikeHomosapiensmaybeanintegralpartofthelifeprocess,anywhere intheuniverseithappenstooccur.Aslifedevelops,autotrophsexpandandmakeaplacefor heterotrophs.Iforganicenergyissequesteredinsubstantialreserves,asgeologicalprocessesare boundtodo,thentheappearanceofaspeciesthatcanreleaseitisallbutassured.Suchaspecies, evolvedintheserviceofentropy,quicklyreturnsitsplanettoalowerenergylevel.Inan evolutionaryinstant,itexplodesandisgone. Evenifworldpopulationcouldbeheldconstant,inbalancewithrenewableresources,the creativeimpulsethathasbeenresponsibleforhumanachievementsduringtheperiodofgrowth wouldcometoanend.Andthespiralingcollapsethatisfarmorelikelywillleave,atbest,a handfulofsurvivors.Thesepeoplemightgetby,forawhile,bypickingthroughthewreckageof civilization,butsoontheywouldhavetoleadsimplerlives,likethehuntersandsubsistence farmersofthepast.Theywouldnothavetheresourcestobuildgreatpublicworksorcarry forwardscientificinquiry.Theycouldnotletindividualsremainunproductiveastheywrote

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novelsorcomposedsymphonies.Afterafewgenerations,theymightcometobelievethatthe rubbleamidwhichtheyliveistheremainsofcitiesbuiltbygods. Peoplewhobelievethatastablepopulationcanliveinbalancewiththeproductivecapacityofthe environmentmayseeaslowdowninthegrowthofpopulationandenergyconsumptionas evidenceofapproachingequilibrium.Butwhenoneunderstandstheprocessthathasbeen responsibleforpopulationgrowth,itbecomesclearthatanendtogrowthisthebeginningof collapse. DavidPrice,EnergyandHumanEvolution Inorder,then,thatthesocialcompactmaynotbeanemptyformula,ittacitlyincludesthe undertaking,whichalonecangiveforcetotherest,thatwhoeverrefusestoobeythegeneralwill shallbecompelledtodosobythewholebody.Thismeansnothinglessthanthathewillbeforced tobefree;forthisistheconditionwhich,bygivingeachcitizentohiscountry,secureshimagainst allpersonaldependence.Inthisliesthekeytotheworkingofthepoliticalmachine;thisalone legitimizescivilundertakings,which,withoutit,wouldbeabsurd,tyrannical,andliabletothe mostfrightfulabuses. JeanJacquesRousseau(17121778),1762 Whengovernmenttakesresponsibilityforpeople,thenpeoplenolongertakeresponsibilityfor themselves. GeorgePataki Thereasonablemanrecognizesthewaythattheworldworksandadaptshimselftoit.The unreasonablemanrecognizesthewaythattheworldworksandtriestoforcetheworldtoadaptto him.Thusallprogressismadebecauseoftheunreasonableman. GeorgeBernardShaw SevenBlundersOfTheWorldThatLeadToViolence Wealthwithoutwork Pleasurewithoutconscience Knowledgewithoutcharacter Commercewithoutmorality Sciencewithouthumanity Worshipwithoutsacrifice Politicswithoutprinciple Rights[Privileges]withoutresponsibilities[addedbygrandsonArunGandhi]

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MohandasKaramchandGandhi Technologywithoutdirection[i.e.,morality?ArestatementofKw/oCorSw/oH?] Connectionwithoutcommunity Teachingwithoutjoy Learningwithouthope[addedbyStevenW.Gilbert] Authoritywithoutaccountability[addedbyAlexander;arestatementofRw/oR?] Integritywithoutknowledgeisweakanduseless,andknowledgewithoutintegrityisdangerous anddreadful. Dr.SamuelJohnson Keepyourthoughtspositivebecauseyourthoughtsbecomeyourwords. Keepyourwordspositivebecauseyourwordsbecomeyourbehaviors. Keepyourbehaviorspositivebecauseyourbehaviorsbecomeyourhabits. Keepyourhabitspositivebecauseyourhabitsbecomeyourvalues. Keepyourvaluespositivebecauseyourvaluesbecomeyourdestiny. MohandasKaramchandGandhi Itisbettertobeviolent,ifthereisviolenceinourhearts,thantoputonthecloakofnonviolenceto coverimpotenceWherechoiceissetbetweencowardiceandviolence,Iwouldadviseviolence Iprefertousearmsindefenseofhonorratherthanremainthevilewitnessofdishonor. MohandasKaramchandGandhi Theindividualhasalwayshadtostruggletokeepfrombeingoverwhelmedbythetribe.Ifyoutry it,youwillbelonelyoften,andsometimesfrightened.Butnopriceistoohightopayforthe privilegeofowningyourself. FriedrichWilhelmNietzsche(18441900) Humansexistinperfectfreedom.Obedienceisachoice.Governmentisthereforeanillusion. WolfDeVoon,DeFactoAnarchy Freedomisactuallyabiggergamethanpower.Powerisaboutwhatyoucancontrol.Freedomis aboutwhatyoucanunleash. HarrietRubin,ContributingEditoratFastCompanyMagazine(?) Treasondothneverprosper:whatsthereason?

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Forifitprosper,nonedarecallittreason. SirJohnHaringtonofKelston(15611612) Inafreestateeverymancanthinkwhathewantsandsaywhathethinks. BaruchSpinoza(16321677) Democracyistheinstitutionalizationofnonviolentproblemsolvinginthesocialorder. RichardDeats,TheGlobalSpreadofActiveNonviolence,Fellowship, JulyAugust1996 Thishistoricaldiscussiongivesaperspectiveonwhatitmeanstobepracticalandsustainable.A fewyearsagoIdescribedabouttwodozensocietiesthathavecollapsed(Tainter1988).Innocase isitevidentorevenlikelythatanyofthesesocietiescollapsedbecauseitsmembersorleadersdid nottakepracticalstepstoresolveitsproblems(Tainter1988).TheexperienceoftheRomanEmpire isagaininstructive.MostactionsthattheRomangovernmenttookinresponsetocrisessuchas debasingthecurrency,raisingtaxes,expandingthearmy,andconscriptinglaborwerepractical solutionstoimmediateproblems.Itwouldhavebeenunthinkablenottoadoptsuchmeasures. Cumulatively,however,thesepracticalstepsmadetheempireeverweaker,asthecapitalstock (agriculturallandandpeasants)wasdepletedthroughtaxationandconscription.Overtime, devisingpracticalsolutionsdrovetheRomanEmpireintodiminishing,thennegative,returnsto complexity.Theimplicationisthattofocusaproblemsolvingsystem,suchasecological economics,onpracticalapplicationswillnotautomaticallyincreaseitsvaluetosociety,nor enhancesustainability.Thehistoricaldevelopmentofproblemsolvingsystemsneedstobe understoodandtakenintoconsideration. Mostwhostudycontemporaryissuescertainlywouldagreethatsolvingenvironmentaland economicproblemsrequiresbothknowledgeandeducation.Amajorpartofourresponseto currentproblemshasbeentoincreaseourlevelofresearchintoenvironmentalmatters,including globalchange.Asourknowledgeincreasesandpracticalsolutionsemerge,governmentswill implementsolutionsandbureaucracieswillenforcethem.Newtechnologieswillbedeveloped. Eachofthesestepswillappeartobeapracticalsolutiontoaspecificproblem.Yetcumulatively thesepracticalstepsarelikelytobringincreasedcomplexity,highercosts,anddiminishingreturns toproblemsolving.RichardNorgaardhasstatedtheproblemwell:"Assuringsustainabilityby extendingthemodernagenda...willrequire,byseveralordersofmagnitude,moredatacollection, interpretation,planning,politicaldecisionmaking,andbureaucraticcontrol"(Norgaard,1994). DonellaMeadowsandhercolleagueshavegivenexcellentexamplesoftheeconomicconstraintsof contemporaryproblemsolving.Toraiseworldfoodproductionfrom19511966by34%,for example,requiredincreasingexpendituresontractorsof63%,onnitratefertilizersof146%,andon pesticidesof300%.Toremoveallorganicwastesfromasugarprocessingplantcosts100times

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morethanremoving30%.ToreducesulfurdioxideintheairofaU.S.cityby9.6times,or particulatesby3.1times,raisesthecostofpollutioncontrolby520times(Meadowsetal.,1972). Allenvironmentalproblemsolvingwillfaceconstraintsofthiskind. Bureaucraticregulationitselfgeneratesfurthercomplexityandcosts.Asregulationsareissuedand taxesestablished,thosewhoareregulatedortaxedseekloopholesandlawmakersstrivetoclose these.Acompetitivespiralofloopholediscoveryandclosureunfolds,withcomplexity continuouslyincreasing(Olson,1982).Inthesedayswhenthecostofgovernmentlackspolitical support,suchastrategyisunsustainable.Itisoftensuggestedthatenvironmentallybenign behaviorshouldbeelicitedthroughtaxationincentivesratherthanthroughregulations.Whilethis approachhassomeadvantages,itdoesnotaddresstheproblemofcomplexity,andmaynot reduceoverallregulatorycostsasmuchasisthought.Thosecostsmayonlybeshiftedtothe taxationauthorities,andtothesocietyasawhole. Itisnotthatresearch,education,regulation,andnewtechnologiescannotpotentiallyalleviateour problems.Withenoughinvestmentperhapstheycan.Thedifficultyisthattheseinvestmentswill becostly,andmayrequireanincreasingshareofeachnationsgrossdomesticproduct.With diminishingreturnstoproblemsolving,addressingenvironmentalissuesinourconventionalway meansthatmoreresourceswillhavetobeallocatedtoscience,engineering,andgovernment.In theabsenceofhigheconomicgrowththiswouldrequireatleastatemporarydeclineinthe standardofliving,aspeoplewouldhavecomparativelylesstospendonfood,housing,clothing, medicalcare,transportation,andentertainment. Tocircumventcostlinessinproblemsolvingitisoftensuggestedthatweuseresourcesmore intelligentlyandefficiently.TimothyAllenandThomasHoekstra,forexample,havesuggested thatinmanagingecosystemsforsustainability,managersshouldidentifywhatismissingfrom naturalregulatoryprocessandprovideonlythat.Theecosystemwilldotherest.Lettheecosystem (i.e.,solarenergy)subsidizethemanagementeffortratherthantheotherwayaround(Allenand Hoekstra,1992).Itisanintelligentsuggestion.Atthesametime,toimplementitwouldrequire muchknowledgethatwedonotnowpossess.Thatmeansweneedresearchthatiscomplexand costly,andrequiresfossilfuelsubsidies.Loweringthecostsofcomplexityinonespherecauses themtoriseinanother. Agriculturalpestcontrolillustratesthisdilemma.Asthesprayingofpesticidesexactedhigher costsandyieldedfewerbenefits,integratedpestmanagementwasdeveloped.Thissystemrelies onbiologicalknowledgetoreducetheneedforchemicals,andemploysmonitoringofpest populations,useofbiologicalcontrols,judiciousapplicationofchemicals,andcarefulselectionof croptypesandplantingdates(Norgaard,1994).Itisanapproachthatrequiresbothesoteric researchbyscientistsandcarefulmonitoringbyfarmers.Integratedpestmanagementviolatesthe principleofcomplexityaversion,whichmaypartlyexplainwhyitisnotmorewidelyused. Suchissueshelptoclarifywhatconstitutesasustainablesociety.Thefactthatproblemsolving systemsseemtoevolvetogreatercomplexity,highercosts,anddiminishingreturnshassignificant

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implicationsforsustainability.Intime,systemsthatdevelopinthiswayareeithercutofffrom furtherfinances,failtosolveproblems,collapse,orcometorequirelargeenergysubsidies.This hasbeenthepatternhistoricallyinsuchcasesastheRomanEmpire,theLowlandClassicMaya, ChacoanSocietyoftheAmericanSouthwest,warfareinMedievalandRenaissanceEurope,and someaspectsofcontemporaryproblemsolving(thatis,ineverycasethatIhaveinvestigatedin detail)(Tainter,1988,1992,1994b,1995a).Thesehistoricalpatternssuggestthatoneofthe characteristicsofasustainablesocietywillbethatithasasustainablesystemofproblemsolving onewithincreasingorstablereturns,ordiminishingreturnsthatcanbefinancedwithenergy subsidiesofassuredsupply,cost,andquality. Industrialismillustratesthispoint.Itgenerateditsownproblemsofcomplexityandcostliness. Theseincludedrailwaysandcanalstodistributecoalandmanufacturedgoods,thedevelopment ofaneconomyincreasinglybasedonmoneyandwages,andthedevelopmentofnew technologies.Whilesuchelementsofcomplexityareusuallythoughttofacilitateeconomicgrowth, infacttheycandosoonlywhensubsidizedbyenergy.Someofthenewtechnologies,suchasthe steamengine,showeddiminishingreturnstoinnovationquiteearlyintheirdevelopment (Wilkinson,1973;GiariniandLouberge,1978;Giarini,1984).Whatsetindustrialismapartfromall oftheprevioushistoryofourspecieswasitsrelianceonabundant,concentrated,highquality energy(Halletal.,1992).Withsubsidiesofinexpensivefossilfuels,foralongtimemany consequencesofindustrialismeffectivelydidnotmatter.Industrialsocietiescouldaffordthem. Whenenergycostsaremeteasilyandpainlessly,benefit/costratiotosocialinvestmentscanbe substantiallyignored(asithasbeenincontemporaryindustrialagriculture).Fossilfuelsmade industrialism,andallthatflowedfromit(suchasscience,transportation,medicine,employment, consumerism,hightechnologywar,andcontemporarypoliticalorganization),asystemof problemsolvingthatwassustainableforseveralgenerations. Energyhasalwaysbeenthebasisofculturalcomplexityanditalwayswillbe.Ifoureffortsto understandandresolvesuchmattersasglobalchangeinvolveincreasingpolitical,technological, economic,andscientificcomplexity,asitseemstheywill,thentheavailabilityofenergypercapita willbeaconstrainingfactor.Toincreasecomplexityonthebasisofstaticordecliningenergy supplieswouldrequireloweringthestandardoflivingthroughouttheworld.Intheabsenceofa clearcrisisveryfewpeoplewouldsupportthis.Tomaintainpoliticalsupportforourcurrentand futureinvestmentsincomplexitythusrequiresanincreaseintheeffectivepercapitasupplyof energyeitherbyincreasingthephysicalavailabilityofenergy,orbytechnical,political,or economicinnovationsthatlowertheenergycostofourstandardofliving.Ofcourse,todiscover suchinnovationsrequiresenergy,whichunderscorestheconstraintsintheenergycomplexity relation. JosephA.Tainter,Complexity,ProblemSolving,andSustainableSocieties,from GettingDownToEarth:PracticalApplicationsofEcologicalEconomics,1996 Inmyhumbleopinion,JosephTainterunderstandsthisaspectoftheproblembetterthananyone else.Ifyoureadwhathesays,oursystemcantbesolvedwithpracticalsolutionstoimmediate

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problems(whichasweallknow,isthewayweevolvedtobehave): Overtime,devisingpracticalsolutionsdrovetheRomanEmpireintodiminishing,then negative,returnstocomplexity.Theimplicationisthattofocusaproblemsolvingsystem,such asecologicaleconomics,onpracticalapplicationswillnotautomaticallyincreaseitsvalueto society,norenhancesustainability. Theobviousconclusionisthattheonlywaytomitigateourpresentcrisis,istofollowmy(and Hubberts,etal.)advicebyterminatingcapitalismandstartingcompletelyoverwithanextremely simple,topdownsystemofrationingneedstopeople(e.g.,thesocietyofsloth.) JayHanson,http://www.warsocialism.com/unnecessary.htm Ourprincipalconstraintsarecultural.Duringthelasttwocenturieswehaveknownnothingbut exponentialgrowthandinparallelwehaveevolvedwhatamountstoanexponentialgrowth culture,aculturesoheavilydependentuponthecontinuanceofexponentialgrowthforitsstability thatitisincapableofreckoningwithproblemsofnongrowth. M.KingHubbert Hegemonyisasoldasmankind. ZbigniewBrzezinski,TheGrandChessboardAmericanPrimacyandItsGeostrategic Imperatives Tosecuretoeachlaborerthewholeproductofhislabor,orasnearlyaspossible,isaworthyobject ofanygoodgovernment. AbrahamLincoln,1December1847speech WhenthemeninRussiafoulup,theyaredismissed,sometimeslosingtheirnecks.Butweprotect thosewhofailandpressthemtothegovernmentbosom. AdmiralHymanRickover,U.S.Navy Theurgetosavehumanityisalmostalwaysafalsefrontfortheurgetorule. H.L.Mencken Itisnolongerasinglehistoricalworldasithasbeenfromthebeginningofthenineteenth centuryonwards.Norisitanylongerours.We,inourcultureofcommodities,arelivingourcrisis; therestoftheworldarelivingtheirs.Ourcrisisisthatwenolongerbelieveinafuture.Theircrisis isus.Themostwewantistohangontowhatwevegot.Theywantthemeanstolive.Thatiswhy

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ourprincipalpreoccupationshavebecomeprivateandourpublicdiscourseiscompoundedof spite.Thehistoricalandculturalspaceforpublicspeech,forpublichopesandaction,hasbeen dismantled.Weliveandhaveourbeingtodayinprivatecoverts. JohnBerger Iwishtoproposeforthereadersfavourableconsiderationadoctrinewhichmay,Ifear,appear wildlyparadoxicalandsubversive.Thedoctrineinquestionisthis:thatitisundesirabletobelieve apropositionwhenthereisnogroundwhateverforsupposingittrue.Imust,ofcourse,admitthat ifsuchanopinionbecamecommonitwouldcompletelytransformoursociallifeandourpolitical system;sincebothareatpresentfaultless,thismustweighagainstit. BertrandRussell,SkepticalEssays,I,1928 Intheendtheywilllaytheirfreedomatourfeetandsaytous,Makeusyourslaves,butfeedus. Theywillunderstandthemselves,atlast,thatfreedomandbreadenoughforallareinconceivable together,fornever,neverwilltheybeabletosharebetweenthem!Theywillbeconvinced,too, thattheycanneverbefree,fortheyareweak,vicious,worthless,andrebellious. TheGrandInquisitor,toChrist,inDostoevskysparableinTheBrothersKaramazof, Chapter5 Democracyistwowolvesandalambvotingonwhattohaveforlunch.Freedomisawellarmed lambcontestingthevote. BenjaminFranklin(apocryphal) ...whenthestruggleseemstobedriftingdefinitelytowardsaworldsocialdemocracy,theremay stillbeverygreatdelaysanddisappointmentsbeforeitbecomesanefficientandbeneficentworld system.Countlesspeople...willhatethenewworldorder...andwilldieprotestingagainstit.When weattempttoevaluateitspromise,wehavetobearinmindthedistressofagenerationorsoof malcontents,manyofthemquitegallantandgracefullookingpeople. H.G.Wells,TheNewWorldOrder,1939 , Whathappenedherewasthegradualhabituationofthepeople,littlebylittle,tobeinggoverned bysurprise;toreceivingdecisionsdeliberatedinsecret;tobelievingthatthesituationwasso complicatedthatthegovernmenthadtoactoninformationwhichthepeoplecouldnot understand,orsodangerousthat,evenifhepeoplecouldunderstandit,itcouldnotbereleased becauseofnationalsecurity.AndtheirsenseofidentificationwithHitler,theirtrustinhim,made iteasiertowidenthisgapandreassuredthosewhowouldotherwisehaveworriedaboutit. Thisseparationofgovernmentfrompeople,thiswideningofthegap,tookplacesograduallyand

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soinsensibly,eachstepdisguised(perhapsnotevenintentionally)asatemporaryemergency measureorassociatedwithtruepatrioticallegianceorwithrealsocialpurposes.Andallthecrises andreforms(realreforms,too)sooccupiedthepeoplethattheydidnotseetheslowmotion underneath,ofthewholeprocessofgovernmentgrowingremoterandremoter. Mostofusdidnotwanttothinkaboutfundamentalthingsandneverhad.Therewasnoneedto. Nazismgaveussomedreadful,fundamentalthingstothinkaboutweweredecentpeople andkeptussobusywithcontinuouschangesandcrisesandsofascinated,yes,fascinated,bythe machinationsofthenationalenemies,withoutandwithin,thatwehadnotimetothinkabout thesedreadfulthingsthatweregrowing,littlebylittle,allaroundus.Unconsciously,Isuppose,we weregrateful.Whowantstothink? Toliveinthisprocessisabsolutelynottobeabletonoticeitpleasetrytobelievemeunless onehasamuchgreaterdegreeofpoliticalawareness,acuity,thanmostofushadeverhad occasiontodevelop.Eachstepwassosmall,soinconsequential,sowellexplainedor,onoccasion, regretted,that,unlessoneweredetachedfromthewholeprocessfromthebeginning,unlessone understoodwhatthewholethingwasinprinciple,whatalltheselittlemeasuresthatno patrioticGermancouldresentmustsomedayleadto,onenomoresawitdevelopingfromday todaythanafarmerinhisfieldseesthecorngrowing.Onedayitisoverhishead. Andoneday,toolate,yourprinciples,ifyouwereeversensibleofthem,allrushinuponyou.The burdenofselfdeceptionhasgrowntooheavy,andsomeminorincident,inmycasemylittleboy, hardlymorethanababy,sayingJewswine,collapsesitallatonce,andyouseethateverything, everything,haschangedandchangedcompletelyunderyournose.Theworldyouliveinyour nation,yourpeopleisnottheworldyouwereinatall.Theformsareallthere,alluntouched,all reassuring,thehouses,theshops,thejobs,themealtimes,thevisits,theconcerts,thecinema,the holidays.Butthespirit,whichyounevernoticedbecauseyoumadethelifelongmistakeof identifyingitwiththeforms,ischanged.Nowyouliveinaworldofhateandfear,andthepeople whohateandfeardonotevenknowitthemselves;wheneveryoneistransformed,nooneis transformed.NowyouliveinasystemwhichruleswithoutresponsibilityeventoGod.The systemitselfcouldnothaveintendedthisinthebeginning,butinordertosustainitselfitwas compelledtogoalltheway. Youhavegonealmostallthewayyourself.Lifeisacontinuingprocess,aflow,notasuccessionof actsandeventsatall.Ithasflowedtoanewlevel,carryingyouwithit,withoutanyeffortonyour part.Onthisnewlevelyoulive,youhavebeenlivingmorecomfortablyeveryday,withnew morals,newprinciples.Youhaveacceptedthingsyouwouldnothaveacceptedfiveyearsago,a yearago,thingsthatyourfather,eveninGermany,couldnothaveimagined. MiltonMeyer,TheyThoughtTheyWereFree;TheGermans,19331945,1955,pages166ff Whenanopponentdeclares,Iwillnotcomeovertoyourside,Icalmlysay,Yourchildbelongs tousalready....Whatareyou?Youwillpasson.Yourdescendants,however,nowstandinthe

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newcamp.Inashorttimetheywillknownothingelsebutthisnewcommunity. AdolfHitler(18891945),inaspeech,6November1933.QuotedinWilliamL.Shirer, EducationintheThirdReich,Chapter8,ofTheRiseandFalloftheThirdReich,1959 Themostdangerousman,toanygovernment,isthemanwhoisabletothinkthingsoutfor himself...Almostinevitably,hecomestotheconclusionthatthegovernmenthelivesunderis dishonest,insane,andintolerable. H.L.Mencken Freedomisparticipationintheexerciseofpower.(aparaphrase?) Unattributed Asocietyofsheepmust,intime,begetagovernmentofwolves. BertranddeJuvenal WemustmakecleartotheGermansthatthewrongforwhichtheirfallenleadersareontrialisnot thattheylostthewar,butthattheystartedit.Andwemustnotallowourselvestobedrawnintoa trialofthecausesofthewar,forourpositionisthatnogrievancesorpolicieswilljustifyresortto aggressivewar.Itisutterlyrenouncedandcondemnedasaninstrumentofpolicy. SupremeCourtJusticeRobertL.Jackson, ChiefU.S.ProsecutorattheNurembergTribunal Ifselfdeceptionincreasespoliticalpower,thenitisimpossibleforarulertounderstandhuman nature. Henry(?)James Theargumentthatthetwopartiesshouldrepresentopposedidealsandpolicies,one,perhaps,of theRightandtheotheroftheLeft,isafoolishideaacceptableonlytothedoctrinaireandacademic thinkers.Instead,thetwopartiesshouldbealmostidentical,sothattheAmericanpeoplecan throwtherascalsoutatanyelectionwithoutleadingtoanyprofoundorextremeshiftsinpolicy. Eitherpartyinofficebecomesintimecorrupt,tired,unenterprising,andvigorless.Thenitshould bepossibletoreplaceit,everyfouryearsifnecessary,bytheotherparty,whichwillbenoneof thesethingsbutwillstillpursue,withnewvigor,approximatelythesamebasicpolicies. CarrollQuigley,TragedyandHope:AHistoryoftheWorldinOurTime, 1966),pp.12471248.

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Thegreatestpleasureistovanquishyourenemiesandchasethembeforeyou,torobthemoftheir wealthandseethosedeartothembathedintears,toridetheirhorsesandclasptoyourbosom theirwivesanddaughters. GenghisKhan Itseemstoeveryadministratorthatitisonlybyhiseffortsthatthewholepopulationunderhis ruleiskeptgoing,andinthisconsciousnessofbeingindispensableeveryadministratorfindsthe chiefrewardofhislabourandefforts.Whiletheseaofhistoryremainscalm,theruler administratorinhisfrailbarque,holdingonwithaboathooktotheshipofthepeopleandhimself moving,naturallyimaginesthathiseffortsmovetheshipheisholdingonto.Butassoonasa stormarisesandtheseabeginstoheaveandtheshiptomove,suchadelusionisnolonger possible.Theshipmovesindependentlywithitsownenormousmotion,theboathooknolonger reachesthemovingvessel,andsuddenlytheadministrator,insteadofappearingaruleranda sourceofpower,becomesaninsignificant,feebleman. CountLeoTolstoy,WarandPeace Sonumerousindeedandsopowerfularethecauseswhichservetogiveafalsebiastothe judgment,thatwe,uponmanyoccasions,seewiseandgoodmenonthewrongaswellasonthe rightsideofquestionsofthefirstmagnitudetosociety.Thiscircumstance,ifdulyattendedto, wouldfurnishalessonofmoderationtothosewhoareeversomuchpersuadedoftheirbeingin therightinanycontroversy.Andafurtherreasonforcaution,inthisrespect,mightbedrawnfrom thereflectionthatwearenotalwayssurethatthosewhoadvocatethetruthareinfluencedby purerprinciplesthantheirantagonists.Ambition,avarice,personalanimosity,partyopposition, andmanyothermotivesnotmorelaudablethanthese,areapttooperateaswelluponthosewho supportasthosewhoopposetherightsideofaquestion.Weretherenoteventheseinducements tomoderation,nothingcouldbemoreilljudgedthanthatintolerantspiritwhichhas,atalltimes, characterizedpoliticalparties.Forinpolitics,asinreligion,itisequallyabsurdtoaimatmaking proselytesbyfireandsword.Heresiesineithercanrarelybecuredbypersecution. AlexanderHamilton,FederalistPapers Badmenneednothingmoretocompasstheirends,thanthatgoodmenshouldlookonanddo nothing. JohnStuartMill,InauguralAddressasHonoraryLordRectoroftheUniversityofSt. Andrews,1867(foundinEssaysonEquality,Law,andEducation,J.M.Robsoned. (UniversityofTorontoPress,1984).OftenattributedtoEdmundBurkeasTheonly thingnecessaryforeviltoflourishisforgoodmentodonothing. Politicaltagssuchasroyalist,communist,democrat,populist,fascist,liberal,conservative,and soforthareneverbasiccriteria.Thehumanracedividespoliticallyintothosewhowantpeople

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tobecontrolledandthosewhohavenosuchdesire. RobertA.Heinlein Therewasnocorneroftheknownworldwheresomeinterestwasnotallegedtobeindangeror underattack.IftheinterestswerenotRoman,theywerethoseofRomesallies;andifRomehadno allies,theallieswouldbeinvented.Whenitwasutterlyimpossibletocontrivesuchaninterest why,thenitwasthenationalhonorthathadbeeninsulted.Thefightwasalwaysinvestedwithan auraoflegality.Romewasalwaysbeingattackedbeevilmindedneighbors...Thewholeworld waspervadedbyahostofenemies,itwasmanifestlyRomesdutytoguardagainsttheir indubitablyaggressivedesigns...Evenlessthanincasesthathavealreadybeendiscussed,canan attemptbemadeheretocomprehendthesewarsofconquestfromthepointofviewofconcrete objectives.Heretherewasneitherawarriornationinoursense,nor,inthebeginning,amilitary despotismoranaristocracyofspecificallymilitaryorientation.Thusthereisbutonewaytoan understanding:scrutinyofdomesticclassinterests,thequestionofwhostoodtogain. JosephSchumpter,TheRomanEmpire,1919 Folks,rememberthatyouhearditherefirst.Weevolvedtobehaveinwaysthatalwaysleadtothe pointwherewarbecomestheonlylogicalchoice.Ihavecalledit"subconsciousconspiracy." Humansocialchoicesare,inthelargestsense,biologicallydetermined,andwillalwaysleadtowar. JayHanson Thehistoryofthegreateventsofthisworldisscarcelymorethanthehistoryofcrime. Inallbusinessofstatethereisalwaysapretextwhichisputforward,andarealreasonwhichis keptinthebackground. Voltaire I,(name),dosolemnlyswear(oraffirm)thatIwillsupportanddefendtheConstitutionofthe UnitedStatesagainstallenemies,foreignanddomestic;thatIwillbeartruefaithandallegianceto thesame;andthatIwillobeytheordersofthePresidentoftheUnitedStatesandtheordersofthe officersappointedoverme,accordingtoregulationsandtheUniformCodeofMilitaryJustice.So helpmeGod. U.S.MilitaryEnlistedServicemembersOath(10U.S.C.502) I,(name),dosolemnlyswear(oraffirm)thatIwillsupportanddefendtheConstitutionofthe UnitedStatesagainstallenemies,foreignanddomestic;thatIwillbeartruefaithandallegianceto thesame;thatItakethisobligationfreely,withoutanymentalreservationorpurposeofevasion; andthatIwillwellandfaithfullyexecutethedutiesoftheofficeonwhichIamabouttoenter,so

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helpmeGod. U.S.MilitaryCommissionedOfficersOath Idosolemnlyswear(oraffirm)thatIwillfaithfullyexecutetheofficeofPresidentoftheUnited States,andwilltothebestofmyability,preserve,protect,anddefendtheConstitutionofthe UnitedStates. OathofOfficeofthePresidentoftheUnitedStates(ArticleII,1) Idosolemnlyswear(oraffirm)thatIwillsupportanddefendtheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates againstallenemies,foreignanddomestic;thatIwillbeartruefaithandallegiancetothesame;that Itakethisobligationfreely,withoutanymentalreservationorpurposeofevasion;andthatIwill wellandfaithfullydischargethedutiesoftheofficeonwhichIamabouttoenter:SohelpmeGod. OathofOfficeforVicePresident,MembersofCongress,andfederalcivilservants(5 U.S.C.3331) I,(name),dosolemnlyswear(oraffirm)thatIwilladministerjusticewithoutrespecttopersons, anddoequalrighttothepoorandtotherich,andthatIwillfaithfullyandimpartiallydischarge andperformallthedutiesincumbentuponmeasSupremeCourtJusticeundertheConstitution andlawsoftheUnitedStates.SohelpmeGod. OathofOfficeforU.S.SupremeCourtJustices AllmodernrevolutionshaveendedinareinforcementofthepoweroftheState. AlbertCamus Nothingwillchangeinthisworlduntilfatherslovetheirchildrenmorethantheyhateheir enemies. JenniferStone,KPFA.org Giventherightleadershipandsufficientexternalthreat,theprimaryproductofsuchspirituality maybeextraordinarysocialcohesion....Almosteveryleaderofnotehas,eitherconsciouslyor unconsciously,fishedthesemurkywatersatsometimeorother. Theirrewardisaunitedpeoplearmedwithhumanity'sshiningExcalibur.Tounsheathethismagic blade,suchvisionaryleadersmustfirstwinoverthepopulacewiththeprimalfairytale,which invariablycontainstwoingredients; 1.)AMonsterpreferablyonewhospeaksanalientongue,praystoheathengods,wearspeculiar

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clothing,and/orhasdifferentcoloredskin. 2.)AMiracleearnedonlybysacrifice,butculminatingintriumphforthehometeamanda nastyendfortheMonster. Thistiredoldroutinehasworkeditsmagicwithastonishingregularitysincethedawnofhistory, andnoonewithfullyfunctioningDNAseemswhollyimmunetothelureofit.Itsgeneticnature shinesthroughthegrislystatisticsthatfolloweverymajorconflict,especiallythosethat incorporategenocidalslaughter. RegMorrison,TheSpiritintheGene,HumanitysProudIllusionandtheLawsofNature, 1999 Spiritualenlightenmentisaninfalliblemeansformakingmenunsure,weakerinwill,sotheyare moreinneedofcompanyandsupportinshort,fordevelopingtheherdanimalinman. Thereforeallgreatartistsofgovernmentsofar(ConfuciusinChina,theimperiumRomanum, Napoleon,thepapacyatthetimewhenittookaninterestinpowerandnotmerelyintheworld), intheplaceswherethedominantinstinctshaveculminatedsofar,alsoemployedspiritual enlightenmentatleastletithaveitsway(likethepopesoftheRenaissance).Theselfdeception ofthemassconcerningthispoint,e.g.,ineverydemocracy,isextremelyvaluable:makingmen smallerandmoregovernableisdesiredasprogress. FriedrichNietzsche,TheWilltoPower:AttemptataRevaluationofAllValues,BookI,129, 1885 Libertarianismisaboutconferringlibertyandconcomitantresponsibilitywheretheymostrightly shouldrestontheindividual.Liberalismisaboutgrantingtheindividualchoice(atleast socially)butspreadingtheeconomicrisks(theconsequences)overtheentiregroup. Unattributed Itisnaturalthatthecountrywhosetheoriesofgovernmentarethemostunrealisticintheworld shoulddevelopthegreatestandmostpowerfulsubrosapoliticalmachinery. ThurmanW.Arnold Economicsisnothingmorethanpoliticsindisguise.Itistheartofprivatizinggainsandsocializing losses.ItisthestatereligionoftheUnitedStates.Itsgodisgrowthanditsidolisgreed. Z.B.F.Alexander EveryfewhundredyearsinWesternhistorythereoccursasharptransformation.Withinafew shortdecades,societyitsworldview,itsbasicvalues,itssocialandpoliticalstructures,itsart,its

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keyinstitutionsrearrangesitselfWearecurrentlylivingthroughsuchatime. PeterF.Drucker Withmoreandmoreofourdailyhumaninteractionsbasedonexchangeratherthangifting,we havedevelopedpolitewaysofbeingaroundeachotheronadailybasiswhilemaintainingan exchangemediatedsocialdistance. RichardHeinberg,Museletter215,April2010 [cf.Marxsexchangevalueversususevalue.] Youcandiscoverwhatyourenemyfearsmostbyobservingthemeansheusestofrightenyou. EricHoffer Thesegrandandfatalmovementstowarddeath:thegrandeurofthemass Makespityafool,thetearingpity Fortheatomsofthemass,thepersons,thevictims,makesitseemmonstrous Toadmirethetragicbeautytheybuild. Itisbeautifulasariverflowingoraslowlygathering Glacieronahighmountainrockface, Boundtoplowdownaforest,orasfrostinNovember, Thegoldandflamingdeathdanceforleaves, Oragirlinthenightofherspentmaidenhood,bleedingandkissing. Iwouldburnmyrighthandinaslowfire TochangethefutureIshoulddofoolishly.Thebeautyofmodern Manisnotinthepersonsbutinthe Disastrousrhythm,theheavyandmobilemasses,thedanceofthe Dreamledmassesdownthedarkmountain. RobinsonJeffers,Rearmament,1935 Icannottellyou Howbeautifulthesceneis,andalittleterrible,then,whenthe crowdedfish Knowtheyarecaught,andwildlybeatfromonewalltothe otheroftheirclosingdestinythephosphorescent Watertoapoolofflame,eachbeautifulslenderbodysheeted withflame,likealiverocket Acometstailwakeofclearyellowflame;whileoutsidethe narrowing Floatsandcordageofthenetgreatsealionscomeuptowatch, sighinginthedark;thevastwallsofnight

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Standerecttothestars. LatelyIwaslookingfromanightmountaintop Onawidecity,thecoloredsplendor,galaxiesoflight:howcould Ihelpbutrecalltheseinenet Gatheringtheluminousfish?Icannottellyouhowbeautiful thecityappeared,andalittleterrible. Ithought,Wehavegearedthemachinesandlockedalltogether intointerdependence;wehavebuiltthegreatcities;now Thereisnoescape.Wehavegatheredvastpopulationsincapable offreesurvival,insulated Fromthestrongearth,eachpersoninhimselfhelpless,onall dependent.Thecircleisclosed,andthenet Isbeinghauledin.Theyhardlyfeelthecordsdrawing,yetthey shinealready.Theinevitablemassdisasters Willnotcomeinourtimenorinourchildrens,butweandour children Mustwatchthenetdrawnarrower,governmenttakeallpowers orrevolution,andthenewgovernment Takemorethanall,addtokeptbodieskeptsoulsoranarchy, themassdisasters. ThesethingsareProgress; Doyoumarvelourverseistroubledorfrowning,whileitkeeps itsreason?Oritletsgo,letsthemoodflow Inthemanneroftherecentyoungmenintomerehysteria,splin teredgleams,crackledlaughter.Buttheyarequitewrong. Thereisnoreasonforamazement:surelyonealwaysknewthat culturesdecay,andlifesendisdeath. RobinsonJeffers,fromThePurseSeine,1937 Therearenottwosidestoeverystory.Thereisonlythetruth. EdwardR.Morrow Civildisobedienceisnotourproblem.Ourproblemiscivilobedience.Ourproblemisthatnumbers ofpeopleallovertheworldhaveobeyedthedictatesoftheleadersoftheirgovernmentandhave gonetowar,andmillionshavebeenkilledbecauseofthisobedience...Ourproblemisthatpeople areobedientallovertheworldinthefaceofpovertyandstarvationandstupidity,andwar,and cruelty.Ourproblemisthatpeopleareobedientwhilethejailsarefullofpettythieves,andallthe whilethegrandthievesarerunningthecountry.That'sourproblem.

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HowardZinn Themorenumerouspublicinstrumentalitiesbecome,themoreistheregeneratedincitizensthe notionthateverythingistobedoneforthem,andnothingbythem.Everygenerationismadeless familiarwiththeattainmentofdesiredendsbyindividualactionsorprivateagencies;until, eventually,governmentalagenciescometobethoughtofastheonlyavailableagencies. HerbertSpencer Greatmilitarypeopleshaveconqueredtheirknownworldtimeandtimeagainthroughthe centuries,onlytodieoutintheinevitableashesoftheirfire.Wellovertwothousandyearsago,the Chinesephilosopher,Laotzu,concludedthat:Weaponsoftenturnuponthewielder,Anarmys harvestisawasteofthorns.Wemayhavetoresorttoarmsinthefuture,aswehaveinthepast. Wemayhavetousethemtopreventatomicwarfrombeinglaunchedagainstus.Butletushave thewisdomtorealizethattheuseofforceisasignofweaknessonahigherplane,andthatapolicy basedprimarilyonrecoursetoarmswillsoonerorlaterfail. CharlesLindbergh,OfFlightandLife,1948 Andhowweburnedinthecampslater,thinking:Whatwouldthingshavebeenlikeifevery Securityoperative,whenhewentoutatnighttomakeanarrest,hadbeenuncertainwhetherhe wouldreturnaliveandhadtosaygoodbyetohisfamily?Orif,duringperiodsofmassarrests,as forexampleinLeningrad,whentheyarrestedaquarteroftheentirecity,peoplehadnotsimply satthereintheirlairs,palingwithterrorateverybangofthedownstairsdoorandateverystepon thestaircase,buthadunderstoodtheyhadnothinglefttoloseandhadboldlysetupinthe downstairshallanambushofhalfadozenpeoplewithaxes,hammers,pokers,orwhateverelse wasathand?...TheOrganswouldveryquicklyhavesufferedashortageofofficersandtransport and,notwithstandingallofStalinsthirst,thecursedmachinewouldhavegroundtoahalt!If...if... Wedidntlovefreedomenough.Andevenmorewehadnoawarenessoftherealsituation....We purelyandsimplydeservedeverythingthathappenedafterward. AleksandrI.Solzhenitsyn Itisnomeasureofhealthtobewelladjustedtoaprofoundlysicksociety. JidduKrishnamurti IusedtobeNormal,nowI'mSane. EdmundFitzgerald Therealhopelessvictimsofmentalillnessaretobefoundamongthosewhoappeartobemost

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normal.Manyofthemarenormalbecausetheyaresowelladjustedtoourmodeofexistence, becausetheirhumanvoicehasbeensilencedsoearlyintheirlivesthattheydonotevenstruggle orsufferordevelopsymptomsastheneuroticdoes.Theyarenormalnotinwhatmaybecalledthe absolutesenseoftheword;theyarenormalonlyinrelationtoaprofoundlyabnormalsociety. Theirperfectadjustmenttothatabnormalsocietyisameasureoftheirmentalsickness.These millionsofabnormallynormalpeople,livingwithoutfussinasocietytowhich,iftheywerefully humanbeings,theyoughtnottobeadjusted. AldousHuxley,BraveNewWorldRevisited,1958 Therewillbe,inthenextgenerationorso,apharmacologicalmethodofmakingpeoplelovetheir servitude,andproducingdictatorshipwithouttears,sotospeak,producingakindofpainless concentrationcampforentiresocieties,sothatpeoplewillinfacthavetheirlibertiestakenaway fromthem,butwillratherenjoyit,becausetheywillbedistractedfromanydesiretorebelby propagandaorbrainwashing,orbrainwashingenhancedbypharmacologicalmethods.Andthis seemstobethefinalrevolution. AldousHuxley,TavistockGroup,UniversityofCaliforniaMedicalSchool,circa1960 Itsnotpowerthatcorruptsbutfear.Fearoflosingpowercorruptsthosewhowieldit. AungSanSuuKyi Whenyouseethatinordertoproduce,youneedtoobtainpermissionfrommenwhoproduce nothingWhenyouseethatmoneyisflowingtothosewhodeal,notingoods,butinfavors Whenyouseethatmengetricherbygraftandbypullthanbywork,andyourlawsdontprotect youagainstthem,butprotectthemagainstyouWhenyouseecorruptionbeingrewardedand honestybecomingaselfsacrificeYoumayknowthatyoursocietyisdoomed. AynRand,AtlasShrugged,1957 Anationcansurviveitsfools,andeventheambitious.Butitcannotsurvivetreasonfromwithin. Anenemyatthegatesislessformidable,forheisknownandcarrieshisbanneropenly.Butthe traitormovesamongstthosewithinthegatefreely,hisslywhispersrustlingthroughallthealleys, heardintheveryhallsofgovernmentitself.Forthetraitorappearsnotatraitor;hespeaksin accentsfamiliartohisvictims,andhewearstheirfaceandtheirarguments,heappealstothe basenessthatliesdeepintheheartsofallmen.Herotsthesoulofanation,heworkssecretlyand unknowninthenighttounderminethepillarsofthecity,heinfectsthebodypoliticsothatitcan nolongerresist.Amurdererislesstofear.Thetraitoristheplague. MarcusTulliusCicero Thisexperience[thatthereisnothinginanotherpersonwhichwecannotfeelaspartofourselves]

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requiresthatwefreeourselvesfromthenarrownessofbeingrelatedonlytothosefamiliartous, eitherbythefactthattheyarebloodrelationsor,inalargersense,thatweeatthesamefood,speak thesamelanguage,andhavethesamecommonsense.Knowingmeninthesenseof compassionateandempatheticknowledgerequiresthatwegetridofthenarrowingtiesofagiven society,race,orcultureandpenetratetothedepthofthathumanrealityinwhichweareall nothingbuthuman.Truecompassionandknowledgeofmanhasbeenlargelyunderratedasa revolutionaryfactorinthedevelopmentofman,justasarthasbeen. ErichFromm(19001980),TheRevolutionofHope,Revised1970,page87 Youtellmewharamangitshiscornpone,enIlltellyouwhathispinionsis. Icanneverforgetit.Itwasdeeplyimpresseduponme.Bymymother.Notuponmymemory,but elsewhere.ShehadslippedinuponmewhileIwasabsorbedandnotwatching.Theblack philosopher'sideawasthatamanisnotindependent,andcannotaffordviewswhichmight interferewithhisbreadandbutter.Ifhewouldprosper,hemusttrainwiththemajority;inmatters oflargemoment,likepoliticsandreligion,hemustthinkandfeelwiththebulkofhisneighbors, orsufferdamageinhissocialstandingandinhisbusinessprosperities.Hemustrestricthimselfto cornponeopinionsatleastonthesurface.Hemustgethisopinionsfromotherpeople;hemust reasonoutnoneforhimself;hemusthavenofirsthandviews. MarkTwain(18351910),CornPoneOpinions,writtenin1901,publishedin1923in EuropeandElsewhere,AlbertBigelowPaine,Editor. Wheneverjusticeisuncertainandpolicespyingandterrorareatwork,humanbeingsfallinto isolation,which,ofcourse,istheaimandpurposeofthedictatorstate,sinceitisbasedonthe greatestaccumulationofdepotentiatedsocialunits. CarlGustavJung(18751961),TheUndiscoveredSelf,1957 Madisonsprimarypoliticalconcerncenteredonthemaintenanceofsocialstabilitybythepolitical andsocialcontrolofcompetingfactions;controlbygovernmentitselfwasasecondary consideration.Theframerscraftedanelaboratepoliticalsystem: Wherefirstobjectofgovernment(highestpriority)wasthefacultiesofacquiring property.[12] Wherethestruggleofclassesandpassions(e.g.,religiousconflict)wasreplacedwiththe struggleofinterestsintheeconomicsphere. Wherethepoliticalsystemwasextremelyresistanttochange. Wherepoliticalpowerwasreservedforawhitemaleminoritywhileprojectingtheillusion ofselfgovernmenttothemajority.

MadisonscholarRichardK.Matthewsexplains:

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Byconsciouslydenyingvirtuallyallbutahandfulofcitizensanyroleinagovernmental structurethat,bydesign,wastoberunbyaneliteofsuperiorability(whononethelesswould havetocheckandbalanceeachother),Madisonleft[economicstruggle]astheprimeavenue forhumanitytosearchformeaning.[13] Madisonevenwentsofarastoboastthatthetruedistinctionbetweenancientregimesandthe proposedexperimentingovernmentliesinthetotalexclusionofthepeopleintheircollectivecapacity. [14] Matthewscontinues: ThesepassagesalltooneatlyanticipateMadison'sconceptionofcitizenship:donotgivethe peopleanypowerwhentheyareassembled;allowsomeofthewhitemales,actingin isolation,thefleetingparticipationofvotingfortheirrepresentativesandrestricttherightfor aslongaspoliticallypossibletoonebranchofthelegislature.Beyondthisminimalistapproach topolitics,asklittleelseofthepeople,exceptunderextraordinaryconditions.[15] That'sthetheory;hereishowitworks: In1884,oneofthewealthiestmenofhistime,HenryB.Payne,wantedtobecomethenext UnitedStatessenatorfromOhio.Payne'ssonOliver,thetreasurerofStandardOil,didhisbest tohelp.JustbeforetheelectionforOhio'sseat,sonOliversatatadeskinaColumbushotel withastackofbillsinfrontofhim,payingforthevotesofthestatelegislators,whothen electedU.S.senators.[16] JayHanson,athttp://www.jayhanson.us/page168.htm Wakeupandsmellthepheromonesoftheclasswaryouwerebredtolose. Z.B.F.A. OneoftheprimarymeansofimmobilizingtheAmericanpeoplepoliticallytodayistoholdthem inastateofconfusioninwhichanythingcanbebelievedandnothingcanbeknownnothingof significance,thatis. E.MartinSchotz,HistoryWillNotAbsolveUs:OrwellianControl,PublicDenial,andthe MurderofPresidentKennedy [Politicalparties]servetoorganizefaction,togiveitanartificialandextraordinaryforce;toput,in theplaceofthedelegatedwillofthenationthewillofaparty,oftenasmallbutartfuland enterprisingminorityofthecommunity.

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Theyarelikely,inthecourseoftimeandthings,tobecomepotentengines,bywhichcunning, ambitious,andunprincipledmenwillbeenabledtosubvertthepowerofthepeopleandtousurp forthemselvesthereinsofgovernment,destroyingafterwardstheveryengineswhichhavelifted themtounjustdominion. GeorgeWashington,farewelladdress,1796.

SELF
Thisiswhatyoushoulddo:Lovetheearthandthesunandtheanimals,despiseriches,givealms toeveryonethatasks,standupforthestupidandcrazy,devoteyourincomeandlabortoothers, hatetyrants,arguenotconcerninggod,havepatienceandindulgencetowardpeople,takeoffyour hattonothingknownorunknown,ortoanyoneornumberofpeople...reexamineallyouhave beentoldatschoolorchurch,orinanybook,dismisswhatinsultsyoursoul,andyourveryflesh shallbeagreatpoem. WaltWhitman Justasnoneofusisoutsideorbeyondgeography,noneofusiscompletelyfreefromthestruggle overgeography.Thatstruggleiscomplexandinterestingbecauseitisnotonlyaboutsoldiersand cannonsbutalsoaboutideas,aboutforms,aboutimagesandimaginings. EdwardSaid,1994 amansworkisnothingbutthisslowtrektorediscover,throughthedetoursofart,thosetwoor threegreatandsimpleimagesinwhosepresencehisheartfirstopened. AlbertCamus Theonlyabsoluteknowledgethatmancanachieveisthatlifeismeaningless. CountLeoTolstoy(18281910) Eveniflifeiswithoutmeaning,wearenotobligedtofinditwithoutvalue. AlexanderCarpenter,American,1984 Everyonethinksofchangingtheworld,butnoonethinksofchanginghimself. CountLeoTolstoy

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Ifwehopetolivenotjustfrommomenttomoment,butintrueconsciousnessofourexistence, thenourgreatestneedandmostdifficultachievementistofindmeaninginourlives. BrunoBettelheim,OntheUsesofEnchantment Thisquestionhasnoanswerexceptinthehistoryofhowitcametobeasked.Thereisnoanswer becausewordshavemeaning,notlifeorpersonsortheuniverseitself.Oursearchforcertainty restsinourattemptsatunderstandingthehistoryofallindividualselvesandallcivilizations. Beyondthat,thereisonlyawe. JulianJaynes,PrincetonpsychologyprofessorandauthorofTheOriginofConsciousness intheBreakdownoftheBicameralMind,whenasked,withotherluminariessuchas ArmandHammerandNormanVincentPeale,in1988byLifeMagazinetoprovidea statementontheMeaningofLife. Istheremeaningtolife?Whatarewefor?Whatisman?ThepointIwanttomakenowisthatall attemptstoanswerthatquestionbefore1859areworthlessandthatwearebetteroffifweignore themcompletely. G.G.Simpson Thealternativetothinkinginevolutionarytermsisnottothinkatall. SirPeterMedawar Nothinginbiologymakessenseexceptinthelightofevolution. TheodosiusDobzhansky Isevolutionatheory,asystem,orahypothesis?Itismuchmore.Itisageneralpostulatetowhich alltheories,allhypotheses,allsystemsmuchhenceforwardbowandwhichtheymustsatisfyin ordertobethinkableandtrue.Evolutionisalightwhichilluminatesallfacts,atrajectorywhichall linesofthoughtmustfollow.Thisiswhatevolutionis. PierreTeilharddeChardin Lovealoneiscapableofunitinghumanbeingsinsuchawayastocompleteandfulfillthem,forit alonetakesthemandjoinsthembywhatisdeepestinthemselves. PierreTeilharddeChardin Lifemayhavenomeaning.Orevenworse,itmayhaveameaningofwhichIdisapprove.

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AshleighBrilliant Thefirstprinciple[ofscience]isthatyoumustnotfoolyourselfandyouaretheeasiestperson tofool. RichardFeynman,commencementaddressatCaltech,in1960s Forasuccessfultechnology,realitymusttakeprecedenceoverpublicrelations,fornaturecannot befooled. RichardFeynman Weknowthatthewildestandmostmovingdramasareplayednotinthetheatrebutinthehearts ofordinarymenandwomenwhopassbywithoutexcitingattention,andwhobetraytotheworld nothingoftheconflictsthatragewithinthemexceptpossiblybyanervousbreakdown.Whatisso difficultforthelaymantograspisthefactthatinmostcasesthepatientsthemselveshaveno suspicionwhateveroftheinternecinewarragingintheirunconscious.Ifwerememberthatthere aremanypeoplewhounderstandnothingatallaboutthemselves,weshallbelesssurprisedatthe realizationthattherearealsopeoplewhoareutterlyunawareoftheiractualconflicts. CarlGustavJung,NewPathsinPsychology,1912.InCW7:TwoEssaysonAnalytical Psychology,page425 Thingsbecomecomplicatedtothedegreethatsymbolsaresubstitutedforfeelings. Thepurposebehindanyactionistofeelsomethingortoavoidfeelingsomething.Whenabeingis motivatedbyanavoidancetofeelingsomething,heactsoutoffear.Fearwilleventuallymoveone intothisintellectuallevel,wheresymbolshavebeensubstitutedforfeelings.Feelingsarenolonger safe.Peoplewhohavethepurposetocreatefeel;peoplewhohavethepurposetoavoidfeeling think. Themostcreativepeoplenotonlyfeel,buttheycantranslatefeelingsintosymbolsthatwillarouse feelingsinanother.Inanswer,theonewhoisavoidingfeelingoftenimaginesthecreativepersonis enforcingfeelingonhim,andheusuallycounterswithsomeactofresistance.Thiscauses suffering. Whatisthemeaningoflife?Lifeis.Lifedoesntcomewithameaning.Youcanstudythesymbols oryoucangooutandfeelalive. HarryPalmer,Avatar Ifitsasymbol,toHellwithit.

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FlanneryOConnor Thesearchinlifeisnotformeaning,butforpassion. JosephCampbell Untiloneiscommitted,thereishesitancy,thechancetodrawback,alwaysineffectiveness. Concerningallactsofinitiative(andcreation),thereisoneelementarytruth,theignoranceof whichkillscountlessideasandsplendidplans:thatthemomentonedefinitelycommitsoneself, thenProvidencemoves,too.Allsortsofthingsoccurtohelponethatwouldneverotherwisehave occurred.Awholestreamofeventsissuesfromthedecision,raisinginonesfavorallmannerof unforeseenincidentsandmeetingsandmaterialassistance,whichnomancouldhavedreamt wouldcomehisway.IhavelearnedadeeprespectforoneofGoethescouplets:Whateveryou cando,ordreamyoucan,beginit.Boldnesshasgenius,powerandmagicinit. W.H.Murray,TheScottishHimalayanExpedition,1951 Wecannotthinkfirstandactafterwards.Fromthemomentofbirthweareimmersedinactionand canonlyfitfullyguideitbytakingthought. AlfredNorthWhitehead Visionwithoutactionisadaydream. Actionwithoutvisionisanightmare. JapaneseProverb Conscienceisthevirtueofobserversandnotofagentsofaction. Goethe Inthislife,onecanhaveeitheronesreasonsoronesresults. WernerErhard,est Thebestsubstituteforeternityisperfectsuggestionofthemomentary. ChristopherMorely,EnglishWriter Focusisasubstitutefortime. JohnL.Warren

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Eternityhasnothingtodowiththehereafter...Thisisit...Ifyoudontgetithere,youwontgetit anywhere.Theexperienceofeternityrighthereandnowisthefunctionoflife.Heavenisnotthe placetohavetheexperience;herestheplacetohavetheexperience. JosephCampbell Appreciationofsacrednessbeginsverysimplybytakinganinterestinallthedetailsofyourlife. ChgyamTrungpa,shortpathTibetanBuddhistTeacher Amanslifeisdyedthecolorofhisimagination. MarcusAurelius Imaginationrulestheworld. NapoleonBonaparte(17691821) Imaginationismoreimportantthanknowledge. AlbertEinstein Intuition,notintellect,istheopensesameofyourself. AlbertEinstein,inEinsteinandthePoetInSearchoftheCosmicManbyWilliam Hermanns(BrandenPress,1983,page16) Amanisrichinproportiontothethingshecanaffordtoletalone. HenryDavidThoreau Attachmentisthegreatfabricatorofillusions;realitycanbeattainedonlybysomeonewhois detached. SimoneWeil Theawakenedonemovesaboutintheworldlikeadrybrownleaf,blownbythewindsofhisown previoustendencies. Ashtavakra Howdoyouempoweryourself?Giveuptryingtocontroltheeventsofyourlife.

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Gurudev Youcannotleaveasituationwithoutspiritualinjuryunlessyouleaveitlovingly. PeacePilgrim Itisnotourparttomasterallthetidesoftheworld,buttodowhatisinusforthesuccorofthe yearswhereinweareset,uprootingtheevilinthefieldsthatweknow,sothatthosewhocome afterusmayhaveacleanearthtotill.Whatweathertheyshallhaveisnotourstorule. J.R.R.Tolkien Oncemyfancywassoothedbydreamsofvirtue,offameandofenjoyment.OnceIfalselyhoped tomeetwithbeingswho,pardoningmyoutwardform,wouldlovemefortheexcellentqualities whichIwascapableofunfolding. Beware,forIamfearlessandthereforepowerful.Iwillwatchwiththewilinessofasnake,thatI maystingwithitsvenom.Youshallrepentoftheinjuriesyouinflict. MaryShelley,Frankenstein Perhapstheimmobilityofthethingsthatsurroundusisforceduponthembyourconvictionthat theyarethemselvesandnotanythingelse,andbytheimmobilityofourconceptionsofthem. MarcelProust Thatwhichweexperienceindreams,ifweexperienceitoften,isintheendjustasmuchapartof thetotaleconomyofoursoulasisanythingwereallyexperience:wearebyvirtueofitricheror poorer. FriedrichWilhelmNietzsche(18441900),BeyondGoodandEvil Ifthedoorsofperceptionwerecleansed,everythingwouldappeartomanasitis,infinite.Forman hasclosedhimselfup,tillheseesallthingsthroughnarrowchinksofhiscavern. WilliamBlake Betweentheretinaandthehighercentersofthecortextheinnocenceofvisionisirretrievablylost ithassuccumbedtothesuggestionofawholeseriesofhiddenpersuaders. ArthurKoestler,TheActofCreation Thedistressesofchoiceareourchancetobeblessed.

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W.H.Auden Noonecanmakeyoufeelinferiorwithoutyourconsent. EleanorRoosevelt,AmericanIcon Freedomiswhatyoudowithwhatsbeendonetoyou. J.P.Sartre Ifyouwantalittlefreedom,letgoalittle.Ifyouwantcompletefreedom,letgocompletely. AchanChah Withouttheconsciousacknowledgementandacceptanceofourkinshipwiththosearoundus therecanbenosynthesisofpersonality. ...selfhassomewhatthecharacterofaresult,ofagoalattained,somethingthathascometopass verygraduallyandisexperiencedwithmuchtravail. CarlGustavJung yourpersona,yourimage,asitusedtobeknown,islikeaballandchain.Imageislikealong shadow.Evenwhenthesungoesdown,youcanstillseeit.Itsimpossiblenottoendupbeinga parodyofwhatyouthoughtyouwere. KeithRichards,RollingStone,Life,2010 Ourinterestisinthedangerousedgeofthings. RobertBrowning ForDonJuanitwasnotonlyruinsofpastculturesthatheldadangerouselementinthem; anythingwhichwastheobjectofanobsessiveconcernhadaharmfulpotential. CarlosCasteneda,TheEaglesGift,page26 Thosewhorestraindesiredosobecausetheirsisweakenoughtoberestrained. WilliamBlake Thosewhotell,cannotknow;thosewhoknow,cannottell.or

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TheTaothatcanbetoldisnottheeternalTao. Thenamethatcanbenamedisnottheeternalname. Patternishiswhocanseebeyondshape; Lifeishiswhocantellbeyondwords. Hewhograsps,loses. LaoTzu,ChineseMystic Theworldishiswhocanseethroughitspretension. RalphWaldoEmerson,TheAmericanScholar Quiplussait,plussetait. (Themoreamanknows,thelesshesays.) FrenchSaying Allthatcanbespelledoutiswithoutimportance. ZhouZuoren,ChineseCritic Whoeverreflectsonfourthings,itwerebetterhehadneverbeenborn:thatwhichisabove,that whichisbelow,thatwhichisbefore,andthatwhichisafter. Talmud,Hagigah,2.1 Whenamanfeelsthepangsofloneliness,heisabletocreate.Assoonashereachesdetachment, heceasestocreate,forhelovesnomore.Everycreationoriginatesinlove.Creation,evenwhenit isamereoutpouringfromtheheart,wishestofindapublic.Bydefinition,creationissociable.Yet itcanbesatisfiedwithmerelyonesinglereader,anoldfriend,alover. LuXun,ChineseWriter Oneafterone, thepetalsfall. Asfromtherose, sofromusall. GurthErnestCarpenter,M.D.

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Threnody DrewKermitCarpenterD.1940AET28 Soyoutoo,mydearyoungbrother, Havemetthepalefriend Whowaitsusall, Waitswithnoquestionofourlove Waitswithnoaskanceofourfaith Patientbeyondthecrowingofthecock :tobrookdenialthrice :thefriendwhoplenisheslifesemptypurse :atthelastthrowingofthedice. Salve! GurthErnestCarpenter,M.D. Goalorientationisinherentlyobsessive. Teleologyisinherentlyobsessive. AlexanderCarpenter,American ...soinlovetheheartsurrendersitselfentirelytotheonebeingthathasknownhowtotouchit. Thatbeingisnotselected;itisrecognizedandobeyed. GeorgeSantayana,TheLifeofReason,1905 Loversdontfinallymeetsomewhere;theyreineachotherallalong. JalaludinRumi Thereareonlytwoemotions:fearandlove.Loveislettinggooffear. GeraldG.Jampolsky Virtueisnotalwaysamiable. JohnAdams,AmericanStatesmanandDiarist Nobodycancounselandhelpyou,nobody.Thereisonlyonesingleway.Gointoyourself. RainerMariaRilke,GermanPoet

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Madnessisanenormouspavilion Whereitreceivesfolkfromeveryregion, Especiallyiftheyhavegoldinprofusion. SebastianBrant,DasNarrenschiff,1494,page46 Cometpicciolfalloamarsomorso! (Whatgrievouspainalittlefaultdothgivethee!) Dante,ItalianWriter Itisonlywiththeheartthatonecanseerightly;whatisessentialisinvisibletotheeye. AntoineDeSaintExupery,TheLittlePrince Lecoeurasesraisonsquelaraisonneconnaitpoint. (Thehearthasitsreasons,whereofreasonknowsnothing.) BlaisePascal(16231662) Thecentraldemandofthebodyistobefelt. ArthurJonav Youhavetoloseyourmindtocometoyoursenses. FritzPearls,AmericanGestaltTherapist Thehighestpossiblestageinmoralcultureiswhenwerecognizethatweoughttocontrolour thoughts. CharlesDarwin(18091882) Thereisacriterionbywhichyoucanjudgewhetherthethoughtsyouarethinkingandthethings youaredoingarerightforyou.Thatcriterionis,Havetheybroughtyouinnerpeace? PeacePilgrim Theintellect,divineasitis,andallworshipful,hasahabitoflodginginthemostseedyof carcasses,andoften,alas,actsthecannibalamongtheotherfacultiessothatoften,wherethemind isbiggest,theHeart,theSenses,Magnanimity,Charity,Tolerance,Kindliness,andtherestofthem scarcelyhaveroomtobreathe.

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VirginiaWolfe,Orlando,page4 Thefirstthinginlifeistoassumeapose. Whatthesecondis,noonehasyetdiscovered. OscarWilde,EnglishWit Youcanbeanythingyouwantthesecondtimearound... TimothyLeary,AmericanMystic Whereisthelifewehavelostinliving? Whereisthewisdomwehavelostinknowledge? Whereistheknowledgewehavelostininformation? T.S.Eliot,TheRock Ourdeepestfearisnotthatweareinadequate.[Indeed,werecertainwereinadequate]Our deepestfearisthatwearepowerfulbeyondmeasure.Itisourlight,notourdarkness,thatmost frightensus.Weaskourselves,WhoamItobebrilliant,gorgeous,talented,andfabulous? Actually,whoareyounottobe? Youareachildofgod.Yourplayingsmalldoesntservetheworld.Thereisnothingenlightened aboutshrinkingsothatotherpeoplewontfeelinsecurearoundyou.Wewereborntomake manifestthegloryofGodwithinus.Itisnotjustinsomeofus;itsineveryone. Andasweletourownlightshine,weunconsciouslygiveotherpeoplepermissiontodothesame. Asweareliberatedfromourfear,ourpresenceautomaticallyliberatesothers. VariouslyattributedtoMarianneWilliamson,MayaAngelou,and NelsonMandela(e.g.,InauguralSpeech,1994) Fearanddulldisposition,lukewarmnessandsloth,arenotseldomwonttocloakthemselvesunder theaffectednameofmoderation. JohnMilton,EnglishPoet Mostpeopleliveforsecurityandthereforewindupinconstantinsecurity. Krishnamurti Securityismostlyasuperstition.Itdoesnotexistinnature,nordothechildrenofmenasawhole experienceit.Avoidingdangerisnosaferinthelongrunthanoutrightexposure.[Tokeepour

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facestowardschangeandbehaveasfreespiritsinthepresenceoffateisstrengthundefeatable.] [Lifeiseitheradaringadventureornothing.] HelenKeller,UnusualAmerican Thereisnosecurityonthisearth,onlyopportunity. GeneralDouglasMcArthur Therearenoprematureideas,onlyopportunitiesforwhichwemustlearntowait. JeanMonnet,UnitedEuropevisionaryandorganizer,1957 Weareconfrontedwithinsurmountableopportunities. WaltKelly Itisonlyinadventurethatsomepeoplesucceedinknowingthemselvesinfindingthemselves. AndrGide Theessenceofanadventureisthatonedoesntknowitsoutcome.Theessenceofajoyous adventureisthatonedoesntneedtoknowitsoutcome. AlexanderCarpenter Iexpectnothing.Iamnotafraid.Iamfree. NikosKazantzakis,GreekWriter Wherethereisnosolution,thereisnoproblem. [sodealwithitasapredicamentandenlargeitsscope] ZenBabaFamousAlexander,1994 Ifthereisnoredress,thereisnooffence. CommonLawPrinciple ImanoldmanandIvehadalotofproblems,mostofwhichneveroccurred. MarkTwain

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Sometimesyoujusthavetogiveupyourprinciplesanddowhat'sright. Dr.HenryKemp,American Amanwhohasnotpassedthroughtheinfernoofhispassionshasneverovercomethem. CarlGustavJung,GermanPsychologistandMystic Societyisachaoswhichcanbebroughtintoharmoniousorderonlybywit.Ifonedoesnotjestand toywiththeelementsofpassion,itformsthickmassesanddarkenseverything. ...Manisnaturallyaseriousanimal.Wemustworkagainstthisshamefulandabominable propensitywithallourstrength,andattackitfromallsides.Tothatend,ambiguitiesarealso good,exceptthattheyaresoseldomambiguous.Whentheyarenot,andallowonlyone interpretation,thatisnotimmoral,itisonlyobtrusiveandvulgar.Frivoloustalkmustbespiritual anddaintyandmodest,sofaraspossible;fortherest,aswickedasyouchoose. FriedrichVonSchlegel(17721829) Thedistrustofwitisthebeginningoftyranny. EdwardAbbey,AVoiceCryingintheWilderness(VoxClamantisinDeserto) Witisculturedinsolence. Aristotle(apocryphal) Therearemomentsinlifewhentrueinvectiveiscalledfor,whenitbecomesanabsolutenecessity, outofadeepsenseofjustice,todenounce,mock,vituperate,lashout,inthestrongestpossible language. CharlesSimic,TheArgumentCulture Humorisnotbrash.Itisnotcheap.Itisnotheartless.Amongotherthings,itisashield,aweapon, asurvivalkitSohereweare,severalmillionofus,crowdedintoourglobalconcentrationcamp fortheduration.Howarewetosurvive?Solemnityisnottheanswer,anymorethanwitlessand irresponsiblefrivolousness.Ithinkourbestchanceagoodchanceliesinhumor,which,in thiscase,meansawryacceptanceofourpredicament. OgdenNash,CommencementAddress,MissPortersSchool,Connecticut,1970 Notoneshredofevidencesupportsthenotionthatlifeisserious.

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AlbertEinstein IfIwerewrong,thenonewouldhavebeenenough! AlbertEinstein,wheninformedofthepublicationofabookentitled100Scientists AgainstEinstein(thatithadbeencommissionedbyHitlerisapocryphal) Alltruewisdomisonlytobelearnedfarfromthedwellingsofmen,outinthegreatsolitudes,and isonlytobeattainedthroughsuffering.Privationandsufferingaretheonlythingsthatcanopen themindsofmentothosethingswhicharehiddenfromothers. Igjugarjuk,Eskimo,1927 Beingandnonbeingisthecentralthemeofallphilosophy,EastandWest.Thesewordsarenot harmlessandinnocentverbalarabesques,exceptintheprofessionalphilosophismofdecadence. Weareafraidtoapproachthefathomlessandbottomlessgroundlessnessofeverything.Theres nothingtobeafraidof.Theultimatereassurance,andtheultimateterror. Iftherearenomeanings,novalues,nosourceofsustenanceorhelp,thenman,ascreator,must invent,conjureupmeaningsandvalues,sustenanceandsuccoroutofnothing.Heisamagician. Thebrotherhoodofmanisevokedbyparticularmenaccordingtotheircircumstances.Butit seldomextendstoallmen.Inthenameofourfreedomandourbrotherhoodwearepreparedto blowuptheotherhalfofmankind,andtobeblownupinturn. RonaldD.Laing,ThePoliticsofExperience Fantasticdoctrines(likeChristianityorIslamorMarxism)requireunanimityofbelief.One dissentercastsdoubtonthecreedofmillions.Thusthefearandthehate;thusthetorture,theiron stake,thegallows,thelaborcamp,thepsychiatricward. EdwardAbbey,AVoiceCryingintheWilderness(VoxClamantisinDeserto) IfGoddidnotexist,manwouldhavetoinventhim... Voltaire(apocryphal) Lenfantabdiquesonextase. (Thechildabdicateshisecstasy.) Malarm Curaelevesloquunturingentesstupent.

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(Lightgriefsareloquacious,butthegreataredumb.) Seneca,Hippolytus,ii.3,607 Thereisaprofoundinterdependenceofworldwithoutandworldwithin,andexperienceineither oneofthemisvalidalsointheother. LaurensvanderPost,AFarOffPlace Vocation:theplaceGodcallsyoutoistheplacewhereyourdeepgladnessandtheworldsdeep hungermeet. FrederickBuechner HavingcomefromthelightandfromtheGods,hereIaminexile,separatedfromthem. FragmentofTurfanM7 Butyoumustknowthatweareallinagreement,whateverwesay. TurbaPhilosophorum Theanalogyofoppositesistherelationoflighttoshadow,peaktoabyss,fullnesstovoid. Allegory,motherofalldogmas,isthereplacementofthesealbythehallmark,ofrealityby shadow;itisthefalsehoodoftruth,andthetruthoffalsehood. EliphasLevi,Dogmedelahautemagie,Paris,Ballire,1856,XXII,page22 ForIamthefirstandthelast. Iamthehonoredandthehated. Iamthesaintandtheprostitute. FragmentoftheNagHammadi,6,page2 Theprinceofdarknessisagentleman. Wm.Shakespeare,KingLear,III,iv Ifourhypothesisiscorrect,theHolyGrail...wasthebreedanddescendantofJesus,theSangReal ofwhichtheTemplarsweretheguardians....Atthesame,theHolyGrailmusthavebeen,literally, thevesselthathadreceivedandcontainedthebloodofJesus.Inotherwordsitmusthavebeenthe womboftheMagdalene.

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M.Baigent,R.Leigh,H.Lincoln,TheHolyBloodandtheHolyGrail, London,Cape,1982,xiv TheknightsoftheGraalwantedtofacenofurtherquestions. WolframvonEschenbach,Parzival,XVI,page819 TheGraal...isaweightsoheavythatcreaturesinthebondageofsinareunabletomoveitfromits place. WolframvonEschenbach,Parzival,IX,page477 Ifanythingatall,perfectionisfinallyattainednotwhentheresnolongeranythingtoadd,but whentheresnolongeranythingtotakeaway,whenabodyhasbeenstrippeddowntoits nakedness. AntoinedeSaintExupry,onaircraftdesign[refPraxilites] Manstillbearsinhisbodilyframetheindeliblestampofhislowlyorigin. CharlesDarwin,1871 Manshighernaturerestsuponmanslowernature,needingitasafoundationandcollapsing withoutthisfoundation. AbrahamMaslow Formorethan50yearssanevoiceshavecalledforanendtothedebate.Natureversusnurturehas beendeclaredeverythingfromdeadandfinishedtofutileandwrongafalsedichotomy. Everybodywithanounceofcommonsenseknowsthathumanbeingsareaproductofa transactionbetweenthetwo. Duringmostofthetwentiethcenturydeterminismwasatermofabuse,andgenetic determinismwastheworstkindofterm.Geneswereportrayedasimplacabledragonsoffate, whoseplotsagainstthedamseloffreewillwerefoiledonlybythenobleknightonnurture.(page 98) MattRidley,NatureviaNurture Ibelieveinthepracticeandphilosophyofwhatwehaveagreedtocallmagic,inwhatImustcall theevocationofspirits,thoughIdonotknowwhattheyare,inthepowerofcreatingmagical illusions,inthevisionsoftruthinthedepthsofthemindwhentheeyesareclosed;andI believe...thatthebordersofourmindareevershifting,andthatmanymindscanflowintoone

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another,asitwere,andcreateorrevealasinglemind,asingleenergy...andthatourmemoriesare partofonegreatmemory,thememoryofNatureherself. W.B.Yeats,IdeasofGoodandEvil Weinhabitavastoceanofenergywhichisoutsidethereachofoursensesandourmeasuring instruments. DavidBohm Themostdemandingpartofbeinganartististhestrictdisciplineofforcingoneselftowork steadfastlyalongthenerveofonesmostintimatesensitivity. AnnTruitt,AmericanSculptor Outbeyondallideasofrightdoingandwrongdoing Thereisafield...Iwillmeetyouthere. Whenthesoulliesdowninthatgrass Theworldistoofulltotalkabout. Ideas,thoughts,eventhephraseeachother,havenomeaning. JalaludinRumi Sincethereisnothingtomeditateon,thereisnomeditation. Sincethereisnothingtogoastray,thereisnogoingastray. Althoughthereisaninnumerablevarietyofprofoundpractices, theydonotexistforyourmindinitstruestate. Sincetherearenotwosuchthingsaspracticeandpractitioner; if,bythosewhopracticeordonotpractice, thepractitionerofpracticeisseennottoexist, thereuponthegoalofpracticeisreachedandalsotheendofpracticeitself. Padmasambhava Therangeofwhatwethinkanddoislimitedbywhatwefailtonotice.Andbecausewefailto noticethatwefailtonotice,thereislittlewecandotochange;untilwenoticehowfailingtonotice shapesourthoughtsanddeeds. R.D.Laing Forthelistenerwholistensinthesnow And,nothinghimself,beholds Nothingthatisnotthere

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Andthenothingthatis. WallaceStevens Ihavelivedonthelipofinsanity,wantingtoknowreasons,knockingonadoor. Itopens.Ivebeenknockingfromtheinside! JalaludinRumi Whatmoreterrifyingrevelationcantherebethanthatitisthepresentmoment?Thatwesurvive theshockatallisonlypossiblebecausethepastsheltersusononeside,andthefutureonanother. VirginiaWolfe,Orlando,page6 Thefutureinfluencesthepresentjustasmuchasthepast. FriedrichNietzsche Anxious,wekeeplongingforafoothold we,attimestooyoungforwhatisold andtoooldforwhathasneverbeen. RainerMariaRilke DoyouthinkIknowwhatImdoing? ThatforonebreathorhalfbreathIbelongtomyself? Asmuchasapenknowswhatitswriting, ortheballcanguesswhereitsgoingnext. JalaludinRumi Late,bymyself,intheboatofmyself, Nolightandnolandanywhere, Cloudcoverthick. Itrytostay Justabovethesurface, YetImalreadyunder Andliving Withintheocean. JalaludinRumi,translationbyColemanBarks Thenamedandthenameless

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Appearfromthedarkness Darknesswithindarkness Thegatetoallmystery LaoTsu Iwentforthunobserved Indarknessandobscurity... Ohnightmorelovelythanthedawn! Losttoallthingsandtomyself. St.JohnoftheCross Ifyouarewillingserenelytobearthetrialofbeingdispleasingtoyourself,thenyouwillbefor Jesusapleasantplaceofshelter. St.TheresaofLysieux,CollectedLetters(trans.bySheed),page303 Inadarktime,theeyebeginstosee. TheodoreRoethke Whileliving, Beadeadman. Becompletelydead. Andthendoasyouplease. Allwillbewell. BuddhistsutraaboutNirvana Whiledying, Beanaliveman. Becompletelyalive. Doasyouplease. Alliswell. Restatedwith2000yearsmoreperspective. Firstletgoofknowing,thenletgoofnotknowing. PersonalIdentityisjustathought. Onesimplycannotsufferwhenoneisfeelinggratitude;norwhenoneislaughing.

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Experiencefullywithoutstory. WhenIsay,Bestill,Idonotmeantostruggletostillthemind,whichjustmakesmorebusyness, butrathertofocusthemindonthatwhichisalreadystill.Thiscanliberatethemostamazing creativity. Ifyouwanttoconcludesomething,includeit.Butthemindissubtleitwontsufficetoinclude somethinginordertoconcludeit.Truesurrenderiscalledfor.Knowinghowtosufferendsthe pseudosufferingoftryingtoavoidsuffering.Whenonecansuffer,onedoesnt. AntoinetteGangajiVarner,AmericanHinduGuruoftheRamanaMaharshilineage HowImdoingisnoneofmybusiness. JackKamalRuane,oftheRamanaMaharshilineage Youwillknowyouareenlightenedwhenyouarenolongertryingtobecomeenlightened. Sufferingisessentiallytheresistancetoexperiencingrealityasitis.Onceenlightenedyouwillno longerbeforeverseekingtochange,deny,defend,ordeifyyourexperienceofreality.Youwill naturallyexperiencethepresentmomentforwhatitis. KiaraWindrider Weneverdoanythingwelltillweceasetothinkaboutthemannerofdoingit. WilliamHazlitt LetBramhadrivethechariot. Hindurecommendation Thewaytotrulyhelpanotherbeingistonotgiverisetoasinglethought. SriPapajiPoonja,oftheRamanaMaharshilineage ...Atpresentyoualternatebetweendesireandrenunciationandareafraidallthetime.Allthat mustbeovercome.Letmetellyouastory. Andshetoldmeaboutayouthwhohadfalleninlovewithaplanet.Hestoodbythesea,stretched outhisarmsandprayedtoaplanet,dreamedofit,anddirectedallhisthoughtstoit.Buthe knew,orfeltheknew,thatastarcannotbeembracedbyahumanbeing.Heconsideredittobehis fatetoloveaheavenlybodywithoutanyhopeoffulfillmentandoutofthisinsightheconstructed

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anentirephilosophyofrenunciationandsilent,faithfulsufferingthatwouldimproveandpurify him.Yetallhisdreamsreachedtheplanet.Oncehestoodagainonthehighcliffatnightbythesea andgazedattheplanetandburnedwithloveforit.Andattheheightofhislongingheleapedinto theemptinesstowardtheplanet,butattheinstantofleapingitsimpossibleflashedoncemore throughhismind.Therehelayontheshore,shattered.Hehadnotunderstoodhowtolove.Ifat theinstantofleapinghehadhadthestrengthoffaithinthefulfillmentofhislovehewouldhave soaredintotheheightsandbeenunitedwiththestar. Lovemustnotentreat,sheadded,ordemand.Lovemusthavethestrengthtobecomecertain withinitself.Thenitceasesmerelytobeattractedandbeginstoattract.Sinclair,yourloveis attractedtome.OnceitbeginstoattractmeIwillcome.Iwillnotmakeagiftofmyself.Imustbe won. Anothertimeshetoldmeadifferentstory,concerningaloverwhoselovewasunrequited.He withdrewcompletelywithinhimself,believinghislovewouldconsumehim.Theworldbecame losttohim,henolongernoticedblueskyandgreenwoods,henolongerheardthebrookmurmur; hisearshadturneddeaftothenotesoftheharp:nothingmatteredanymore;hehadbecomepoor andwretched.Yethisloveincreasedandhewouldratherhavediedorbeenruinedthanrenounce possessingthisbeautifulwoman.Thenhefeltthathispassionhadconsumedeverythingelse withinhimandbecomesostrong,somagneticthatthebeautifulwomanmustfollow.Shecameto himandhestoodwithoutstretchedarmsreadytodrawhertohim.Asshestoodbeforehimshe wascompletelytransformedandwithawehefeltandsawthathehadwonbackallhehad previouslylost.Shestoodbeforehimandsurrenderedherselftohimandsky,forest,andbrookall cametowardhiminnewandresplendentcolors,belongedtohim,andspoketohiminhisown language.Andinsteadofmerelywinningawomanheembracedtheentireworldandeverystarin heavenglowedwithinhimandsparkledwithjoyinhissoul.Hehadlovedandfoundhimself.But mostpeoplelovetolosethemselves. HermanHesse,Demian Timeiseternitylivingdangerously. CelticProverb(apocryphal) Theveryleastyoucandoinyourlifeistofigureoutwhatyouhopefor. Themostyoucandoisliveinsidethathope. BarbaraKingsolver,AnimalDreams TheMetaphysicsofQualitytranslatedkarmaasevolutionarygarbage...Karmaisthepain,the suffering,thatresultsfromclingingtothestaticpatternsoftheworld...[i.e.,theisworld]The onlyexitfromthesufferingistodetachyourselffromthesestaticpatterns,thatis,tokillthem.

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RobertM.Pirsig,Lila:AnInquiryintoMorals,page398 Thehumanbodyisthecaveuponwhicharecasttheshadowswemistakeforreality. JamakeHighwater,MythandSexuality Inlovetherearetwothings:bodiesandwords.[HowaboutSpirit...?Soul...?] JoyceCarolOates Anybodyanygoodatwhattheydo,thatswhattheyare,right?Yougottajack,Igottatussle. WilliamGibson,Neuromancer,1984 Idonotwantmyhousetobewalledinonallsidesandmywindowstobestuffed.Iwantthe culturesofallthelandstobeblownaboutmyhouseasfreelyaspossible.ButIrefusetobeblown offmyfeetbyany. MohandasKaramchandGandhi Letmenotpraytobeshelteredfromdangersbuttobefearlessinfacingthem.Letmenotbegfor thestillingofmypainbutforthehearttoconquerit. RabindranathTragore IfeelthatthroughstrangeforgottenconnectionsIhavebeenevolvedarrivingatmypresentstate ofexpression.Thegreatmemoryofthoseseriesofexistencesrunningthroughmeliesinthe subconscious.ThatiswhyIcanfeelanoldbondofunitywithcreepersandtrees,birdsandbeasts ofthisworld.ThatiswhythisvastlymysteriousandimmenseUniversedoesnotappearterrifying orunfriendly. RabindranathTagore Weresoengagedindoingthingstoachievepurposesofoutervaluethatweforgettheinner value. JosephCampbell Wehavenoteventorisktheadventurealone,fortheheroesofalltimehavegonebeforeus.Where wehadthoughttotraveloutward,wewillcometothecenterofourownexistence.Andwherewe hadthoughttobealone,wewillbewithalltheworld. JosephCampbell

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Ifhewastobecomehimself,hemustfindawaytoassemblethepartsofhisdreamsintoone whole. GeorgeEliot Withoutloveinthedreamitwillnevercometrue. RobertHunter Whenyoureachacertainageandlookbackoveryourlife,itseemstohavehadanorder,tohave beencompiledbysomeone.Andthoseeventsthatwhentheyoccurredseemedmerelyaccidental andoccasionalandjustsomethingthathappenedturnouttobethemainelementsinaconsistent plot. ArthurSchopenhauer(17881860) Thevoice,thesmile,isawindowonthesoul.Theseatofthesoulisnotinsideaperson,oroutside aperson,buttheveryplacewheretheyoverlapandmeettheworld. GeralddeNerval Themostutterlylostofalldaysisthatinwhichyouhavenotoncelaughed. SebastienRochNicolasChamfort(17411794),Penses,maximes,etanecdotes,1803 Themostwastedofalldaysisonewithoutlaughter. eecummings(EdwardEstlinCummings,18941962) Nothinghasastrongerinfluencepsychologicallyontheirenvironment,andespeciallyontheir children,thantheunlivedlifeoftheirparents. CarlJung Mostofthechangewethinkweseeinlifeisduetotruthsbeinginandoutoffavor. RobertFrost Manisnotthecreatureofcircumstances.Circumstancesarethecreaturesofmen. BenjaminDisraeli

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Isaluteyou.Iamyourfriendandmyloveforyougoesdeep.ThereisnothingIcangiveyou whichyouhavenotgot;butthereismuch,verymuch,whileIcannotgiveit,youcantake. Noheavencancometousunlessourheartsfindrestintoday.TakeHeaven! Nopeaceliesinthefuturewhichisnothiddeninthispresentlittleinstant.Takepeace! Thegloomoftheworldisbutashadow.Behindityetwithinourreachisjoy.Thereisradiance andgloryinthedarkness,couldwebutseeandtoseewehaveonlytolook.Ibeseechyoutolook. Lifeissogenerousagiver,butwejudgingitsgiftsbytheircovering,castthemawayasuglyor heavyorhard.Removethecoveringandyouwillfindbeneathitalivingsplendor,wovenoflove, bywisdom,withpower.Welcomeit,graspit,andtouchtheangel'shandthatbringsittoyou. Everythingwecallatrial,asorrow,oraduty,believeme,thatangelshandisthereandthe wonderofanovershadowingPresence. Ourjoystoo:benotcontentwiththemasjoys.They,too,concealdivinergifts.Lifeissofullof meaningandpurpose,sofullofbeautybeneathitscovering,thatyouwillfindearthbutcloaks yourheaven.Couragethentoclaimit:thatisall!Butcourageyouhave;andtheknowledgethat wearepilgrimstogether,wendingthroughunknowncountry,home. Andso,thisChristmastime,Igreetyou.Notquiteastheworldsendsgreetings,butwith profoundesteemandwiththeprayerthatforyounowandforever,thedaybreaks,andthe shadowsfleeaway. Fr.Giovanni,lettertoafriend,Christmas1513 Iamemptyofeverythingandthereisnothingleftinmymind,themonksaidtoChaoChou, Whatdoyousaytothat?Castthataway,ChaoChousaid.Themonkpersisted:ButIhave toldyou,thereisnothingleftinme.Iamcompletelyempty.WhatcanIcastaway?Inthatcase, ChaoChoureplied,keeponcarryingit. AmonkaskedMatsu,WhydoyouteachMindisBuddha?Tostopababyfromcrying,said Matsu.Whenthecryinghasstopped,whatthen?themonkasked.Matsusaid,ThenIteach Notmind,notBuddha.Howaboutsomeonewhoisntattachedtoeither?Iwouldtellhim Notbeings.Thenthemonksaid,Andwhatifyoumeetamanunattachedtoallthings.What wouldyoutellhim?IwouldjustlethimexperiencethegreatTao. ZenMondo Wedontseetheworldasitis.Weseeitasweare. AnasNin

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Everythingisbutwhatwethinkit. MarcusAurelius Ifyouinsistthatateacherisnecessarytoattainliberation,youarewrong.Why?Becausethereisa teacherwithinyourownmindwhoenlightensyouspontaneously. TheSixthPatriarchofCh'an(Zen),HuiNeng(638713) Deathisnotthegreatestlossinlife.Thegreatestlossiswhatdiesinsideuswhilewelive. NormanCousins Deathisonlyoneofmanywaystoloseyourlife. AlvahSimon,NorthtotheNight ThegloryofGodismanfullyalive. SaintIraneaus Livingwellisajob;anyonecandie. JackLaLane Thereareonlytwowaystoliveyourlife:asthoughnothingisamiracle,orasthougheverythingis amiracle. AlbertEinstein Thinkofthewaysyouhavebeencalledinthepast,towardtheloveofyourlife.Howdidyoufind theworkyouaredoingnow?Yoursoulmate?Howmuchofthiswasintentional?Sheerdintof will?Howmuchwasbychance,hunch,accident,orgoodfortune? AntonioMachado Wemustdoawaywiththeabsolutelyspeciousnotionthateverybodyhastoearnaliving.Itisa facttodaythatoneintenthousandofuscanmakeatechnologicalbreakthroughcapableof supportingalltherest.Theyouthoftodayareabsolutelyrightinrecognizingthisnonsenseof earningaliving.Wekeepinventingjobsbecauseofthisfalseideathateverybodyhastobe employedatsomekindofdrudgerybecause,accordingtoMalthusianDarwiniantheory,hemust justifyhisrighttoexist.Sowehaveinspectorsofinspectorsandpeoplemakinginstrumentsfor

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inspectorstoinspectinspectors.Thetruebusinessofpeopleshouldbetogobacktoschooland thinkaboutwhateveritwastheywerethinkingaboutbeforesomebodycamealongandtoldthem theyhadtoearnaliving. BuckminsterFuller,quotedinNewYorkMagazine,30March1970 DaneigtsichdieStundeundrhrtmichan Thehourisstrikingsocloseaboveme, soclearandsharp, thatallmysensesringwithit. Ifeelitnow:theresapowerinme tograspandgiveshapetomyworld. Iknowthatnothinghaseverbeenreal Withoutmybeholdingit. Allbecominghasneededme. Mylookingripensthings andtheycometowardme,tomeetandbemet. RainerMariaRilke,BookofHours:LovePoemstoGod,I,1 Tolaughoftenandmuch;towintherespectofintelligentpeopleandtheaffectionofchildren;to earntheappreciationofhonestcriticsandendurethebetrayaloffalsefriends;toappreciate beauty;tofindthebestinothers;toleavetheworldabitbetter,whetherbyahealthychild,a gardenpatchoraredeemedsocialcondition;toknowevenonelifehasbreathedeasierbecause youhavelived.Thisistohavesucceeded. RalphWaldoEmerson Ifyouarecomingtohelpme,youarewastingyourtime.Butifyouarecomingbecauseyour liberationisboundupwithmine,thenletusworktogether. Australianaboriginalwoman Ilongnotfortheperfectlifebutforthecomplete,andthereissomethingincompleteaboutalife thatisdedicatedtoescapefromlife. Heretheyteachthatmuchofexistenceamountsonlytomisery;thatmiseryiscausedbydesire; therefore,ifdesireiseliminated,thenmiserywillbeeliminated.Now,thatistrueenough,asfaras itgoes.Thereisplentyofmiseryintheworld,allright,butthereisamplepleasure,aswell.Ifa personforswearspleasureinordertoavoidmisery,whathashegained?Alifewithneithermisery norpleasureisanempty,neutralexistence,andindeed,itisthenothingnessofthevoidthatisthe

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lamasfinalobjective.Toactivelyseeknothingnessisworsethandefeat;why,Kudra,itis surrender;craven,chickenhearted,dishonorablesurrender.Poorlittlebabiesaresoafraidofpain thattheyspurnthemyriadsweetwondersoflifesothattheymightprotectthemselvesfromhurt. Howcanyourespectthatsortofweakness,howcanyouadmireahumanwhoconsciously embracesthebland,themediocre,andthesaferatherthanriskthesufferingthatdisappointments canbring? Ifdesirecausessuffering,itmaybebecausewedonotdesirewisely,orthatweareinexpertat obtainingwhatwedesire.Insteadofhidingourheadsinaprayerclothandbuildingwallsagainst temptation,whynotgetbetteratfulfillingdesire?Salvationisforthefeeble,thatswhatIthink.I dontwantsalvation,Iwantlife,alloflife,themiserableaswellasthesuperb.Ifthegodswould taxecstasy,thenIshallpay;however,Ishallprotesttheirtaxesateachopportunity,andifWoden, orShiva,orBuddhaorthatChristianfellowwhatshisname?cannotrespectthat,thenIll accepttheirwrath.AtleastIwillhavetastedthebanquetthattheyhavespreadbeforemeonthis rich,roundplanet,ratherthanrecoilingfromitlikeatoothlessbunny.Icannotbelievethatthe mostdeliciousthingswereplacedheremerelytotestus,totemptus,tomakeitthemoredifficult forustocapturethegrandprize:thesafetyofthevoid.Tofashionoflifesuchapettygameis unworthyofbothmenandgods. Thelamasdeclarethattheyhavenofearofdeath,yetisitnothinglessthanfearthatcausesthem todiebeforetheydie?Inordertotamedeath,theyrefusetocompletelyenjoylife.Inrejecting completeenjoyment,theyarehalfdeadinadvanceandthatwithnoguaranteethattheir sacrificewillactuallybenefitthemwhenallisdone. TomRobbins,JitterbugPerfume,pages96&97 Youwillbecalledupontoaccountforallthepermittedpleasuresinlifeyoudidnotenjoywhileon earth. TheKoran Onemustthinklikeaherotobehavelikeamerelydecenthumanbeing. MaySarton Thefirstruleistokeepanuntroubledspirit. Thesecondistolookthingsinthefaceandknowthemforwhattheyare. MarcusAurelius TheMagicTheatreisnotforeveryone. HermanHesse

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Thedaywillcomewhen,afterharnessingthewinds,thetidesandgravitation,weshallharnessfor GodtheenergiesofLove.Andonthatday,forthesecondtimeinthehistoryoftheworld,man willhavediscoveredfire. TeilharddeChardin Attheendoflifeyoumaycloseyoureyessaying,IhavenotbeendominatedbytheDominant IdeaofmyAge;Ihavemineownallegiance,andservedit. VoltairineDeCleyre,Americananarchistwriter,inEmmaGoldmansMotherEarth, 1910 Yes,wesufferpain,webecomeill,wedie.Butwealsohope,laugh,celebrate;weknowthejoyof caringforoneanother;oftenwearehealedandwerecoverbymanymeans.Wedonothaveto pursuetheflatteningoutofhumanexperience.Iinvitealltoshifttheirgaze,theirthoughts,from worryingabouthealthcaretocultivatingtheartofliving.Andtodaywithequalimportance,the artofsuffering,theartofdying. IvanIllich,neartheendofhislife,quotedbyJerryBrowninUtne,MarchApril2003 Intimesofstress,peopleliketobelievetheywillrisetotheleveloftheirexpectations.Instead,they risetotheleveloftheirtraining. BruceLee(apocryphal) Thelureofthedistantanddifficultisdeceptive.Thegreatopportunityiswhereyouare. JohnBurroughs Narcissismisfundamentallythecentralexpressionofthealienationfromonestrueself,where thistrueselfisnotonlythevitalityoftheexperienceofthebodyandtheemotions,butalsoand mostsignificantly,theinnercoreoftheself,itsessentialpresences.Inthiscontext,disturbancesof thedevelopmentofthepsychicstructureoftheselfaremanifestationsofrelativelysevere alienationmanifestingaspathologicalformsofnarcissism.Againwenotethattheoriesofdepth psychologyaccountforthedevelopmentofnarcissismonlypartially. A.H.Almass,ThePointofExistence:TransformationsofNarcissisminSelfRealization,1996, BookII,pages174and174 AhugepercentageofthestuffthatItendtobeautomaticallycertainofis,itturnsout,totally wronganddeluded.Here'soneexampleoftheutterwrongnessofsomethingItendtobe automaticallysureof:everythinginmyownimmediateexperiencesupportsmydeepbeliefthatI

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amtheabsolutecenteroftheuniverse,therealest,mostvividandimportantpersoninexistence. Werarelytalkaboutthissortofnatural,basicselfcenteredness,becauseitssosociallyrepulsive, butitsprettymuchthesameforallofus,deepdown.Itisourdefaultsetting,hardwiredintoour boardsatbirth.Thinkaboutit:Thereisnoexperienceyouvehadthatyouwerenotattheabsolute centerof.Theworldasyouexperienceitisrightthereinfrontofyou,orbehindyou,totheleftor rightofyou,onyourTV,oryourmonitor,orwhatever.Otherpeoplesthoughtsandfeelingshave tobecommunicatedtoyousomehow,butyourownaresoimmediate,urgent,realyougetthe idea.ButpleasedontworrythatI'mgettingreadytopreachtoyouaboutcompassionorother directednessorthesocalledvirtues.Thisisnotamatterofvirtueitsamatterofmychoosing todotheworkofsomehowalteringorgettingfreeofmynatural,hardwireddefaultsetting, whichistobedeeplyandliterallyselfcentered,andtoseeandinterpreteverythingthroughthis lensofself.Peoplewhocanadjusttheirnaturaldefaultsettingthiswayareoftendescribedas beingwelladjusted,whichIsuggesttoyouisnotanaccidentalterm. DavidFosterWallace,fromacommencementspeechtothe2005graduatingclassat KenyonCollege. IshouldnottalksomuchaboutmyselfiftherewereanybodyelsewhomIknewaswell. Unfortunately,Iamconfinedtothisthemebythenarrownessofmyexperience.Moreover,I,on myside,requireofeverywriter,firstorlast,asimpleandsincereaccountofhisownlife,andnot merelywhathehasheardofothermen'slives;somesuchaccountashewouldsendtohiskindred fromadistantland;forifhehaslivedsincerely,itmusthavebeeninadistantlandtome. HenryDavidThoreau,Walden Nothingismoreusualinphilosophy,andevenincommonlife,thantotalkofthecombatof passionandreason,togivethepreferencetoreason,andtoassertthatmenareonlysofarvirtuous astheyconformthemselvestoitsdictates.Everyrationalcreature,tissaid,isobligdtoregulate hisactionsbyreason;andifanyothermotiveorprinciplechallengethedirectionofhisconduct,he oughttoopposeit,tillitbeentirelysubdud,oratleastbroughttoaconformitywiththatsuperior principle.Onthismethodofthinkingthegreatestpartofmoralphilosophy,ancientandmodern, seemstobefounded...Inordertoshewthefallacyofallthisphilosophy,Ishallendeavourto provefirst,thatreasonalonecanneverbeamotivetoanyactionofthewill;andsecondly,thatit canneveropposepassioninthedirectionofthewill. DavidHume,TreatiseofHumanNature, Peopleareextremelysimple.Thetwospecialkeystounlockingthehumanmysteryare: Thebrainfinishestheworkhalfasecondbeforetheinformationitprocessesreachesour consciousness.(MichaelS.Gazzaniga) Watchtheactionwithoutthesoundtrackandthistruthbecomesobvious.(RegMorrison)

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JayHanson Thepain,thediscomfort,thesicknessarewhattheyare. Wecanalwayscopewiththewaylifemovesandchanges. Themindofanenlightenedhumanbeingisflexibleandadaptable. Themindoftheignorantpersonisconditionedandfixed. AjahnSumedho,SeeingtheWay Theonlyrealrevolutionisintheenlightenmentofthemindandtheimprovementofcharacter,the onlyrealemancipationisindividual,andtheonlyrealrevolutionariesarephilosophersandsaints. WillandArielDurant,TheLessonsofHistory,Simon&Schuster,1968,page72 Ihavedreamedinmylife,dreamsthathavestayedwithmeeverafter,andchangedmyideas; theyhavegonethroughme,likewinethroughwater,andalteredthecolorofmymind. EmilyJaneBront Inasense,thewholeofcreationmaybesaidtobeamovementbetweentwoinvolutions,Spiritin whichallisinvolvedandoutofwhichallevolvesdownwardtotheotherpoleofMatter,Matterin whichalsoallisinvolvedandoutofwhichallevolvesupwardtotheotherpoleofSpirit. Aurobindo,TheLifeDivine Observehowthelifeofthisworlddeceivesthosearoundyou.Itluresthemintothetrapsof vanity,wealth,andfame,andexaltsthemaboveothers.Thissplendorblindsthem,andtheyare lostforeverinillusion.Buttheninoneinstant,lifedealstheblowofdeath,andallisgone,and withtheBeguileritstandslaughingattheirsadend.Soovercomeyouregosthatyoumaybe savedfromthesnaresthatdevouredkingsandpaupersalike. SheikhAbdulQadirJillani,FayuzEYazdani Thethingsweadmireinmen,kindnessandgenerosity,openness,honesty,understandingand feelingaretheconcomitantsoffailureinoursystem.Andthosetraitswedetest,sharpness,greed, acquisitiveness,meanness,egotismandselfinterestarethetraitsofsuccess.Andwhilemen admirethequalityofthefirsttheylovetheproduceofthesecond. JohnSteinbeck Therearetwokindsofpeople,thosewhothinktherearetwokindsofpeople,andthosewhoknow thereisonlyOne.

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Anonymous ...ifoneacceptsanevolutionaryconceptandthusbelievesthatmanisconstantlychanging,whatis leftasacontentforanallegednatureoressenceofman?Thisdilemmaisalsonotsolvedby suchdefinitionsofmanasthatheisapoliticalanimal(Aristotle),ananimalthatcanpromise (Nietzsche),orananimalthatproduceswithforesightandimagination(Marx);thesedefinitions expressessentialqualitiesofman,buttheydonotrefertotheessenceofman. Ibelievethatthedilemmacanbesolvedbydefiningtheessenceofmannotasagivenqualityor substance,butasacontradictioninherentinhumanexistence.Thiscontradictionistobefoundin twosetsoffacts:(1)Manisananimal,yethisinstinctualequipment,incomparisonwiththatofall otheranimals,isincompleteandnotsufficienttoensurehissurvivalunlessheproducesthemeans tosatisfyhismaterialneedsanddevelopsspeechandtools.(2)Manhasintelligence,likeother animals,whichpermitshimtousethoughtprocessesfortheattainmentofimmediate,practical aims;butmanhasanothermentalqualitywhichtheanimallacks.Heisawareofhimself,ofhis pastandofhisfuture,whichisdeath;ofhissmallnessandpowerlessness;heisawareofothersas othersasfriends,enemies,orasstrangers.Mantranscendsallotherlifebecauseheis,forthefirst time,lifeawareofitself.Manisinnature,subjecttoitsdictatesandaccidents,yethetranscends naturebecausehelackstheunawarenesswhichmakestheanimalapartofnatureasonewithit. Manisconfrontedwiththefrighteningconflictofbeingtheprisonerofnature,yetbeingfreeinhis thoughts;beingapartofnature,andyettobeasitwereafreakofnature;beingneitherherenor there.Humanselfawarenesshasmademanastrangerintheworld,separate,lonely,and frightened. EricFromm,TheHeartofMan Nietzschewastheonewhodidthejobforme.Atacertainmomentinhislife,theideacametohim ofwhathecalledtheloveofyourfate(Amorfati).Whateveryourfateis,whateverthehell happens,yousay,ThisiswhatIneed.Itmaylooklikeawreck,butgoatitasthoughitwerean opportunity,achallenge. Ifyoubringlovetothatmomentnotdiscouragementyouwillfindthestrengthisthere.Any disasterthatyoucansurviveisanimprovementinyourcharacter,yourstature,andyourlife. Whataprivilege!Thisiswhenthespontaneityofyourownnaturewillhaveachancetoflow. Then,whenlookingbackatyourlife,youwillseethatthemomentswhichseemedtobegreat failuresfollowedbywreckageweretheincidentsthatshapedthelifeyouhavenow. Youllseethatthisisreallytrue.Nothingcanhappentoyouthatisnotpositive.Eventhoughit looksandfeelsatthemomentlikeanegativecrisis,itisnot.Thecrisisthrowsyouback,andwhen yourerequiredtoexhibitstrength,itcomes. JosephCampbell,ReflectionsontheArtofLiving

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Everytimeyouaretemptedtoreactinthesameoldway,askifyouwanttobeaprisonerofthe pastorapioneerofthefuture. DeepakChopra THEMIRAGEOFCONSCIOUSEVOLUTION Humansarethemostadventitiousofcreaturesaresultofblindevolutionarydrift.Yet,withthe powerofgeneticengineering,weneednolongerberuledbychance.Humankindsowearetold canshapeitsownfuture.AccordingtoE.O.Wilson,consciouscontrolofhumanevolutionisnot onlypossiblebutinevitable: ...geneticevolutionisabouttobecomeconsciousandvolitional,andusherinanewepochin thehistoryoflife....Theprospectofthisvolitionalevolutionaspeciesdecidingwhattodo aboutitsownhereditywillpresentthemostprofoundintellectualandethicalchoices, humanityhaseverfaced...humanitywillbepositionedgodliketotakecontrolofitsown ultimatefate.Itcan,ifitchooses,alternotjusttheanatomyandintelligenceofthespeciesbut alsotheemotionsandcreativedrivethatcomposetheverycoreofhumannature. TheauthorofthispassageisthegreatestcontemporaryDarwinian.Hehasbeenattackedby biologistsandsocialscientistswhobelievethatthehumanspeciesisnotgovernedbythesame lawsasotheranimals.InthatwarWilsonisundoubtedlyonthesideoftruth.Yettheprospectof conscioushumanevolutionheinvokesisamirage.Theideaofhumanitytakingchargeofits destinymakessenseonlyifweascribeconsciousnessandpurposetothespecies;butDarwins discoverywasthatspeciesareonlycurrentsinthedriftofgenes.Theideathathumanitycanshape itsfutureassumesthatitisexemptfromthistruth. Itseemsfeasiblethatoverthecomingcenturyhumannaturewillbescientificallyremodeled.Ifso, itwillbedonehaphazardly,asanupshotofstrugglesinthemurkyrealmwherebigbusiness, organisedcrime,andthehiddenpartsofgovernmentvieforcontrol.Ifthehumanspeciesisre engineereditwillnotbetheresultofhumanityassumingagodlikecontrolofitsdestiny.Itwillbe anothertwistinmansfate. JohnGray,StrawDogs,Granta,2002,pages56 Personshavetokeepfromgoingmadbybitingoffsmallpiecesofrealitywhichtheycangetsome commandoverandsomesatisfactionfrom.Thismeansthattheirnoblestpassionsareplayedout inthenarrowestandmostunreflectiveways,andthisiswhatundoesthem. Fromthispointofviewthemainproblemforhumanbeingshastobeexpressedinthefollowing paradox;Menandwomenmusthaveafetishinordertosurviveandtohavenormalmental health.Butthisshrinkageofvisionthatpermitsthemtosurvivealsoatthesametimeprevents

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themfromhavingtheoverallunderstandingtheyneedtoplanforandcontroltheeffectsoftheir shrinkageofexperience.Aparadoxthisbittersendsachillthroughallreflectivepeople. Selfknowledgeisthehardesthumantaskbecauseitrisksrevealingtopersonshowtheirself esteemwasbuilt;onthepowersofothersinordertodenytheirowndeath. Lifeimaginesitsownsignificanceandstrainstojustifyitsbeliefs.Itisasthoughthelifeforceitself neededillusioninordertofurtheritself.Logically,then,theidealcreativityforhumanswould straintowardthegrandestillusion. ErnestBecker,EscapefromEvil,page153 Thespiritualprincipleofequality,whichformsthebasisofChristianfaithandwhichstillforms theideologicalbasisforourmethodsofgovernmentandeducation,cannotbetranslatedinto realistictermsofpoliticalequalityandeconomicfreedom.Equalitydoesnotflourishundernatural conditionsoffreedom,asRousseau,thefatheroftheFrenchRevolution,wantedtobelieve;real naturalconditionsratherfosterinequalityandthereignofcompetitionasDarwinsawitinnature. Man,nomatterunderhowprimitiveconditionsneverdidliveonapurelybiological,thatis,ona simplenaturalbasis.Themostprimitivepeopleknownshowstrangeandcomplicatedmodesof livingwhichbecomeintelligibleonlyfromtheirsupernaturalmeaning.(page62) Thisisbasicallyidenticalwithwhatwecallculture,theworldthathumanbeingscreateinevery civilizationinordertosustainthemselvesspiritually.Thisworldincludesnotonlyallspiritual valuesofmankind,fromtheearlysoulbelieftoreligion,philosophyanditslatestoffspring psychology,butalsosocialinstitutions.Thesetoowereoriginallybuiltuptomaintainmans supernaturalplanofliving,thatis,weremeanttoguaranteehisselfperpetuationasasocialtype. (page63) OttoRank,BeyondPsychology,1941(?) Soonwilltheearthcoverusall:thentheearth,too,willchange,andthethingsalsowhichresult fromchangewillcontinuetochangeforever,andtheseagainforever.Forifamanreflectsonthe changesandtransformationswhichfollowoneanotherlikewaveafterwave,andtheirrapidity,he willdespiseeverythingwhichisperishable. Contemplatethewholeoftimeandthewholeofsubstance,andconsiderthatallindividualthings astosubstanceareagrainofafig,andastotimetheturningofagimlet. MarcusAurelius,Meditations(writteninhiscampontheDanube,farfromhome, defendingtheEmpirefromtheGermans) Everymanisacreatureoftheageinwhichhelives,andfewareabletoraisethemselvesabovethe

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ideasofthetime. Voltaire(16941778) Wearealltattooedinourcradleswiththebeliefsofourtribe;therecordmayseemsuperficial,but itisindelible.Youcannoteducateamanwhollyoutofthesuperstitiousfearswhichwere implantedinhisimagination,nomatterhowutterlyhisreasonmayrejectthem. OliverWendellHolmes,Sr.,(18091894)

SCIENCE and GNOSIS

Adefinitionisthebeginningofknowledge.[adistinction?] Demosthenes Theonlytruewisdomistoknowthatyouknownothing. Ifyouwouldconversewithme,defineyourterms. Socrates Donotbelieveinanythingsimplybecauseyouhaveheardit.Donotbelieveinanythingsimply becauseitisspokenandrumouredbymany.Donotbelieveinanythingsimplybecauseitisfound writteninyourreligiousbooks.Donotbelieveinanythingmerelyontheauthorityofyour teachersandelders.Donotbelieveintraditionsbecausetheyhavebeenhandeddownformany generations.Butafterobservationandanalysis,whenyoufindthatanythingagreeswithreason andisconducivetothegoodandbenefitofoneandall,thenacceptitandliveuptoit. GautamaBuddha Everyfactofsciencewasoncedamned.Everyinventionwasconsideredimpossible.Every discoverywasanervousshocktosomeorthodoxy.Everyartisticinnovationwasdenouncedas fraudandfolly.Theentirewebofcultureandprogress,everythingonearththatismanmadeand notgiventousbynature,istheconcretemanifestationofsomeonesrefusaltobowtoAuthority. Wewouldbenomorethanthefirstapelikehominidsifitwerenotfortherebellious,the recalcitrant,andtheintransigent. RobertAntonWilson Asystemofnaturalphilosophymayappearveryplausible,andbeforalongtimeverygenerally receivedintheworld,andyethavenofoundationinnature,noranysortofresemblancetothe

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truth. Butitisotherwisewithsystemsofmoralphilosophy,andanauthorwhopretendstoaccountfor theoriginofourmoralsentiments,cannotdeceiveussogrossly,nordepartsoveryfarfromall resemblancetothetruth. AdamSmith,TheTheoryofMoralSentiments(firstpublished1759,6thedition1790, Oxford:OxfordUniversityPress,Glasgowedition,1976),page313 Hewhoisnotawareofhisignorance willbeonlymisledbyhisknowledge. Unattributed Thebiggeryoubuildthebonfire,themoredarknessisrevealed. TerenceMcKenna Ourtaskistolookattheworldandseeitwhole. E.F.Schumacher Thewholeismorethanthesumofitsparts. LudwigvonBertalanffy,GeneralSystemTheory TheGodofthescientists,oneistemptedtothink,createdmaninhisownimageandputhiminto theworldwithonlyonecommandment:Nowtrytofigureoutbyyourselfhowallthiswasdone andhowitworks. Dr.[Hannah?]Arendt Thereisnoshortageofenergy,butthereisagreatshortageofintelligence. R.BuckminsterFuller Somescientistsclaimthathydrogen,becauseitissoplentiful,isthebasicbuildingblockofthe universe.Idisputethat.Isaythereismorestupiditythanhydrogen,andthatisthebasicbuilding blockoftheuniverse. FrankZappa TheancientswhowishedtoillustrateillustriousvirtuethroughouttheKingdomfirstorderedwell theirownstates.Wishingtoorderwelltheirstates,theyfirstregulatedtheirfamilies.Wishingto

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regulatetheirfamilies,theyfirstcultivatedtheirpersons.Wishingtocultivatetheirpersons,they firstrectifiedtheirhearts.Wishingtorectifytheirhearts,theyfirstsoughttobesincereintheir thoughts.Wishingtobesincereintheirthoughts,theyfirstextendedtotheutmosttheir knowledge.Suchextensionofknowledgelayintheinvestigationofthings. Confucius,GreatLearning Themostbeautifulexperiencewecanhaveisthemysterious.Itisthefundamentalemotionwhich standsatthecradleoftrueartandtruescience.Whoeverdoesnotknowitandcannolonger wonder,nolongermarvel,isasgoodasdead,andhiseyesaredimmed.Itwastheexperienceof mysteryevenifmixedwithfearthatengenderedreligion.Aknowledgeoftheexistenceof somethingwecannotpenetrate,ourperceptionsoftheprofoundestreasonandthemostradiant beauty,whichonlyintheirmostprimitiveformsareaccessibletoourmindsitisthisknowledge andthisemotionthatconstitutetruereligiosity;inthissense,andinthisalone,Iamadeeply religiousman.IcannotconceiveofaGodwhorewardsandpunisheshiscreatures,orhasawillof thekindthatweexperienceinourselves.NeithercanInorwouldIwanttoconceiveofan individualthatsurviveshisphysicaldeath;letfeeblesouls,fromfearorabsurdegoism,cherish suchthoughts.Iamsatisfiedwiththemysteryoftheeternityoflifeandwiththeawarenessanda glimpseofthemarvelousstructureoftheexistingworld,togetherwiththedevotedstrivingto comprehendaportion,beiteversotiny,oftheReasonthatmanifestsitselfinnature. AlbertEinstein,TheWorldAsISeeIt;IdeasandOpinions(NY:Laurel,1954),pages2223. Nodoubttheworldisentirelyanimaginaryworld,butitisonlyonceremovedfromthetrue world. IsaacBashevisSinger Butforthepresentage,whichprefersthesigntothethingsignified,thecopytotheoriginal, representationtoreality,appearancetoessence...truthisconsideredprofane,andonlyillusionis sacred.Sacrednessisinfactheldtobeenhancedinproportionastruthdecreasesandillusion increases,sothatthehighestdegreeofillusioncomestobethehighestdegreeofsacredness. Feuerbach,TheEssenceofChristianity,PrefacetotheSecondEdition Scienceforme,andforthevastmajorityofrespectablescientists,isnotaboutthesecretsofnature orevenabouttruths.Scienceissimplythemethodweusetotryandpostulateaminimumsetof assumptionsthatcanexplain,throughastraightforwardlogicalderivation,theexistenceofmany phenomenaofnature. Somehowwehaverestrictedtheconnotationofsciencetoaveryselective,limitedassemblageof naturalphenomena.Werefertosciencewhenwedealwithphysics,chemistry,orbiology.We shouldalsorealizethattherearemanymorephenomenaofnaturethatdonotfallintothese

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categories,forinstancethosephenomenaweseeinorganizations.Ifthesephenomenaarenot phenomenaofnature,whatarethey?Dowewanttoplacewhatweseeinorganizationstothe arenaoffictionratherthanintoreality? EliyahuL.Goldratt,TheGoal,IntroductiontotheRevisedEdition. Purelogicalthinkingcannotyieldusanyknowledgeoftheempiricalworld;allknowledgeof realitystartsfromexperienceandendsinit.Propositionsarrivedatbypurelylogicalmeansare completelyemptyasregardsreality. AlbertEinstein(apocryphal) Notonlywillmenofsciencehavetograpplewiththesciencesthatdealwithman,butandthis isafarmoredifficultmattertheywillhavetopersuadetheworldtolistentowhattheyhave discovered.Iftheycannotsucceedinthisdifficultenterprise,manwilldestroyhimselfbyhis halfwaycleverness. BertrandRussell,1951 Knowledgeisnolongerwidelyfeltasanideal;itisseenasaninstrument.Inasocietyofpower andwealth,knowledgeisvaluedasaninstrumentofpowerandwealth,andalso,ofcourse,asan ornamentinconversation. C.WrightMills,ThePowerElite Thesophist,incontradistinctiontothephilosopher,isnotsetinmotionandkeptinmotionbythe stingoftheawarenessofthefundamentaldifferencebetweenconvictionorbeliefandgenuine insight.Butthisisclearlytoogeneral,forunconcernwiththetruthaboutthewholeisnota preserveofthesophist.Thesophistisamanwhoisunconcernedwiththetruth,ordoesnotlove wisdom,althoughheknowsbetterthanmostothermenthatwisdomorscienceisthehighest excellenceofman.Beingawareoftheuniquecharacterofwisdom,heknowsthatthehonor derivingfromwisdomisthehighesthonor.Heisconcernedwithwisdom,notforitsownsake, notbecausehehatesthelieinthesoulmorethananythingelse,butforthesakeofthehonororthe prestigethatattendswisdom.Helivesoractsontheprinciplethatprestigeorsuperioritytoothers orhavingmorethanothersisthehighestgood. LeoStrauss,NaturalRightandHistory,1950,page116 Ifsciencealwaysinsiststhatanewordermustbeimmediatelyfruitful,orthatithassomenew predictivepower,thencreativitywillbeblocked.Newthoughtsgenerallyarisewithaplayofthe mind,andthefailuretoappreciatethisisactuallyoneofthemajorblockstocreativity.Thoughtis generallyconsideredtobeasoberandweightybusiness.Buthereitisbeingsuggestedthat creativeplayisanessentialelementinformingnewhypothesesandideas.Indeed,thoughtwhich

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triestoavoidplayisinfactplayingfalsewithitself.Play,itappears,istheveryessenceofthought. DavidBohm Askascientistwhatheconceivesthescientificmethodtobeandheadoptsanexpressionthatisat oncesolemnandshiftyeyed:solemn,becausehefeelsheoughttodeclareanopinion;shiftyeyed becauseheiswonderinghowtoconcealthefactthathehasnoopiniontodeclare. SirPeterMedawar Themindofmanismoreintuitivethanlogical,andcomprehendsmorethanitcancoordinate. LucdeClapiers,marquisdeVauvenargues,1746 Wemustrecollectthatallourprovisionalideasinpsychologywillpresumablyonedaybebased onanorganicsubstructure. SigmundFreud,OnNarcissism,1914 Thetroubleisthattheballsgowhereyouthrowthem. JugglersSaying Itisnotthevictoryofsciencethatdistinguishesourcentury,butthevictoryofscientificmethod overscience. FriedrichWilhelmNietzsche(18441900),1868 Scienceisthereligionwiththemostflexiblebeliefsystem. Unattributed 1. Ifanelderlybutdistinguishedscientistsaysthatsomethingispossibleheisalmostcertainly right,butifhesaysthatitisimpossibleheisveryprobablywrong. 2. Theonlywayofdiscoveringthelimitsofthepossibleistoventurealittlewaypasttheminto theimpossible. 3. Anysufficientlyadvancedtechnologyisindistinguishablefrommagic. ArthurC.Clarke,LawsofPrediction,19621973 AnysufficientlyadvancedtechnologyisindistinguishablefromNature. KarlSchroeder,TheDeepeningParadox,2011

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Perfectlycompressedinformationisindistinguishablefromnoise. MaxKaehn Icouldneverhaveknownsowellhowpaltrymenare,andhowlittletheycareforreallyhigh aims,ifIhadnottestedthembymyscientificresearches.ThusIsawthatmostmenonlycarefor sciencesofarastheygetalivingbyit,andthattheyworshipevenerrorwhenitaffordsthema subsistence. JohannWolfgangvonGoethe,12October1825,inConversationswithGoethebyJohann PeterEckermann Theworldalwaysmakestheassumptionthattheexposureofanerrorisidenticalwiththe discoveryoftruththattheerrorandtrutharesimplyopposite.Theyarenothingofthesort. Whattheworldturnsto,whenitiscuredononeerror,isusuallysimplyanothererror,andmaybe oneworsethanthefirstone. H.L.Mencken Anerrordoesnotbecometruthbyreasonofmultipliedpropagation,nordoestruthbecomeerror becausenobodyseesit. MohandasKaramchandGandhi Thebasictextureofresearchconsistsofdreamsintowhichthethreadsofreasoning,measurement, andcalculationarewoven. AlbertSzentGyrgyi,Hungarian,1937NobelPrizeinMedicineforwork onoxidationintissues,VitaminC,andfumaricacid. ResearchiswhatImdoingwhenIdon'tknowwhatImdoing. WernhervonBraun Thatwhichweexperienceindreams,ifweexperienceitoften,isintheendjustasmuchapartof thetotaleconomyofoursoulasisanythingwereallyexperience:wearebyvirtueofitricheror poorer. FriedrichWilhelmNietzsche(18441900),BeyondGoodandEvil Thereisnojoymoreintensethancominguponafactthatcannotbeunderstoodintermsof currentlyacceptedideas.

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CeciliaPayneGaposchkin(19001979),AnAutobiographyandOtherRecollections,1984 Noexperimentshouldbebelieveduntilithasbeenconfirmedbytheory. ArthurS.Eddington Thefactisthesweetestdreamthatlaborknows. RobertFrost,Mowing,1913,inABoy'sWill(?) Fromahumanpointofview,thedifferencebetweenthemindofahumanbeingandthatofa mountaingoatiswonderful;fromthepointofviewoftheinfiniteignorancethatsurroundsus,the differenceisnotimpressive. WendellBerry,AmericanFarmerandEssayist Witheverypassinghour,oursolarsystemcomesfortythreethousandmilesclosertoglobular cluster13intheconstellationHercules,andstilltherearesomewhocontinuetoinsistthatthereis nosuchthingasprogress. ransomk.fern Thewayweare,wearemembersofeachother.Allofus.Everything.Thedifferenceaintinwhois amemberandwhoisnot,butinwhoknowsitandwhodont. WendellBerry,TheWildBirds Isitafactthat,bymeansofelectricity,theworldofmatterhasbecomeagreatnerve,vibrating thousandsofmilesinabreathlesspointoftime?Rather,theroundglobeisavasthead,abrain, instinctwithintelligence!Or,shallwesay,itisitselfathought,nothingbutthought,andnolonger thesubstancewhichwedeemedit! NathanielHawthorne,TheHouseofSevenGables,1851 Matteriscondensedorfrozenlightmovingbackandforthatspeedswhicharelessthanlight. DavidBohm Matteraccumulatesintheeddieswhereenergyslows;andbuildsitselfoutonthelivingarcsof energyfieldswebarelyrecognize. AlexanderCarpenter,American

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Againstitswill,energyisdoingsomethingproductive,likethedevilinmedievalEurope.The principleisthatnaturedoessomethingagainstitsownwill,and,byselfentanglement,produces beauty. OttoRssler,quotedbyGarySnyderinMountainsandRiversWithoutEnd Ineveryworkofgeniuswerecognizeourownrejectedthoughts. Theycomebacktouswithacertainalienatedmajesty. RalphWaldoEmerson(18031882),SelfReliance Nothingispermanentbutchange.Characterisdestiny. HeraclitusofEphesus Ifwewanteverythingtostayasitis,everythingwillhavetochange. GiuseppeTomasidiLampedusa,TheLeopard(IlGattopardo) HowcanthoseofustrainedasscientistsintheWesterntraditionlearntolivewiththesubversive andterrifyingtruththatgenuineandeffectiveknowingcanhappenwithoutthinking,talking,or doing? RobertAlexanderCarpenter,1981 Themindisasquadronofsimpletons.Itisnotunified,itisnotrational,itisnotwelldesigned ordesignedatall.Itjusthappened,anaccumulationofinnovationsoftheorganismsthatlived beforeus.Themindevolved,throughcountlessanimalsandthroughcountlessworlds. Liketherestofbiologicalevolution,thehumanmindisacollageofadaptations(thepropensityto dotherightthing)todifferentsituations.Ourthoughtisapackoffixedroutinessimpletons.We needthem.Itisvitaltofindtherightfoodattherighttime,tomatewell,togeneratechildren,to avoidmarauders,torespondtoemergencyquickly.Mentalroutinestodosohaveevolvedover millionsofyearsanddevelopedindifferentperiodsinourevolution,asRuminoted. Wedontthinkofourselvesasofsuchhumbleorigins.Thetriumphsthathaveoccurredinthe shorttimesincetheIndustrialRevolutionhavecompletelydistortedourviewofourselves.Hence, thecelebratedtriumphofhumanityisitsrationality:theabilitytoreasonthrougheventsandact logically,toorganizebusiness.Toplanforthefuture,tocreatescienceandtechnology.One influentialphilosopher,DanielDennet,wroterecently:Whenapersonfallsshortofperfect rationality...thereisnocoherent...descriptionofthepersonsmentalstates.

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Yettocharacterizethemindasprimarilyrationalisaninjustice;itsellsusshort,itmakesus misunderstandourselves,ithaspervertedourunderstandingofourintelligence,ourschooling, ourphysicalandmentalhealth.Holdinguprationality,anditsremorselessdeliberation,asthe modelofthemindhas,moreimportant,setusalongthewrongroadtoourfuture.Insteadofthe pinnacle,rationalityisjustonesmallabilityinacompoundofpossibilities. Themindevolvedgreatbreadth,butitisshallow,foritperformsquickanddirtysketchesofthe world.Thisroughandreadyperceptionofrealityenabledourancestorstosurvivebetter.The minddidnotevolvetoknowtheworldortoknowourselves.Simplyspeaking,therehasnever been,norwillthereeverbe,enoughtimetobetrulyrational. Rationalityisonecomponentofthemind,butitisusedrarely,andinaverylimitedarea. Rationalityisimpossibleanyway.Thereisnttimeforthemindtogothroughtheluxurious exercisesofexaminingalternatives.Considerthestandardwayofexaminingevidence,thetruth table,achecklistofinformationaboutwhetherpropositionsarecorrectornot.Toknowwhether Aristotleisahamburger,youwouldlookupAristotleorhamburgerinthistable.Nowthink ofthenumberofissuesyouimmediatelyknowwellwhatYugoslaviais,whetherskateboards areusedatformaldinners,howchickensandwichesshouldtaste,whatyourspouseworethis morningandyouwillseethatyourowntruthtable,ifenteredrandomly,wouldhavemillions ofentriesjustwaiting!(pages23) Amindbuiltupwithcountlessspecificadaptationscanneverberational.Wepiecetogetherthe resultsofasmallsetofprobestojudgetheworld,pickingupafewsignalsandmakingquick assessmentsofwhatisoutside,inthecaseofmarauders,andinside,inthecaseofmemoriesand dreams.Suchamindwillneverberational;butitwillalwaystrytoadapt.Anditcannotalwaysbe correcteither.Ifweconsideramindthathasevolvedtomeetmostsituationsadequately,say95 percentofthem,wemayhaveabetterideaofwhatbeingcorrectis.(page221) Sincethemindevolvedtoselectafewsignalsandthendreamupasemblance,whateverenters ourconsciousnessisoveremphasized.Itdoesnotmatterhowtheinformationenters,whetherviaa televisionprogram,anewspaperstory,afriend'sconversation,astrongemotionalreaction,a memoryallisoveremphasized.Weignoreother,morecompellingevidence,overemphasizing andovergeneralizingfromtheinformationcloseathandtoproducearoughandreadyrealty. (page258) The[mental]systemwerecruitedhadtheprimaryaimofreactingquicklytoimmediatedanger thosewhodidlivedlongenoughtoproduceus.Thosewhoactedmorethoughtfullyandwithdue deliberationofthepropercourse,whocouldavoidpanicwhenconfrontedbymildthreatswho actedrationally,thatisprobablylivedshorter,andthuslessgenerative,lives.Thesurvival argumentagainstrationalityinprimevalconditionsisthatpayoffisverylopsided:Failtorespond toarealdanger,evenifthatdangerwouldkillyouonly1/10,000asoften,andyouwillbedead.A fewyearslater,youwillbedeaderinevolutionaryterms,forfewerofyourgeneswillbearound. However,anoverreactiontodangerproducesonlyalittlehysteria,alittlestress,andmaybealittle

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embarrassmentprobablylittleornolossofreproductiveability.Maybetheexcitementwould evenrecruitalittlemorereproductiveeffort! Runningfromeverysnakeortigerorloudnoiseprobablydoesntdisruptlifetoomuch.Not running,whileitmightkillyouonlyslightlymoreoften,caneventuallyproducemajorchangesin thepopulation.Thesamenumbersholdinthisexampleasfortheheightdifferencecitedearlier.If panicinresponsetoathreatinallcasesimprovedsurvivalbyeven1/10,000,thosewhopanicked wouldbe484milliontimesmorepopulousthanthosewhodidnot.Andsoitwasgoodtorespond emotionallyandquicklytotheaveragedangersthreateningmostofourancestors.Rationalityisa greatideaandideal,butweneverhadthetimeforit;wedonthavetimeforitnow,andthuswe donthavethemindforit.(page262) RobertOrnstein,TheEvolutionofConsciousness,PrenticeHall,1991,ISBN0135875692 Itsacomplexstory,really;mostofonesthinkingthatsworthanythingcomesnotfromreason butfromintuition.Manyofmyscientistfriendsdontlikethattheyrestillbackinthe nineteenthandtwentiethcenturieswhereyoudideverythingrationallyandtheword irrationallyimpliedlooseorbadthinking.Imafraiditisntlikethat;allthethingsthatreally matterareintuitive.UnderstandingtheEarthssystemisoneofthosethingsyoucannotexpressin mathematicaltermseasily.TheclimatescientiststriedtodoittherewasamancalledLorenz, manyyearsago,whodiscoveredthatifyoutrytomodelasystemcontainingmorethantwo differentialequationsandyouneedhundreds,thousandsofthemtolookattheEarthssystem itgoeschaoticassoonasyouputrealworlddataintoit.Sowhattheytendtodo,becausethey havetomodelitthatway,withhundredsofthousandsofequations,theyeitherfudgethe equationswithlinearizingmodifications,sothatthemodelnevergoeschaotic,ortheyneverrunit beyondwhattheycallequilibriumconditions,thatistheyneverallowittobehavedynamicallyas alivingthing.Nowthisisabsolutelyfatalasfarasmodelinggoesanditappliesbothtobiology andtoclimatescience(geophysiology)andthisiswhywearefindingnowthatthegreat gatheringofscientiststhatformedtheIPCCsomeofthebestclimatescientistsintheworld withtheverybestofintentionsandthemostmodernandexpensiveequipment,arefailingto predicttheclimatethatiswithustoday.SotounderstandtheEarthssystem,youcantavoid approachingthewholeproblemtoacertainextentintuitivelyandthisiswhereIthinkGaiacame inbecausemostofthefirstpartofitwasintuitiveratherthanrational.AndIthinkithassome deepersignificanceinthatoneofmyreasonsforbeingsomewhatpessimisticaboutthefutureof thepresentgenerationofhumansisthatIthinktheproblemisrightbeyondus:wedonothavethe intellectualcapacitytosolvetheproblemoflivingsuccessfullywithourplanet. JamesLovelock,speakinginLondonearly2009,atafunctioninhishonorandcoin cidingwiththepublicationofJohnGribbinsHeKnewHeWasRight:TheIrrepressibleLife ofJamesLovelockandGaia Purelogicalthinkingcannotyieldusanyknowledgeoftheempiricalworld;allknowledgeof realitystartsfromexperienceandendsinit.Propositionsarrivedatbypurelylogicalmeansare

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completelyemptyasregardsreality. AlbertEinstein(apocryphal) BecomingaScientistbecauseyoucravefactualcertaintyandthirstforameaningfulvisionof humanlifeislikebecominganArchbishopsoyoucanmeetgirls. Anonymous,throughDavidDelTorto Ourtendencyistoponder,toquestion,tofindout.Thereisnowaytodothatfromwithinthe disciplineofsorcery.Sorceryistheartofreachingtheplaceofsilentknowledge,andsilent knowledgecantbereasonedout.Itcanonlybeexperienced. CarlosCasteneda,ThePowerofSilence Soconvenientathingitistobeareasonablecreature,sinceitenablesonetofindormakeareason foreverythingonehasamindtodo. BenjaminFranklin,Autobiography FreemanDysonhasexpressedsomethoughtsoncraziness.InaScientificAmericanarticlecalled InnovationinPhysics,hebeganbyquotingNielsBohr.Bohrhadbeeninattendanceatalecturein whichWolfgangPauliproposedanewtheoryofelementaryparticles.Paulicameunderheavy criticism,whichBohrsummedupforhim:Weareallagreedthatyourtheoryiscrazy.The questionwhichdividesusiswhetheritiscrazyenoughtohaveachanceofbeingcorrect.Myown feelingisthatisnotcrazyenough.TothatFreemanadded:Whenagreatinnovationappears,it willalmostcertainlybeinamuddled,incomplete,andconfusingform.Tothediscoverer,himself, itwillbeonlyhalfunderstood;toeveryoneelse,itwillbeamystery.Foranyspeculationwhich doesnotatfirstglancelookcrazy,thereisnohope! KennethBrower,TheStarshipandtheCanoe,1979 So...wesayweunderstandanaspectofnaturewhenwecansayitissimilartosomefamiliar theoreticalmodel.Thetermstheoryandmodel,incidentally,aresometimesusedinterchangeably. Butreallytheyshouldnotbe.Atheoryisarelationshipofthemodeltothethingsthemodelis supposedtorepresent.TheBohrmodeloftheatomisthatofaprotonsurroundedbyorbiting electrons.Itissomethinglikethepatternofthesolarsystem,andthatisindeedoneofits metaphoricsources.Bohr'stheorywasthatallatomsweresimilartohismodel.Thetheory,withthe morerecentdiscoveryofnewparticlesandcomplicatedinteratomicrelationships,hasturnedout nottobetrue.Butthemodelremains.Amodelisneithertruenorfalse;onlythetheoryofits similaritytowhatitrepresents. Atheoryisthusametaphorbetweenamodelanddata.Andunderstandinginscienceisthe

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feelingofsimilaritybetweencomplicateddataandafamiliarmodel. JulianJaynes,TheOriginofConsciousnessintheBreakdownoftheBicameralMind, HoughtonMifflinCompany,Boston,1976,pages5253 Inphysicsthereareonlyhappenings,nodoings. StuartKauffman,ReinventingtheSacred,page74 Inmodernphysics,themorelogicalyouare,themorewrongyouare. LamaGovinda Thatsnotright.Itsnotevenwrong. WolfgangPauli,onreadingaspeculativepaperbyaphysicist Ultimately,noonecanextractfromthings,booksincluded,morethanhealreadyknows.Whatone hasnoaccesstothroughexperienceonehasnoearfor. FriedrichWilhelmNietzsche(18441900) Ifwearetohavevision,wemustlearntoparticipateintheobjectofthevision. Theapprenticeshipishard. AntoinedeSaintExupery,FrenchAeronautandWriter Themoreabstractthetruthyouwanttoteachthemoreyoumustseducethesensestoit. FriedrichWilhelmNietzsche(18441900),BeyondGoodandEvil Itisonlywiththeheartthatonecanseerightly;whatisessentialisinvisibletotheeye. AntoinedeSaintExupery,TheLittlePrince Lecourasesraisonsquelaraisonneconnaitpoint. (Thehearthasitsreasons,whereofreasonknowsnothing.) BlaisePascal(16231662) Artisnotamirror;itisahammer.Itdoesnotreflect;itshapes. Allpowertotheimagination!

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BertholdBrecht,GermanWriter Primumnonnocere. (Aboveall,donoharm.) HippocraticOath Disease[is]notanentity,butafluctuatingconditionofthepatientsbody,abattlebetweenthe substanceofdiseaseandthenaturalselfhealingtendencyofthebody. Hippocrates,GreekPhysician Theartofmedicineconsistsinamusingthepatientwhilenaturecuresthedisease. Voltaire Andifthebodywerenotthesoul,whatisthesoul? WaltWhitman,AmericanNaturalistandPoet Theworldisbutacanvastotheimagination. HenryDavidThoreau Ahallucinationismerelyarealitythatwenormallydonthavetodealwith. StellaDenova Whatisreality?Itsjustacollectivehunch! LilyTomlin Realityisthatwhich,whenyoustopbelievinginit,doesntgoaway.or Realityiswhatdoesntgoawaywhenyoustopbelievinginit. ACharacterinanovelbyThomasDisch Thetaskisnottoseewhathasneverbeenseenbefore,buttothinkwhathasneverbeenthought beforeaboutwhatyouseeeveryday. ErwinSchrdinger

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Onlythosewhoseetheinvisiblecandotheimpossible. Dr.BernardLown Truthisonespeciesofgood,andnot,asisusuallysupposed,acategorydistinctfromgood,and coordinatewithit....Thetrueisthenameofwhateverprovesitselftobegoodinthewayofbelief. WilliamJames,AmericanPhilosopherandPhilosophologist Informationisdataendowedwithrelevanceandpurpose.Convertingdataintoinformationthus requiresknowledge.Andknowledge,bydefinition,isspecialized.(Infact,trulyknowledgeable peopletendtowardoverspecializationbecausethereisalwayssomuchmoretoknow.)The informationbasedorganizationrequiresfarmorespecialistsoverallthandoesthecommandand controlstructureweareaccustomedto.Moreover,thespecialistsworkinoperationsratherthanat corporateheadquarters.Theoperatingorganizationbecomesanorganizationofspecialistsofall kinds.Informationbasedorganizationsneedcentraloperatingworksuchaslegalcounsel,public relations,humanresources,andlaborrelationsasmuchasever.Buttheneedforservicestaffs thatis,forpeoplewithoutoperatingresponsibilitieswhoadvise,counsel,orcoordinateshrinks drastically.Initscentralmanagement,theinformationbasedorganizationneedsfew,ifany, specialists. PeterF.Drucker,TheNewRealities,1989,page209 Howknowledgebehavesasaneconomicresource,wedonotyetfullyunderstandWeneedan economictheorythatputsknowledgeintothecenterofthewealthproducingprocess. PeterF.Drucker Informationhasneverbeenstable.Thatmaybeatruism,butitbearspondering.Itcouldserveasa correctivetothebeliefthatthespeedupintechnologicalchangehascatapultedusintoanewage, inwhichinformationhasspuncompletelyoutofcontrol.Iwouldarguethatthenewinformation technologyshouldforceustorethinkthenotionofinformationitself.Itshouldnotbeunderstood asifittooktheformofhardfactsornuggetsofrealityreadytobequarriedoutofnewspapers, archives,andlibraries,butratherasmessagesthatareconstantlybeingreshapedintheprocessof transmission.Insteadoffirmlyfixeddocuments,wemustdealwithmultiple,mutabletexts.By studyingthemskepticallyonourcomputerscreens,wecanlearnhowtoreadourdailynewspaper moreeffectivelyandevenhowtoappreciateoldbooks. RobertDarnton,TheLibraryintheNewAge,TheNewYorkReviewofBooks,Volume55 Number10,12June2008 Computersareuseless.Theycanonlygiveyouanswers.

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PabloPicasso Itsbettertoknowsomeofthequestionsthanalloftheanswers. JamesThurber Controlofinformationbygovernmentisnolongerpossible.Informationisnowtransnational;like money,informationhasnofatherland.Sinceinformationknowsnonationalboundaries,itwill formnewtransnationalcommunitiesofpeoplewho,maybewithouteverseeingeachotherin theflesh,areincommunionbecausetheyareincommunication. PeterF.Drucker,TheNewRealities,1989,page260 Technologyisnotnature,butman.Itisnotabouttools:itisabouthowmanworks.Itisequally abouthowmanlivesandhowmanthinks...Informationistheorganizingprincipleofevery biologicalprocess...Andbiologicalprocessisnotanalytical.Inamechanicalphenomenonthe wholeisequaltothesumofthepartsandthereforecapableofbeingunderstoodbyanalysis. Biologicalphenomenaareforeverwholes.Theyaredifferentfromthesumoftheirparts. Informationisindeedconceptual.Butmeaningisnot;itisperception. PeterF.Drucker,TheNewRealities,1989,page261 Inthisworldofinformationoverload,thebenumbedcitizennolongerreadsorthinks;hewatches andfeels. WilliamIrwinThompson ThequestionofwhathappenstointellectualpropertyontheNetmaybesummeduplikethis: valueshiftsfromthetransformationofbitsratherthanbitsthemselves,toservices,totheselection ofcontent,tothepresenceofotherpeople,andtothereassuranceofauthenticityreliable informationaboutsourcesofbitsandtheirfutureflows.Inshort,intellectualassetsandproperty depreciatewhileintellectualprocessesandservicesappreciate. EstherDyson,inRelease1.0,December1994 Ontheonehand,informationwantstobeexpensive,becauseitssovaluable.Theright informationintherightplacejustchangesyourlife.Ontheotherhand,informationwantstobe free,becausethecostofgettingitisgettinglowerandlowerallthetime.Sowehavethesetwo fightingagainsteachother. StuartBrand,1984 Theproblemfacingalmostallleadersinthefuturewillbehowtodeveloptheirorganizations

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socialarchitecturesothatitactuallygeneratesintellectualcapital. Dr.WarrenBennis Thereislittlequestionthattheintangiblesofdatabases,personalknowhow,technological understanding,communicationnetworks,marketknowledge,brandacceptance,distribution capabilities,organizationalflexibility,andeffectivemotivationarethetrueassetsofmost companiesandtheprimarysourcesoftheirfutureincomestreams. JamesBrianQuinn,TheIntelligentEnterprise:AKnowledgeandService BasedParadigmforIndustry Technology...hasimpoverishedtheworld...[and]becomethemostpowerfulagentofhistorical entropy...Itimposesuniformitywithoutfurtheringunity.Itlevelsthedifferencesbetween distinctivenationalculturesandstyles,butitfailstoeradicatetherivalriesandhatredsbetween peoplesandstates.Afterturningrivalsintoidenticaltwins,itpurveystheverysameweaponsto both....thedangeroftechnologyliesnotonlyinthedeathdealingpowerofmanyofitsinventions butinthefactthatitconstitutesagravethreattotheveryexistenceofthehistoricalprocess.By doingawaywiththediversityofsocietiesandcultures,itdoesawaywithhistoryitself. OctavioPaz,inTheAtlanticMonthly,May1974 Inorganismiccompanies(asopposedtomechanisticones),jobslosemuchoftheirformal definitionandareconstantlyredefined;eachemployeehastounderstandtheoverallsituationand strategyofthefirm;interactionrunslaterallyasmuchasvertically,andcommunicationacross rankstendstoresembleconsultationmorethangivingorders.Successfulfirmsinafastchanging environmentbecomemorehighlydifferentiated(internally)assales,production,R&D,etc.all specializeintheirrespectivefunctionsandadapttotheirspecificpartsoftheenvironment.Akey successfactoristheabilityofmanagementtomanagetheconflictbetweenthedifferent perspectivesandsubculturesofthedifferentpartsoftheorganization. BarrySugarman,writingonnumerousempiricalstudiesinOrganizationalTheory,at http://www.solonline.org/res/kr/Sugarman.html Theprevailingsystemofmanagementhasdestroyedourpeople,saysDr.[W.Edwards] Deming.Peoplearebornwithintrinsicmotivation,selfesteem,dignity,curiositytolearn,joyin learning.IntrinsicmotivationliesattheheartofDemingsmanagementphilosophy.Bycontrast, extrinsicmotivationisthebreadandbutterofWesternmanagement....Acorporatecommitmentto qualitythatisnotbasedonintrinsicmotivationisahousebuiltonsand. PeterSenge,Buildinglearningorganizations,JournalforQualityandParticipation,March 1992

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Workshouldbetheskillfulexpressionofourtotalbeing,ourmeanstocreateharmonyand balancewithinourselvesandintheworld. TarthangTulku MetcalfesLawofNetworks:Thevalueofanynetworkincreasesinproportiontothesquareofthe numberofpeopleusingit,soanetworkwithfivehundredpeopleattachedtoitisahundredtimes asusefulasonewithonlyfiftypeopleattached. RobertMetcalfe,founderof3Com Copernicuseliminatedthediscontinuitybetweentheterrestrialworldandtherestofthephysical universe.Next,Darwineliminatedthediscontinuitybetweenhumanbeingsandtherestofthe organicworld.Andmostrecently,Freudeliminatedthediscontinuitybetweentherationalworld ofegoandtheirrationalworldoftheunconscious.Thereisonediscontinuitythatfacesusyet.This fourthdiscontinuityisbetweenhumanbeingsandthemachine. DavidChannel,TheVitalMachine:AstudyofTechnologyandOrganicLife InformationTechnologyisnolongerabusinessresource.Itisthebusinessenvironment. Browning,TheEconomist,1990 Nothingishopeless;wemusthopeforeverything. Euripides Allwissendbinichnicht;dochvielistmirbewisst. (AllknowingIamnot;still,Idoknowmanythings.) JohannWolfgangvonGoethe(17491832) Iamonlyone,butIamone. Icannotdoeverything,butIcandosomething. AndIwillnotletwhatIcannotdointerferewithwhatIcando. EdwardEverettHale Dontworryaboutpeoplestealingyourideas.Ifyourideasareanygood,youllhavetoramthem downpeoplesthroats. HowardAiken

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Technologicalprogresshasmerelyprovideduswithmoreefficientmeansforgoingbackwards. AldousHuxley Restlessnessanddiscontentarethenecessitiesofprogress. ThomasEdison Theendandthebeginningsofthingsareunknown.Weseeonlytheinterveningformations.Then whatcauseisthereforgrief? BagavadGita Weknowlittleofthepastandnothingofthefuture; andthepresentissoimmensethatitexceedsourrangeofexperience. Radhakrishna,paraphrasingSankara Alongtimeago,Descartessaid,Ithink,thereforeIam.Thisiswherephilosophybegins.Butif youarenotthinking,what?ThisiswhereZenbegins. SeungSahn Howdoyouempoweryourself?Giveuptryingtocontroltheeventsofyourlife. Gurudev Andifsuchmonstersaregenerated,wemustbelievethemtheworkofnature,eveniftheyare differentfromman. Paracelsus,DeHomunculis,inOperumVolumenSecundum,Genevae,DeTournes,1658, page465 Alchemy,however,isachasteprostitute,whohasmanylovers,disappointsall,andgrantsher favorstonone.Shetransformsthehaughtyontofools,therichintopaupers,thephilosophersinto dolts,andthedeceivedintoloquaciousdeceivers... Trithemius,AnnaliumHirsaugensiumTomiII,S.Gallo,1690,page141 Theanalogyofoppositesistherelationoflighttoshadow,peaktoabyss,fullnesstovoid. Allegory,motherofalldogmas,isthereplacementofthesealbythehallmark,ofrealityby shadow;itisthefalsehoodoftruth,andthetruthoffalsehood.

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EliphasLevi,Dogmedelahautemagie,Paris,Ballire,1856XXII,22 Whereisthelifewehavelostinliving? Whereisthewisdomwehavelostinknowledge? Whereistheknowledgewehavelostininformation? T.S.Eliot,ChorusesfromTheRock,I Ifoureyecouldpenetratetheearthandseeitsinteriorfrompoletopole,fromwherewestandto theantipodes,wewouldglimpsewithhorroramassterrifyinglyriddledwithfissuresand caverns. ThomasBurnet,TellurisTheoriaSacra,AmsterdamWolters,1694,page38 Theearthisamagneticbody;infact,assomescientistshavefound,itisonevastmagnet,as Paracelsusaffirmedsome300yearsago. H.P.Blavatsky,IsisUnveiled,NewYork,Boulton,1877,I,pagexxiii Whatdoesthefishremindyouof? Otherfish. Andwhatdotheotherfishremindyouof? Otherfish. JosephHeller,Catch22,NewYork,Simon&Schuster,1961,xxvii Whateveryoumaysaysomethingis,itisnot!Themapisnottheterritory;thewordisnotthe thing. AlfredKorzybski,ScienceandSanity,1933;4thedition,TheInternationalNon AristotelianLibrary,1958,II,4,page58 Thinkthings,notwords. OliverWendellHolmes,Jr.,AmericanJurist Tohavedoubtedonesownfirstprinciplesisthemarkofacivilizedperson. OliverWendellHolmes,Jr. Ifyouwouldbearealseekeraftertruth,youmustatleastonceinyourlifedoubt,asfaras possible,allthings.

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Descartes,Ren(15961650),DiscoursdelaMthode,1637 Theoldbelieveeverything,themiddleagedsuspecteverything,theyoungknoweverything. OscarWilde Iconsidermathematicalquantitiesnotasconsistingofverysmallparts;butasdescribedby continuousmotion.Linesaredescribedandtherebygeneratednotbytheappositionofparts,but bythecontinuousmotionofpoints;surfacesbythemotionoflines;solidsbythemotionof surfaces;anglesbytherotationofthesides;portionsoftimebyacontinuedflux;andsoinother quantities. SirIsaacNewton(16421727) Tothosewhodonotknowmathematicsitisdifficulttogetacrossarealfeelingastothebeauty, thedeepestbeautyofnature.Ifyouwanttolearnaboutnature,toappreciatenature,itisnecessary tounderstandthelanguagethatshespeaksin. RichardFeynman(19181988)

Whenyoucanmeasurewhatyouarespeakingaboutandexpressitinnumbers,youknow somethingaboutit;butwhenyoucannotmeasureit,whenyoucannotexpressitinnumbers,your knowledgeisofameager,unsatisfactorykind. LordKelvin Itismoreimportanttohavebeautyinonesequationsthantohavethemfitexperiment. PaulDirac,BritishNobelPrizeWinner,Physics Asfarasthelawsofmathematicsrefertoreality,theyarenotcertain;andasfarastheyarecertain, theydonotrefertoreality. AlbertEinstein Mathematicswouldcertainlyhavenotcomeintoexistenceifonehadknownfromthebeginning thattherewasinnaturenoexactlystraightline,noactualcircle,noabsolutemagnitude. FriedrichNietzsche Whenwerunoverlibraries,persuadedoftheseprinciples,whathavocmustwemake?Ifwetake inourhandanyvolume;ofdivinityorschoolmetaphysics,forinstance;letusask,Doesitcontain anyabstractreasoningconcerningquantityornumber?No.Doesitcontainanyexperimental

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reasoningconcerningmatteroffactandexistence?No.Commititthentotheflames:foritcan containnothingbutsophistryandillusion. DavidHume,1748 Givenforoneinstantanintelligencewhichcouldcomprehendalltheforcesbywhichnatureis animatedandtherespectivesituationofthebeingswhocomposeitanintelligencesufficiently vasttosubmitthesedatatoanalysisitwouldembraceinthesameformulathemovementsof thegreatestbodiesoftheuniverseandthoseofthelightestatom;forit,nothingwouldbe uncertainandthefuture,asthepast,wouldbepresenttoitseyes. PierreSimonLaplace,APhilosophicalEssayonProbabilities,1851,page4 Wenowcometothedecisivestepofmathematicalabstraction:Weforgetaboutwhatthesymbols standfor...[Themathematician]neednotbeidle,therearemanyoperationswhichhemaycarry outwiththesesymbols,withouteverhavingtolookatthethingstheystandfor. HermannWeyl,TheMathematicalWayofThinking Ithinknumbersaregreatlyoverrated.Mathematicshasbeenremarkablyunsuccessfulin describingbiologyandbiologicalforms. RupertSheldrake,morphogenicfieldsbiologist(1960s?) Asfarasthepropositionsofmathematicsrefertoreality,theyarenotcertain;andasfarastheyare certain,theydonotrefertoreality. AlbertEinstein,IdeasandOpinions,1954,page233

Thewordsorthelanguage,astheyarewrittenorspoken,donotseemtoplayanyroleinmy mechanismofthought.Thepsychicalentitieswhichseemtoserveaselementsofthoughtare certainsignsandmoreorlessclearimageswhichcanbevoluntarilyreproducedand combined...Theabovementionedelementsare,inanycase,ofvisualandsomemusculartype. Conventionalwordsorothersignshavetobesoughtforlaboriouslyonlyinasecondstage,when thementionedassociativeplayissufficientlyestablishedandcanbereproducedatwill. AlbertEinstein,inaletterquotedbyHadamardinThePsychologyofInventioninthe MathematicalField,1945 Themoreamanisimbuedwiththeorderedregularityofalleventsthefirmerbecomeshis convictionthatthereisnoroomleftbythesideofthisorderedregularityforcausesofadifferent nature.Forhimneithertheruleofhumannortheruleofdivinewillexistasanindependentcause ofnaturalevents.Tobesure,thedoctrineofapersonalGodinterferingwiththenaturalevents

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couldneverberefuted,intherealsense,byscience,forthisdoctrinecanalwaystakerefugein thosedomainsinwhichscientificknowledgehasnotyetbeenabletosetfoot. ButIampersuadedthatsuchbehavioronthepartoftherepresentativesofreligionwouldnot onlybeunworthybutalsofatal.Foradoctrinewhichisabletomaintainitselfnotinclearlightbut onlyinthedark,willofnecessityloseitseffectonmankind,withincalculableharmtohuman progress.... Ifitisoneofthegoalsofreligionstoliberatemankindasfaraspossiblefromthebondageof egocentriccravings,desires,andfears,scientificreasoningcanaidreligioninanothersense. Althoughitistruethatitisthegoalofsciencetodiscover(the)ruleswhichpermittheassociation andforetellingoffacts,thisisnotitsonlyaim.Italsoseekstoreducetheconnectionsdiscoveredto thesmallestpossiblenumberofmutuallyindependentconceptualelements.Itisinthisstriving aftertherationalunificationofthemanifoldthatitencountersitsgreatestsuccesses,eventhoughit ispreciselythisattemptwhichcausesittorunthegreatestriskoffallingapreytoillusion.But whoeverhasundergonetheintenseexperienceofsuccessfuladvancesmadeinthisdomain,is movedbytheprofoundreverencefortherationalitymademanifestinexistence.Bywayofthe understandingheachievesafarreachingemancipationfromtheshacklesofpersonalhopesand desires,andtherebyattainsthathumbleattitudeofmindtowardthegrandeurofreason,incarnate inexistence,andwhich,initsprofoundestdepths,isinaccessibletoman.Thisattitude,however, appearstometobereligiousinthehighestsenseoftheword.Andsoitseemstomethatscience notonlypurifiesthereligiousimpulseofthedrossofitsanthropomorphismbutalsocontributesto areligiousspiritualizationofourunderstandingoflife. AlbertEinstein,fromScience,Philosophy,andReligion,ASymposium,publishedbythe ConferenceonScience,Philosophy,andReligioninTheirRelationtotheDemocratic WayofLife,Inc.,NewYork,1941. Inthetempleofsciencearemanymansions,andvariousindeedaretheythatdwellthereinandthe motivesthathaveledthemthither.Manytaketoscienceoutofajoyfulsenseofsuperior intellectualpower;scienceistheirownspecialsporttowhichtheylookforvividexperienceand thesatisfactionofambition;manyothersaretobefoundinthetemplewhohaveofferedthe productsoftheirbrainsonthisaltarforpurelyutilitarianpurposes.WereanangeloftheLordto comeanddriveallthepeoplebelongingtothesetwocategoriesoutofthetemple,theassemblage wouldbeseriouslydepleted,buttherewouldstillbesomemen,ofbothpresentandpasttimes, leftinside. AlbertEinstein,inanaddressin1918forMaxPlancks60thbirthday,atthePhysical Society,Berlin;publishedasPrinciplesofResearchinEssaysinScience(1934),1 Well,scienceisnotreligionanditdoesntjustcomedowntofaith.Althoughithasmanyof religionsvirtues,ithasnoneofitsvices.Scienceisbaseduponverifiableevidence.Religiousfaith notonlylacksevidence,itsindependencefromevidenceisitsprideandjoy,shoutedfromthe

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rooftops.WhyelsewouldChristianswaxcriticalofdoubtingThomas?Theotherapostlesareheld uptousasexemplarsofvirtuebecausefaithwasenoughforthem.DoubtingThomas,ontheother hand,requiredevidence.Perhapsheshouldbethepatronsaintofscientists. RichardDawkins,http://www.thehumanist.org/humanist/articles/dawkins.html [Ourknowledgeofphysics]isonlyanemptyshellaformofsymbols.Itisknowledgeof structuralform,andnotknowledgeofcontent.Allthroughthephysicalworldrunsthatunknown content.... SirArthurEddington,Space,Time,andGravitation,1920,page200

[O]urscienceisadrop,ourignoranceasea.Whateverelsebecertain,thisatleastiscertainthat theworldofourpresentnaturalknowledgeisenvelopedinalargerworldofsomesort,ofwhose residualpropertiesweatpresentcanframenopositiveidea. WilliamJames,IsLifeWorthLiving? Ofallhatreds,thereisnonegreaterthanthatofignoranceagainstknowledge. GalileoGalilei,30June1616

Whatisitthatbreathesfireintotheequationsandmakesauniverseforthemtodescribe?The usualapproachofscienceofconstructingamathematicalmodelcannotanswerthequestionsof whythereshouldbeauniverseforthemodeltodescribe....Uptonowscientistshavebeentoo occupiedwiththedevelopmentofnewtheoriesthatdescribewhattheuniverseistoaskthe questionwhy.[D]oes[theuniverse]needacreator,and,ifsodoeshehaveanyothereffecton theuniverse? StephenHawking,ABriefHistoryofTime,1998,page190 inphysicstoday,wehavenoknowledgeofwhatenergyis. RichardFeynman,TheFeynmanLecturesonPhysics,1963,page41 Atomsarenotthings. WernerHeisenberg Notchaosliketogethercrushdandbruisd, But,astheworld,harmoniouslyconfusd: Whereorderinvarietywesee,

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Andwhere,thoughallthingsdiffer,allagree. AlexanderPope Takesomemoretea,theMarchHaresaidtoAlice,veryearnestly. Ivehadnothingyet,Alicerepliedinanoffendedtone,soIcanttakemore. Youmeanyoucanttakeless,saidtheHatter,itsveryeasytotakemorethannothing. LewisCarroll,AliceinWonderland Technologyisimposedontheland,buttechniquemeansconformingtothelandscape.Oneforces apassage,whiletheotherdiscoversit.Thegoalofdevelopingtechniqueistoconformtothemost improbablelandscapebymeansofthegreatestdegreeofskillandboldnesssupportedbytheleast equipment. DougRobinson,GreatPacificIronWorksCatalog,1974 Knowledgeisoftwokinds.Weknowasubjectourselves,orweknowwherewecanfind informationuponit. SamuelJohnson GraceisgivenofGod,butknowledgeisboughtinthemarket. ArthurHughClough,TheBothieofTobernaVuolich,iv Nametipsascientiapotestasest.(Knowledgeitselfispower.) FrancisBacon,ReligiousMeditations,OnHeresies. Theknowledgeoftheworldisonlytobeacquiredintheworld,andnotinacloset. EarlofChesterfield Books,wearetold,seektoinstructortoamuse.Indeed!...Thetrueantithesistoknowledge,inthis case,isnotpleasure,butpower.Allthatisliteratureseekstocommunicatepower;allthatisnot literature,tocommunicateknowledge. ThomasdeQuincy,LetterstoaYoungMan,iii. Peoplenowadaysthinkthatscientistsexisttoinstructthem,poets,musicians,etc.togivethem pleasure.Theideathatthesehavesomethingtoteachthemthatdoesnotoccurtothem.

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LudwigWittgenstein,1939 Thereisawordthatissometimeshungupattheedgeofatramline:thewordStop.Writtenon ametallabelbythesideoftheline,itmeansthatatramwillstoppresently.Itisanexampleof pureinformation...Compareitwithanotherpublicnoticewhichissometimesexhibitedinthe darkercitiesofEngland:Bewareofpickpockets,maleandfemale.Hereagainthereis information.Apickpocketmaycomealongpresently,justlikeatram,andwetakeourmeasures accordingly.Buthereissomethingelsebesides...Wehavebeenremindedofseveraldisquieting truthsthegeneralinsecurityoflife,humanfrailty,theviolenceofthepoor,andthefatuous trustfulnessoftherich,whoalwaysexpecttobepopularwithouthavingdoneanythingtodeserve it.Bytakingtheformofawarningithasmadeusafraid...Besidesconveyinginformation,ithas createdanatmosphere,andtothatextentitisliterature. E.M.Forster,inTheAtlanticMonthly,November1925 Itisacapitalmistaketotheorizebeforeonehasdata.Insensiblyonebeginstotwistfactstosuit theories,insteadoftheoriestosuitfacts. SherlockHolmes;SirArthurConanDoyle,ScandalinBohemia Therearenofacts,onlyinterpretations.or Againstthatpositivismwhichstopsbeforephenomena,sayingthereareonlyfacts,Ishouldsay: no,itispreciselyfactsthatdonotexist,onlyinterpretations FriedrichNietzsche,Notebooks,188687 Allthingsaresubjecttointerpretation;whicheverinterpretationprevailsatagiventimeisa functionofpowerandnottruth. FriedrichNietzsche Theremayalwaysbeanotherreality Tomakefictionofthetruthwethinkwevearrivedat. ChristopherFry,AYardofSun,ActII Inresearchthehorizonrecedesasweadvance,andisnoneareratsixtythanitwasattwenty.As thepowerofenduranceweakenswithage,theurgencyofthepursuitgrowsmoreintense...And researchisalwaysincomplete. MarkPattison

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Ifalittleknowledgeisdangerous,whereisthemanwhohassomuchastobeoutofdanger? ThomasHuxley,OnElementaryInstructioninPhysiology,1877 Irrationallyheldtruthsmaybemoreharmfulthanreasonederrors.Itisthecustomaryfateofnew truthstobeginasheresiesandendassuperstitions. ThomasHuxley,TheComingofAgeoftheOriginofSpecies,xii Thechessboardistheworld;thepiecesarethephenomenaoftheuniverse;therulesofthegame arewhatwecalltheLawsofNature.Theplayerontheothersideishiddenfromus.Weknowthat hisplayisalwaysfair,just,andpatient.Butwealsoknow,toourcost,thatheneveroverlooksa mistake,ormakesthesmallestallowanceforignorance. ThomasHuxley,LaySermons,&c.,iii.AliberalEducation Theresonlyonecorneroftheuniverseyoucanbecertainofimproving,thatsyourownself.So youhavetobeginthere,notoutside,notonotherpeople.Thatcomesafterwards,whenyouhave workedonyourowncorner. ThomasHuxley Payheed,mySons:Gravityneversleeps. AlexanderCarpenter,1977 Assoonasquestionsofwillordecisionorchoiceofactionarise,humanscienceisataloss. NoamChomsky,TVinterviewquotedinTheListener,6April1978 Manisfreetodowhathewills,buthecannotwillwhathewills. Schopenhauer Ihavetakenallknowledgetobemyprovince. FrancisBacon,lettertoLordBurleigh,1592 Natureisnowhereaccustomedmoreopenlytodisplayhersecretmysteriesthanincaseswhere sheshowstracesofherworkingsapartfromthebeatenpath. ThomasWillis,15__

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Icouldstilldiscourseconcerningtheartoftransmutation,oralchemy...butIamdrawn...tofollow thepathofminingmorewillingly...eventhoughminingisahardertask,bothphysicalandmental, ismoreexpensive,andpromisesless...;ithasasitsscope...seeingwhatreallyexistsratherthan whatonethinksexists. VannoccioBiringuccio,TreatiseonMetals,Weapons,andWaterpower,1540 Discoverycommenceswiththeawarenessofanomaly...Itthencontinueswithamoreorless extendedexplorationoftheareaofanomaly.Anditclosesonlywhentheparadigmtheoryhas beenadjustedsothattheanomaloushasbecometheexpected...andthediscoveryhasbeen completed. ThomasS.Kuhn,TheStructureofScientificRevolutions,1962 Normalscienceisthekindofresearchinwhicheverythingbutthemostesotericdetailoftheresult isknowninadvance. ThomasKuhn Theabilitytosupportatensionthatcanoccasionallybecomealmostunbearableisoneoftheprime requisitesfortheverybestsortofscientificresearch. ThomasKuhn,TheEssentialTension Hewhoknowsnothingisnearerthetruththanhewhosemindisfilledwithfalsehoodsanderrors. ThomasJefferson Perhapsthemostimportantadvanceinthebehavioralsciencesinourtimeshasbeenthegrowing recognitionthattheperceiverisnotjustapassivecameratakingapicture,buttakesanactivepart inperception.Heseeswhatexperiencehasconditionedhimtosee.Whatperceiverthenseeswhat isreallythere?Nobody,ofcourse.Eachofusperceiveswhatourpasthaspreparedustoperceive. Weselectanddistinguish,wefocusonsomeobjectsandrelationshipsandweblurothers.We distortobjectiverealitytomakeitconformtoourneedsor,ourhopes,ourfears,ourhates,our envies,ouraffections. Oureyesandbrainsdonotmerelyregistersomeobjectiveportraitofotherpersonsorgroupsbut ourveryactivesceneiswarpedbywhatwehavebeentaughttobelieve,bywhatwewantto believe,andbywhatweneedtobelieve.Itisimpossibletoreasonamanoutofsomethinghehas notbeenreasonedinto.Whenpeoplehaveacquiredtheirbeliefsonanemotionalleveltheycannot bepersuadedoutofthemonarationallevel,nomatterhowstrongtheprooforthelogicbehindit. Peoplewillholdontotheiremotionalbeliefsandtwistthefactstomeettheirversionofreality.

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SidneyJ.Harris,Americanjournalist Givingpeoplethefactsasastrategyofinfluencehasbeenafailure,anenterprisefraughtwitha surprisingamountofdisappointment. HarryOverstreet,InfluencingHumanBehavior,1925 ThesocalledEnlightenmentModel,whichpositsthattheoutcomesofdecisionswillbe,andifnot yet,canbe,determinedbyreasoneddiscourseandfactualinformation,iswithoutdoubtthemost falsifiedhypothesisintheentirehistoryofthehumanenterprise. Z.B.F.A. Animportantscientificinnovationrarelymakesitswaygraduallywinningoverandconvertingits opponents:itrarelyhappensthatSaulbecomesPaul.Whatdoeshappenisthatitsopponents graduallydieoutandthatthegrowinggenerationisfamiliarizedwiththeideafromthe beginning.Scienceadvancesonefuneralatatime. MaxPlanck,NobelLaureate,1936 Everygreatadvanceinnaturalknowledgehasinvolvedtheabsoluterejectionofauthority. ThomasH.Huxley Authorityinscienceexiststobequestioned,sinceheresyisthespringfromwhichnewideasflow. JohnC.Polanyi Scienceisthebeliefintheignoranceoftheexperts. RichardFeynman. Wheneveratheoryappearstoyouastheonlypossibleone,takethisasasignthatyouhave neitherunderstoodthetheorynortheproblemwhichitwasintendedtosolve. KarlPopper EversinceFrancisBacon,ithadbeenbelievedthatthelawsofNatureweretheretobe discovered,ifonlyonemadetherightexperiments.Einsteintaughtusdifferently.Hestressed thevitalroleofhumaninventivenessintheprocess.Newtoninventedtheforceofgravityto explainthemotionoftheplanets.Einsteininventedthecurvedspacetimeandthegeodesiclaw; inhistheorythereisnoforceofgravity.Iftwosuchutterlydifferentmathematicalmodelscan (almost)bothdescribethesameobservations,surelyitmustbeadmittedthatthephysicaltheories

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donottelluswhatnatureis,onlywhatitislike.Themarvelisthatnatureseemstogoalongwith someofthesimplestmodelsthatcanbeconstructed... WolfgangRindler Inourendeavourtounderstandrealitywearesomewhatlikeamantryingtounderstandthe mechanismofaclosedwatch.Heseesthefaceandthemovinghands,evenhearsitticking,buthe hasnowayofopeningthecase.Ifheisingenioushemayformsomepictureofthemechanism whichcouldberesponsibleforallthethingsheobserves,buthemayneverbequitesurehis pictureistheonlyonewhichcouldexplainhisobservations.Hewillneverbeabletocomparehis picturewiththerealmechanismandhecannotevenimaginethepossibilityofthemeaningofsuch acomparison. AlbertEinstein When[onceexceptionalobservations]areindisputablyascertainedandadmitted,theacademic andcriticalmindsarebyfarthebestfittedonestointerpretanddiscussthem...butontheother handifthereisanythingwhichhistorydemonstrates,itistheextremeslownesswithwhichthe ordinaryacademicandcriticalmindacknowledgesfactstoexistwhichpresentthemselvesaswild facts,withnostallorpigeonhole,orasfactswhichthreatentobreakuptheacceptedsystem... WilliamJames,TheWilltoBelieve Iknowthatmostmennotonlythoseconsideredclever,buteventhosewhoareverycleverand capableofunderstandingmostdifficultscientific,mathematical,orphilosophic,problemscan seldomdiscerneventhesimplestandmostobvioustruthifitbesuchasobligesthemtoadmitthe falsityofconclusionstheyhaveformed,perhapswithmuchdifficultyconclusionsofwhichthey areproud,whichtheyhavetaughttoothers,andonwhichtheyhavebuilttheirlives. CountLeoNikolaevichTolstoi Thefollyofmistakingaparadoxforadiscovery,ametaphorforaproof,atorrentofverbiagefora springofcapitaltruths,andoneselfforanoracle,isinborninus. PaulValery,TheMethodofLeonardodaVinci,1895,Introduction Whenamandesirestoknowthetruth,hisfirsteffortwillbetoimaginewhatthetruthcanbe... Imaginationunbridledissuretocarryhimoffthetrack.Yet...thereis,afterall,nothingbut imaginationthatcaneversupplyhimaninklingofthetruth.Hecanstarestupidlyatphenomena; butintheabsenceofanyimaginationtheywillnotconnectthemselvestogetherinanyrational way. C.S.Pierce

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Theworldaboutwhicheachmanissupposedtohaveopinionshasbecomesocomplicatedasto defyhispowersofunderstanding.Whatheknowsabouteventsthatmatterenormouslytohim, thepurposesofgovernments,theaspirationsofpeoples,thestruggleofclasses,heknowsat second,third,orfourthhand....Iknowofnoman,evenamongthosewhodevotealltheirtimeto watchingpublicaffairs,whocanevenpretendtokeeptrack,atthesametime,ofhiscity government,hisstategovernment,Congress,thedepartments,theindustrialsituation,andtherest oftheworld.Whatmenwhomakethestudyofpoliticsavocationcannotdo,themanwhohasan houradayfornewspapersandtalkcannotpossiblyhopetodo.Hemustseizecatchwordsand headlinesornothing. WalterLippmann,inTheAtlanticMonthly,November1919 Thisdistinctionbetweenthepassiveresistanceofnatureandtheactiveresistanceofanopponent suggestsadistinctionbetweentheresearchscientistandthewarriororthegameplayer.The researchphysicisthasallthetimeintheworldtocarryouthisexperiments,andheneednotfear thatnaturewillintimediscoverhistricksandmethodandchangeherpolicy.Therefore,hiswork isgovernedbyhisbestmoments,whereasachessplayercannotmakeonemistakewithoutfinding analertadversaryreadytotakeadvantageofitandtodefeathim.Thusthechessplayeris governedmorebyhisworstmomentsthanbyhisbestmoments.Imaybeprejudicedaboutthis claim:forIhavefounditpossiblemyselftodoeffectiveworkinscience,whilemychesshasbeen continuallyvitiatedbymycarelessnessatcriticalinstants. Thescientististhusdisposedtoregardhisopponentasanhonorableenemy.Thisattitudeis necessaryforhiseffectivenessasascientist,buttendstomakehimthedupeofunprincipled peopleinwarandinpolitics.Italsohastheeffectofmakingithardforthegeneralpublicto understandhim,forthegeneralpublicismuchmoreconcernedwithpersonalantagoniststhan withnatureasanantagonist. NorbertWeiner,TheHumanUseofHumanBeings:CyberneticsandSociety,1950,page36 Theseparationofmatterandspiritisanabstraction. DavidBohm Sciencewithoutreligionislame. Religionwithoutscienceisblind. AlbertEinstein Verifiableknowledgemakesitswayslowly,andonlyundercultivation,butfablehasburrsand feetandclawsandwingsandanindestructiblesheathlikeweedseed,andcanbecarriedalmost anywhereandtakerootwithoutbenefitofsoilorwater.

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WallaceStegner Iamsometimesmovedtowonderwhetheritmaynotbenecessarytoredefinetheveryconceptsof healthanddisease,toseetheseintermsoftheabilityoftheorganismtocreateanew organizationandorder,onethatfitsitsspecial,altereddispositionandneeds,ratherthaninthe termsoftherigidlydefinednorm. OliverSacks,AnAnthropologistonMars:SevenParadoxicalTales,1995 Mancanonlyfullyunderstandwhathehasmade;thecorollarytothatisthatwhatevermanhas madehecanunderstand:itwillnot,likethephysicalworld,remainimpervioustohisdesireto understand. OldVico(GiambattistaVico,16681744) Thingsaremuchmoremarvelousthanthescientificmethodallowsustoconceive. EvelynFoxKeller,AFeelingfortheOrganism:TheLifeandWorkofBarbaraMcClintock, 1983. Theoriestodayarereallyemergingoutofothertheories,andtheirtestinggroundisnolongerthe experimentalistslaboratorybutaesthetics,mathematicalconsistency,andtheirinterrelationship toyetothertheories. DavidPeat,Physicist Thefirstintelligencereportsarealmostalwayswrong. AdmiralJonHowe Thetruemenofactioninourtime,thosewhotransformtheworld,arenotthepoliticiansand statesmen,butthescientists...WhenIfindmyselfinthecompanyofscientists,Ifeellikeashabby curatewhohasstrayedbymistakeintoadrawingroomfullofdukes. W.H.Auden,Englishpoet Moreandmoremankindwilldiscoverthatwehavetoturntopoetrytointerpretlifeforus,to consoleus,tosustainus.Withoutpoetry,oursciencewillappearincomplete,andmostofwhat passeswithusforreligionandphilosophywillbereplacedbypoetry. MatthewArnold,Englishpoet,1888

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Artismeanttodisturb,sciencereassures. GeorgeBraque,Frenchpainter Thegreatobstacletoprogressisnotignorance,buttheillusionofknowledge. DanielBoorstin

Thegreatestenemyofknowledgeisnotignorance;itistheillusionofknowledge.Ineffect,we haveredefinedthetaskofsciencetobethediscoveryoflawsthatwillenableustopredictevents uptothelimitssetbytheuncertaintyprinciple. StephenHawking,Englishphysicist Ourmeddlingintellect Misshapesthebeauteousformofthings Wemurdertodissect. Enoughofscienceandofart; Closeupthesebarrenleaves: Comeforth,andbringwithyouaheart Thatwatchesandreceives. WilliamWordsworth,Englishpoet Iamnotsurehowcloudsgetformedbutthecloudsknowhowtodoitandthatstheimportant thing. AnelementaryschoolstudentintheU.S. Greatmindshavealwaysmetwithsevereadversityfromsmallerminds. AlbertEinstein Themostexcitingphrasetohearinscience,theonethatheraldsthenewdiscoveries,isnot Eureka!(Ifoundit!)butThatsfunny... IsaacAsimov Anerrormadeonyourownissaferthantentruthsacceptedonfaith,becausethefirstleavesyou themeanstocorrectit,buttheseconddestroysyourcapacitytodistinguishtruthfromerror. AynRand,JohnGalt

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Theworldalwaysmakestheassumptionthattheexposureofanerrorisidenticalwiththe discoveryoftruththattheerrorandtrutharesimplyopposite.Theyarenothingofthesort. Whattheworldturnsto,whenitiscuredononeerror,isusuallysimplyanothererror,andmaybe oneworsethanthefirstone. H.L.Mencken whereinitissetforththatthedoctrineattributedtoCopernicus,thattheEarthmovesaround theSunandthattheSunisstationaryinthecenteroftheworldanddoesnotmovefromeastto west,iscontrarytotheHolyScripturesandthereforecannotbedefendedorheld...Toassertthat theearthrevolvesaroundthesunisaserroneousastoclaimthatJesuswasnotbornofavirgin... Inwitnesswhereofwehavewrittenandsubscribedthesepresentswithourhandthistwentysixth dayofMay,1616. RobertroCardinalBellarmino Ofallhatreds,thereisnonegreaterthanthatofignoranceagainstknowledge. GalileoGalilei,30June1616 Truthisthechildoftime,notofauthority.Ourignoranceisinfinite;letswhittleawayjustone cubicmillimeter.Whyshouldwestillwanttobesocleverwhenatlonglastwehaveachanceof beingalittlelessstupid? Oneofthemainreasonsforthepovertyofscienceisthatitissupposedtoberich.Theaimof scienceisnottoopenthedoortoeverlastingwisdom,buttosetalimitoneverlastingerror. GalileoGalilei,inBertoldBrechtsTheLifeofGalileo Asarule,thephilosopherisakindofmongrelbeing,acrossbetweenscientistandpoet,enviousof both. GustaveFlaubert,lettertoLouiseColet,1846 Therearenofacts,onlyinterpretation. Thevisionaryliestohimself,theliartoothers. FriedrichWilhelmNietzsche(18441900)(apocryphalpostModerninterpolation?) Thereareinnatureneitherrewardsnorpunishmentsthereareonlyconsequences. RobertG.Ingersoll

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Whenwerunoverlibraries,persuadedoftheseprinciples,whathavocmustwemake?Ifwetake inourhandanyvolume;ofdivinityorschoolmetaphysics,forinstance;letusask,Doesitcontain anyabstractreasoningconcerningquantityornumber?No.Doesitcontainanyexperimental reasoningconcerningmatteroffactandexistence?No.Commititthentotheflames:foritcan containnothingbutsophistryandillusion. DavidHume,1748 Thedistinctionbetweenajudgementoffactandajudgementofvaluehasbecomeoneofthe cornerstonesofphilosophyeversinceHume. StanislavAndreski,1972 Theconveniencesandcomfortsofhumanityingeneralwillbelinkedupbyonemechanism,which willproducecomfortsandconveniencesbeyondhumanimagination.Butthesmallestmistakewill bringthewholemechanismtoacertaincollapse.Inthiswaytheendoftheworldwillbebrought about. PiroMurshidInayatKhan,CompleteWorks,1922I,p.1589 [Offeredin1998inaY2Kcontext] Wesimplycannotexpecttorecognizeanddiscernthefinerstructureofsomethingtolongaswe flatlyrefusetoviewitotherwisethanwiththenakedeye.Greatcautionmustbeexercisedinusing thewordreal. MaxPlank Wehavetocureourselvesoftheitchforabsoluteknowledgeandpower.Itisnotthebusinessof sciencetoinherittheearth,buttoinheritthemoralimaginationwhatweareasethicalcreatures becausewithoutthatmanandbeliefsandsciencewillperishtogether. JacobBronowski,TheAscentofMan Whenthingsinlifestopworking,wehaveanincentivetoreexamineourpremises,forachange, morethanourconclusions. Z.B.F.Alexander Physicalconceptsarefreecreationsofthehumanmind,andarenot,howeveritmayseem, uniquelydeterminedbytheexternalworld.Inourendeavortounderstandrealityweare somewhatlikeamantryingtounderstandthemechanismofaclosedwatch.Heseesthefaceand themovinghands,evenhearsitsticking,buthehasnowayofopeningthecase.Ifheisingenious, hemayformsomepictureofamechanismwhichcouldberesponsibleforallthethingshe

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observes,buthemayneverbequitesurehispictureistheonlyonewhichcouldexplainhis observations.Hewillneverbeabletocomparehispicturewiththerealmechanismandhecannot evenimaginethepossibilityorthemeaningofsuchacomparison. AlbertEinstein,TheEvolutionofPhysics,1938 Thestillnessinstillnessisnotthetruestillness;onlywhenthereisstillnessinmotiondoesthe universalrhythmmanifest. Tao Youalreadyknowenough.SodoI.Itisnotknowledgewelack.Whatismissingisthecourageto understandwhatweknowandtodrawconclusions. SvenLindqvist WhatabookaDevilsChaplainmightwriteontheclumsy,wasteful,blunderinglowandhorribly cruelworksofnature! CharlesDarwin,lettertoJosephHooker,1856 Thus,fromthewarofnature,fromfamineanddeath,themostexaltedobjectwhichwearecapable ofconceiving,namely,theproductionofthehigheranimals,directlyfollows.Thereisagrandeur inthisviewoflife,withitsseveralpowers,havingbeenoriginallybreathedintoafewformsor intoone;andthat,whilstthisplanethasgonecyclingonaccordingtothefixedlawofgravity,from sosimpleabeginningendlessformsmostbeautifulandwonderfulhavebeen,andarebeing, evolved. CharlesDarwin,TheOriginofSpecies,1859 Darwinsworkismostimportantandsuitsmypurposeinthatitprovidesabasisinnatural scienceforthehistoricalclassstruggle.Onedoes,ofcourse,havetoputupwiththeclumsy Englishstyleofargument.Despiteallshortcomings,itisherethat,forthefirsttime,teleologyin naturalscienceisnotonlydealtamortalblowbutitsrationalmeaningisempiricallyexplained. KarlMarx,inalettertoFerdinandLasalle,16January1861 Whateverthecausemaybeofeachslightdifferenceintheoffspringfromtheirparentsanda causeforeachmustexistitisthesteadyaccumulation,throughnaturalselection,ofsuch differences,whenbeneficialtotheindividual,thatgivesrisetoallthemoreimportant modificationsofstructure,bywhichtheinnumerablebeingsonthefaceofthisearthareenabledto strugglewitheachother,andthebestadaptedtosurvive.(page170)

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InthedistantfutureIseeopenfieldsforfarmoreimportantresearches.Psychologywillbebased onanewfoundation,thatofthenecessaryacquirementofeachmentalpowerandcapacityby gradation.Lightwillbethrownontheoriginofmanandhishistory.(page488) CharlesDarwin,TheOriginofSpecies,1859 Itshouldbynowbeobviousthatthereis,indeed,ageneraltheoryofbehaviorandthatthetheory isevolution,tojustthesameextentandinalmostexactlythesamewaysthatevolutionisthe generaltheoryofmorphology. AnneRoeandG.G.Simpson,BehaviorandEvolution Istheremeaningtolife?Whatarewefor?Whatisman?ThepointIwanttomakenowisthatall attemptstoanswerthatquestionbefore1859areworthlessandthatwearebetteroffifweignore themcompletely. G.G.Simpson Effectsvarywiththeconditionswhichbringthemtopass,butlawsdonotvary.Physiologicaland pathologicalstatesareruledbythesameforces;theydifferonlybecauseofthespecialconditions underwhichthevitallawsmanifestthemselves. ClaudeBarnard,IntroductiontotheStudyofExperimentalMedicine Behaviorcanbechangedbychangingtheconditionsofwhichitisafunction. B.F.Skinner,BeyondFreedomandDignity Skepticismisthechastityoftheintellect,anditisshamefultosurrenderittoosoonortothefirst comer:thereisnobilityinpreservingitcoollyandproudlythroughlongyouth,untilatlast,inthe ripenessofinstinctanddiscretion,itcanbesafelyexchangedforfidelityandhappiness. GeorgeSantayana,SkepticismandAnimalFaith,IX Foreveryapparentchangeinplaceoccursonaccountofthemovementeitherofthethingseenor ofthespectator,oronaccountofthenecessarilyunequalmovementofboth.Fornomovementis perceptiblerelativelytothingsmovedequallyinthesamedirection;Imeanrelativelytothething seenandthespectator. NicolousCopernicus,RevolutionsofHeavenlySpheres,Section5

Idecidedthatitwasnotwisdomthatenabled[poets]towritetheirpoetry,butakindofinstinctor inspiration,suchasyoufindinseersandprophetswhodeliveralltheirsublimemessageswithout

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knowingintheleastwhattheymean. Socrates Knowingtrees,Iunderstandthemeaningofpatience.Knowinggrass,Icanappreciatepersistence. HalBoreland Agreatdealofintelligencecanbeinvestedinignorancewhentheneedforillusionisdeep. SaulBellow ButthemanwhocomesbackthroughtheDoorintheWallwillneverbequitethesameastheman whowentout.Hewillbewiserbutlesscocksure,happierbutlessselfsatisfied,humblerin acknowledginghisignoranceyetbetterequippedtounderstandtherelationshipofwordsto things,ofsystematicreasoningtotheunfathomableMysterywhichittries,forevervainly,to comprehend. AldousHuxley,TheDoorsofPerception,1977,page64 Nomatterhowmuchwelearn,whateverisleft,howeversmallitmayseem,isjustasinfinitely complexasthewholewastostartwith. IsaacAsimov TheironyoftheInformationAgeisthatithasgivennewrespectabilitytouninformedopinion. JohnLawton,veteranreporter,speakingtotheAmericanAssociationofBroadcast Journalists,1995 Aworldoffactsliesoutsideandbeyondtheworldofwords. ThomasH.Huxley Reificationistheapprehensionofhumanphenomenaasiftheywerethings,thatis,innonhuman orpossiblysuprahumanterms.Anotherwayofsayingthisisthatreificationistheapprehension oftheproductsasiftheyweresomethingelsethanhumanproductssuchasfactsofnature, resultsofcosmiclaws,ormanifestationsofdivinewill.Reificationimpliesthatmaniscapableof forgettinghisownauthorshipofthehumanworld,andfurther,thatthedialecticbetweenman,the producer,andhisproductsislosttoconsciousness.Thereifiedworldis,bydefinition,a dehumanizedworld.Itisexperiencedbymanasastrangefacticity,anopusalienumoverwhichhe hasnocontrolratherthanastheopuspropriumofhisownproductiveactivity.

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Berger&Luckmann,TheSocialConstructionofReality,Anchor,1966,page89 Lopthetopendtailoffthedistributionofhumanintelligenceandcreativity,anditwouldmakeno [immediate]measurabledifferencetothepopulation.Onlyonepersoninabillionisoutbeyond thesixsigmalevel.Thatswhatwe'retalkingabouthere.Buteventuallythoseoneinabillion makeahugedifference.Ninetyfivepercentofallhumanprogresscomesfromlessthanone thousandthofonepercentofthepopulation....[I]ftheywerethesmartestpeopleintheworld, howwouldwerecognizetheirabsence?It'shardtonoticewhatisntthere. CharlesSheffield,ProteusintheUnderworld,1995,page285 Humansarecomplexcreatures.Wehaveademonstratedcapacityforhatred,violence, competition,andgreed.Wehaveaswellademonstratedcapacityforlove,tenderness, cooperation,andcompassion.Healthysocietiesnurturethelatterandinsodoingcreatean abundanceofthosethingsthataremostimportanttothequalityofourliving.Dysfunctional societiesnurturetheformerandinsodoingcreatescarcityanddeprivation.Ahealthysociety makesiteasytoliveinbalancewiththeenvironment,whereasadysfunctionalsocietymakesit nearlyimpossible.Whetherweorganizeoursocietiesforsocialandenvironmentalhealthorfor dysfunctionisachoicethatisourstomake. DavidKorten Nothingismoreusualinphilosophy,andevenincommonlife,thantotalkofthecombatof passionandreason,togivethepreferencetoreason,andtoassertthatmenareonlysofarvirtuous astheyconformthemselvestoitsdictates.Everyrationalcreature,tissaid,isobligdtoregulate hisactionsbyreason;andifanyothermotiveorprinciplechallengethedirectionofhisconduct,he oughttoopposeit,tillitbeentirelysubdud,oratleastbroughttoaconformitywiththatsuperior principle.Onthismethodofthinkingthegreatestpartofmoralphilosophy,ancientandmodern, seemstobefounded...Inordertoshewthefallacyofallthisphilosophy,Ishallendeavourto provefirst,thatreasonalonecanneverbeamotivetoanyactionofthewill;andsecondly,thatit canneveropposepassioninthedirectionofthewill. DavidHume,TreatiseofHumanNature Takestockofthosearoundyouandyouwill...hearthemtalkinprecisetermsaboutthemselves andtheirsurroundings,whichwouldseemtopointtothemhavingideasonthematter.Butstart toanalyzethoseideasandyouwillfindthattheyhardlyreflectinanywaytherealitytowhich theyappeartorefer,andifyougodeeperyouwilldiscoverthatthereisnotevenanattemptto adjusttheideasofthisreality.Quitethecontrary:throughthesenotionstheindividualistryingto cutoffanypersonalvisionofreality,ofhisownverylife.Forlifeisatthestartachaosinwhich oneislost.Theindividualsuspectsthis,butheisfrightenedatfindinghimselffacetofacewitha curtainoffantasy,whereeverythingisclear.Itdoesnotworryhimthathisideasarenottrue,he usesthemastrenchesforthedefenseofhisexistence,asscarecrowstofrightenawayreality.

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JosOrtegayGasset Thetruthisthatuponwhichwearenowinsisting,thatreasonisinitsnatureanimperfectlight withalargebutstillrestrictedmissionandthatonceitappliesitselftolifeandactionitbecomes subjecttowhatitstudiesandtheservantandcounselloroftheforcesinwhoseobscureandill understoodstruggleitintervenes.Itcaninitsnaturebeusedandhasalwaysbeenusedtojustify anyidea,theoryoflife,systemofsocietyorgovernment,idealofindividualorcollectiveactionto whichthewillofmanattachesitselfforthemomentorthroughthecenturies.Inphilosophyit givesequallygoodreasonsformonismandpluralismorforanyhaltingplacebetweenthem,for thebeliefinBeingorforthebeliefinBecoming,foroptimismandpessimism,foractivismand quietism.Itcanjustifythemostmysticreligionismandthemostpositiveatheism,getridofGodor seenothingelse.Inaesthetics,itsuppliesthebasisequallyforclassicismandromanticism,foran idealistic,religiousormystictheoryofartorforthemostearthlyrealism.Itcanwithequalpower baseausterelyastrictandnarrowmoralismorprovetriumphantlythethesisoftheantinomian.It hasbeenthesufficientandconvincingprophetofeverykindofautocracyoroligarchyandof everyspeciesofdemocracy;itsuppliesexcellentandsatisfyingreasonsforcompetitive individualismandequallyexcellentandsatisfyingreasonsforcommunismoragainstcommunism andforStatesocialismorforonevarietyofsocialismagainstanother.Itcanplaceitselfwithequal effectivityattheserviceofutilitarianism,economism,hedonism,aestheticism,sensualism, ethicism,idealismoranyotheressentialneedoractivityofmanandbuildarounditaphilosophy, apoliticalandsocialsystem,atheoryofconductandlife.Askitnottoleantooneideaalone,but makeaneclecticcombinationorasyntheticharmonyanditwillsatisfyyou;only,therebeingany numberofpossiblecombinationsorharmonies,itwillequallywelljustifytheoneortheotherand setuporthrowdownanyoneofthemaccordingasthespiritinmanisattractedtoorwithdraws fromit.Foritisreallythatwhichdecidesandthereasonisonlyabrilliantservantandministerof theveiledandsecretsovereign. SriAurobindo,TheHumanCycle;TheOfficeandLimitationsoftheReason,page111 http://greatchange.org/ovaurobindo,human_cycle.html

Theideathatlowentropymatterenergyistheultimatenaturalresourcerequiressome explanation.Thiscanbeprovidedeasilybyashortexpositionofthelawsofthermodynamicsin termsofanaptimageborrowedfromGeorgescuRoegen.Consideranhourglass.Itisaclosed systeminthatnosandenterstheglassandnoneleaves.Theamountofsandintheglassisconstant nosandiscreatedordestroyedwithinthehourglass.Thisistheanalogofthefirstlawof thermodynamics:thereisnocreationordestructionofmatterenergy.Althoughthequantityof sandinthehourglassisconstant,itsqualitativedistributionisconstantlychanging:thebottom chamberisfillingupandthetopchamberbecomingempty.Thisistheanalogofthesecondlaw, thatentropy(bottomchambersand)alwaysincreases.Sandinthetopchamber(lowentropy)is capableofdoingworkbyfalling,likewateratthetopofawaterfall.Sandinthebottomchamber (highentropy)hasspentitscapacitytodowork.Thehourglasscannotbeturnedupsidedown: wasteenergycannotberecycled,exceptbyspendingmoreenergytopowertherecyclethanwould

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bereclaimedintheamountrecycled.Asexplainedabove,wehavetwosourcesoftheultimate naturalresource,thesolarandtheterrestrial,andourdependencehasshiftedfromtheformer towardthelatter. DalyandCobb,ForTheCommonGood,1989 Authorityinscienceexiststobequestioned,sinceheresyisthespringfromwhichnewideasflow. JohnC.Polanyi Everygreatadvanceinnaturalknowledgehasinvolvedtheabsoluterejectionofauthority. Sitdownbeforefactasalittlechild,bepreparedtogiveupeverypreconceivednotion,follow humblywhereverandwhateverabyssesnatureleads,oryouwilllearnnothing. ThomasH.Huxley Youjusthavetobeabletodrillinveryhardwood...andkeeponthinkingbeyondthepointat whichthinkingbeginstohurt. WernerHeisenberg Theabilitytosupportatensionthatcanoccasionallybecomealmostunbearableisoneoftheprime requisitesfortheverybestsortofscientificresearch. ThomasKuhn,TheEssentialTension Newlyacquiredinsightsareatfirstonlyhalfunderstoodbytheonewhobegetsthem,andappear ascompletenonsensetoallothers...Anynewideawhichdoesnotappearverystrangeatthe outset,doesnothaveachanceofbeingavitaldiscovery. NielsBohr Discoveriesofanygreatmomentinmathematicsandotherdisciplines,oncetheyarediscovered, areseentobeextremelysimpleandobvious,andmakeeverybody,includingtheirdiscoverer, appearfoolishfornothavingdiscoveredthembefore....Unfortunately,wefindsystemsof educationtodaywhichhavedepartedsofarfromtheplaintruth,thattheynowteachustobe proudofwhatweknowandashamedofignorance...[thisputs]upaneffectivebarrieragainstany advanceuponwhatisalreadyknown,sinceitmakesoneashamedtolookbeyondthebonds imposedbyonesignorance. GeorgeSpencerBrown,LawsofForm,Appendix1 Knowingisnotenough;wemustapply.Willingisnotenough;wemustdo.

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JohannWolfgangvonGoethe Itsnotenoughtohavedancingelectrons,yougottahavedancingprotons,too. Z.B.F.A. Decisionbasedevidencemakingisntajoke.Itspartoftheplan,thepolicy,thewaythingsare done.In2005,theU.S.NationalAcademyofSciences,whichadvisestheU.S.Governmenton sciencepolicy,publishedabook,titledDecisionMakingfortheEnvironment:SocialandBehavioral ScienceResearchPriorities.Theadviceinthebookisprettyclear: Byfocusingscientificeffortsincreasinglyondecisionrelevance,suchaprogramof measurement,evaluation,andanalysiswouldincreasetheinfluenceofempiricalevidenceand empiricallysupportedtheoryinenvironmentaldecisionsrelativetotheinfluencesofpolitics andideology....Processesfordeterminingwhichresearchismostdecisionrelevantshouldbe participatory. Sotherewehaveit.Decisionandpolicyfirst,evidencelater.That,inourbook,ispurejunk science. TerenceCorcoran,NationalPostFPCommentaryonJunkScience,16June2009 Wheretobaccoledtheway,coalandchemicalsfollowed.And,ofcourse,thefossilfuelindustry hasbeenworkingovertimeandwithshockingsuccesscreatingdoubtaboutclimatechange. Techniquesappeartobelimitedonlybytheimaginationandintegrityofthecampaignerswhich istosay,theredontappeartobeanylimits.Oneofthebestistojustflatoutlie. RichardLittlemore,ManufacturingDoubt,NewScientist,15May2010 PostNormalScienceisaconceptdevelopedbySilvioFuntowiczandJeromeRavetz,attempting tocharacteriseamethodologyofinquirythatisappropriateforcaseswherefactsareuncertain, valuesindispute,stakeshighanddecisionsurgent(FuntowiczandRavetz,1991).Itisprimarily appliedinthecontextofthedebateoverglobalwarmingandothersimilar,longtermissueswhere thereislessavailableinformationthanisdesirable. Accordingtoitsadvocates,postnormalscienceissimplyanextensionofsituationsroutinely facedbyexpertssuchassurgeonsorseniorengineersonunusualprojects,wherethedecisions beingmadeareofgreatimportancebutwherenotallthefactorsarenecessarilyknowable. Althoughtheirworkisbasedonscience,suchindividualsmustalwayscopewithuncertainties, andtheirmistakescanbecostlyorlethal.Giventhegreaterimportanceofclimatesystemsandthe factthatlessisknownaboutthem,conventionalmethodsofinquiry,basedondeterminingall relevantinformationbeforeproceeding,aretooslowanduncertaintodealwithanissuetoo

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complextobefullyunderstoodandtooimportanttowaitforconfirmatoryresults. Becauseofthis,advocatesofpostnormalsciencesuggestthattheremustbeanextendedpeer communityconsistingofallthoseaffectedbyanissuewhoarepreparedtoenterintodialogueon it.Theybringtheirextendedfacts,thatwillincludelocalknowledgeandmaterialsnotoriginally intendedforpublicationsuchasleakedofficialinformation.Thereisapoliticalcaseforthis extensionofthefranchiseofscience;butFuntowiczandRavetzalsoarguethatthisextensionis necessaryforassuringthequalityoftheprocessandoftheproduct. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postnormal_science Agnotologyisthestudyofculturallyinducedignoranceordoubt,particularlythepublicationof inaccurateormisleadingscientificdata.TheneologismwascoinedbyRobertN.Proctor,a StanfordUniversityprofessorspecializinginthehistoryofscienceandtechnology.More generally,thetermalsohighlightstheincreasinglycommonconditionwheremoreknowledgeofa subjectleavesonemoreuncertainthanbefore. AprimeexampleofthedeliberateproductionofignorancecitedbyProctoristhetobacco industrysconspiracytomanufacturedoubtaboutthecancerrisksoftobaccouse.Underthe bannerofscience,theindustryproducedresearchabouteverythingexcepttobaccohazardsto exploitpublicuncertainty.Someoftherootcausesforculturallyinducedignorancearemedia neglect,corporateorgovernmentalsecrecyandsuppression,documentdestruction,andmyriad formsofinherentoravoidableculturopoliticalselectivity,inattention,andforgetfulness. Agnotologyalsofocusesonhowandwhydiverseformsofknowledgedonotcometobe,orare ignoredordelayed.Forexample,knowledgeaboutplatetectonicswasdelayedforatleasta decadebecausekeyevidencewasclassifiedmilitaryinformationrelatedtounderseaswarfare. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnotology Ibelieveinevidence.Ibelieveinobservation,measurement,andreasoning,confirmedby independentobservers.Illbelieveanything,nomatterhowwildandridiculous,ifthereis evidenceforit.Thewilderandmoreridiculoussomethingis,however,thefirmerandmoresolid theevidencewillhavetobe. IsaacAsimov(19201992) TheseHolocaustdeniersareveryslickpeople.Theyjustifyeverythingtheysaywithfactsand figures. Chairman,NewJerseyCommissiononHolocaustEducation,intheNewarkStar Ledger,23October1996,page15

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Philosophyofscienceisaboutasusefultoscientistsasornithologyistobirds. RichardFeynman Nonteleologicalthinkingconcernsitselfprimarilynotwithwhatshouldbe,orcouldbe,ormight be,butratherwithwhatactuallyisattemptingatmosttoanswerthealreadysufficiently difficultquestionswhatorhow,insteadofwhy....Inthenonteleologicalsensetherecanbeno answer.Therecanbeonlypictureswhichbecomelargerandmoresignificantasoneshorizon increases. JohnSteinbeck,LogFromtheSeaofCortez,1941 Asaschoolofthought,teleologycanbecontrastedwithmetaphysicalnaturalism,whichviews natureashavingnodesignorpurpose.Teleologywouldsaythatapersonhaseyesbecausehehas theneedofsight,whilenaturalismwouldsaythatapersonhassightbecausehehaseyes. Unattributed.Alsoseehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teleology Thisideathatnatureabhorsagradient,oneofthekeyideasofthisbook,isverysimple:agradient issimplyadifference(forexample,intemperature,pressure,orchemicalconcentration)acrossa distance.Naturesabhorrenceofgradientsmeansthattheywilltendspontaneouslytobe eliminatedmostspectacularlybycomplexgrowingsystems.Thesimpleconceptofcollapsing gradientsencapsulatesthedifficultscienceofthermodynamics,demystifiesentropy(asimportant totheuniverseasgravity),andilluminateshowallcomplexstructuresandprocesses,including thoseoflife,comenaturallyintobeing. Wearefamiliarwithnaturesbreakdownofgradientsinonecase.Natureabhorsavacuum,and willspontaneouslycrushametalcanfromwhichtheairhasbeenremoved.Inthisexample, nature,withoutpromptingordesign,rectifiesthepressuredifferencebetweenthelowpressure insideandthehighpressure(fourteenpoundspersquareinch)outsideofthecan.Butinthisbook wevastlyextendthepressureexample.Weshowthatnaturesabhorrenceofthisandmanyother gradientsisalawofnature,anunstoppabletendencywhereenergyflowleadstodifferentnatural complexsystemsincludinglifeitself.Weshowthegreatsignificanceofthislaw(calledthesecond lawofthermodynamics)fortheorigin,persistence,andeventualdemiseofcomplexnatural systemsevensuchasthenationstate.Wetracethehistoryofscientificthoughtonenergyand mattertowhereweare:ontheeveofagreatunificationofthesciences.Energyfromthesun generates,perpetuates,andelaboratesnewidentities,fromwhirlwindsandflowerstoeconomies andgovernments,manyofwhichseemasiftheywereplannedbyaninvisiblehandoreye. Indeed,lifesemergenceandevolutionis,weargue,acyclicalprocesssiredbyenergyflow. AlthoughlifeissafeguardedbythenaturalbiotechnologyofDNAreplication,andspreadby reproducingcells,itisenergythatgivestheevolutionaryprocessitsimpetustobeginandpersist. Complexpatternsofcyclingmatterappearinregionsofenergyflow.Life,fromitsinconspicuous

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microscopicstarttoitspossibleinterplanetaryandinterstellarfuture,isoneofthesepatterns. Theclassicalstudentsofthermodynamicsrecognizedboththepowerandlimitationsoftheir science.Theyknewthattheylivedinaworldquiteseparatefromthehighlyidealizedsystems wheremaximumentropyanddisorderreigned.Nowherewasthisapparentconflictsodramaticas whenonecomparedevolvinglifetothepredictionthatrandomprocesseswouldleadtotheheat deathoftheuniverse.Thesecondlawinitsoriginalformulationforetoldthingsinexorablylosing theirabilitytodowork,burningoutandfadingawayuntilallstatesareinornearequilibrium withnoenergylefttorunorganismsormachines.Butlifedemonstratesanopposite,evolutionary tendency,ofcomplexityincreasingwithtime. How?Thiswastheheartoftheparadox.InthisbookwecallittheSchrdingerparadoxafterthe quantumphysicistwhofirstfocusedontheneedtoexplainlifesapparentdefianceofthesecond lawofthermodynamics.Thesecondlaw,initsbasicoriginalform,statesthatentropy(atomicor molecularrandomness)willinevitablyincreaseinanysealedsystem.Yetlivingbeingspreserve andevenelaborateexquisiteatomicandmolecularpatternsovereons. EricSchneiderhadbegunamission,ascientificquestforbiologicalecologicalbedrock. Acquaintinghimselfwiththeenergyecologists,helookedfortheecologicalequivalentof Newtonslaws,theF=ma(forceequalsmasstimesacceleration)ofphysics.Wherewerethe simpleequationssuchasthosethatdescribetransportinfluids(thesocalledNavierStokes equations)forecosystems?Didtheyevenexist?Atfirstitseemedtheymightnot.Yetthesearch forthem,detailedinErwinSchrdingersfamous1944book,WhatIsLife?certainlydid.Thethree lecturesuponwhichSchrdingersbookwasbasedoutlinedtwofuturesciences:themolecular biologythathasprovedtobesuchaforceintheworld,andthethermodynamicsofbiologythat hasyettoproveitsmettle.Schrdingerssecondsubjectisthetopicofthepresentbook.Intothe Coolshouldbeconsideredajourneyintotheheartofanemergingsciencethatcombineslifewith physicsinamixthatmaysomedaybeaspotentasmolecularbiologyandaspracticalas biotechnology.Inthisbookwetestourbiothermodynamicthoughtsagainstthedataandextend themintoeconomics,humanhealth,thesustainabilityofecosystems,andthepossibilityoflifein outerspace. Intheendseveralphilosophicalissuesarethrustuponus.Foremostamongtheseisthequestionof lifesexistence.Whylife?Doeslife,scientificallyviewed,haveanoverallfunction?Ouransweris yes.Abarometricpressuregradientintheatmosphere,thedifferencebetweenhighandlow pressuremasses,leadstoatornado,acomplexcyclingsystem.Thetornadosfunction,itspurpose, istoeliminatethegradient.Lifehasasimilarnaturalpurpose.Onlyinsteadofquicklydestroyinga pressuregradientandthendisappearing,ittendstoreduce,overbillionsofyears,thehugesolar gradientbetweenhotsunandcoldspace,growingincomplexityasitdoesso.Thegrowthof complex,intelligentlifecanbedirectlytracedtotheeffectivenessoflifeasacyclingmaterial systemadeptatreducinggradients.Theoriginalandbasicfunctionoflife,asoftheothercomplex systemsthatweexamineinthisbook,istoreduceanambientgradient.

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CulturecriticC.P.Snow,disapprovingtheincreasinggapbetweenthesciencesandthearts, suggestedthatanyeducatedpersonshouldknowthesecondlawofthermodynamics.Not knowingthesecondlawwas,hesaidinhisTwoCulturesandaSecondLook(1969)anearly warningshotintheeverchangingbattlefieldoftheculturewarsequivalenttonothavingreada workbyShakespeare.Thesecondlawisneitheraguarantorofcosmicdeathnoranarcane mathematicalequationofinterestonlytopolymerchemists.Rather,thesecondlawhelpsexplain thecreationandelaborationofcomplexsystemsrunbyenergyflow.Thesecondlawalsodirects ourattentiontowardthedirectionalprocessesweseeinmanysortsofdevelopingcomplex systems,includingthoseofourownevolution.Inshort,thenaturalphenomenadescribedunder therubricofthesecondlawsnotonlydestroy,butcreatebydestroyinggradients. Energyandmaterialinenclosedsystemswillbecomerandomlydistributedovertime.Living systems,however,aretheveritableoppositeofsuchdisorder.Livinginanenvironmenttending towarddisorder,theyincreasetheirorder.Abetterwordfororderisorganizationorganisms areorganizedtodosomething:tolive,toreproduce,tokeepongoingastheyare.Saidotherwise, organismsareorganizedtoresistthermodynamicequilibrium. EricD.SchneiderandDorionSagan,IntoTheCool:EnergyFlow,Thermodynamics,and Life,Introduction,2005 IfyourtheoryisfoundtobeagainstthesecondlawofthermodynamicsIcangiveyounohope; thereisnothingforitbuttocollapseindeepesthumiliation. ArthurEddington,Britishastrophysicist,1915 HeisblindwhodoesnotseetheSun,foolishwhodoesnotrecogniseit,ungratefulwhoisnot thankfulforit,sincesogreatisthelight,sogreatthegood,sogreatthebenefit,theteacherofthe senses,thefatherofsubstances,theauthoroflife. GiordanoBruno,Lospacciodellabestiatrionfante,1584 Thereisnojoymoreintensethanthatofcominguponafactthatcannotbeunderstoodintermsof currentlyacceptedideas. CeciliaPayne,AnAutobiographyandotherRecollections Thereisnoempiricalmethodwithoutspeculativeconceptsandsystems.Thereisnospeculative thinkingwhoseconceptsdonotreveal,oncloserinvestigation,theempiricalmethodsfromwhich theystem. AlbertEinsteinintheforwardtoGalileosDialogueConcerningtheChiefTwoWorld Systems(Galilei,1632),pagexvii

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Ipointedout[toEinstein]thatwecannot,infact,observesuchapath[ofanelectroninanatom]; whatweactuallyrecordarefrequenciesofthelightradiatedbytheatom,intensitiesandtransition probabilities,butnoactualpath.Andsinceitisbutrationaltointroduceintoatheoryonlysuch quantitiesascanbedirectlyobserved,theconceptofelectronpathsoughtnot,infact,tofigurein thetheory.Tomyastonishment,Einsteinwasnotatallsatisfiedwiththisargument.Hethought thateverytheoryinfactcontainsunobservablequantities.Theprincipleofemployingonly observablequantitiessimplycannotbeconsistentlycarriedout.AndwhenIobjectedthatinthisI hadmerelybeenapplyingthetypeofphilosophythathe,too,hadmadethebasisofhisspecial theoryofrelativity,heansweredsimply:PerhapsIdidusesuchphilosophyearlier,andalso wroteit,butitisnonsenseallthesame. WernerHeisenbergtellingofaconversationhehadwithAlbertEinsteinin1926, quotedbyStevenWeinberginDreamsofaFinalTheory,1992,page180 Reificationistheapprehensionofhumanphenomenaasiftheywerethings,thatis,innonhuman orpossiblysuprahumanterms.Anotherwayofsayingthisisthatreificationistheapprehension oftheproductsasiftheysomethingelsethanhumanproductssuchasfactsofnature,resultsof cosmiclaws,ormanifestationsofdivinewill.Reificationimpliesthatmaniscapableofforgetting hisownauthorshipofthehumanworld,andfurther,thatthedialecticbetweenman,theproducer, andhisproductsislosttoconsciousness.Thereifiedworldis,bydefinition,adehumanizedworld. Itisexperiencedbymanasastrangefacticity,anopusalienumoverwhichhehasnocontrolrather thanastheopuspropriumofhisownproductiveactivity. Berger&Luckmann,TheSocialConstructionofReality,1966,page89 Whenallthelogicalconsequencesofaninnovationarepresentedsimultaneously,theshockto habitsissogreatthatmentendtorejectthewhole... BertrandRussell Philosophyarisesfromanunusuallyobstinateattempttoarriveatrealknowledge.Whatpasses forknowledgeinordinarylifesuffersfromthreedefects:itiscocksure,vague,andself contradictory.Thefirststeptowardsphilosophyconsistsinbecomingawareofthesedefects,not inordertorestcontentwithalazyscepticism,butinordertosubstituteanamendedkindof knowledgewhichshallbetentative,preciseandselfconsistent. BertrandRussell,OutlineofPhilosophy Iseemtobesayingtwothingsthatcontradicteachother.Ontheonehand,wetrustscientific knowledge;ontheotherhand,wearealwaysreadytomodifyindepthpartofourconceptual structureabouttheworld.Butthereisnocontradiction,becausetheideaofacontradictioncomes fromwhatIseeasthedeepestmisunderstandingaboutscience:theideathatscienceisabout certainty.

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Weteachourstudents:wesaythatwehavesometheoriesaboutscience.Scienceisabout hypotheticodeductivemethods,wehaveobservations,wehavedata,datarequiretobeorganized intheories.Sothenwehavetheories.Thesetheoriesaresuggestedorproducedfromthedata somehow,thencheckedintermsofthedata.Thentimepasses,wehavemoredata,theories evolve,wethrowawayatheory,andwefindanothertheorywhichisbetter,abetter understandingofthedata,andsoonandsoforth. Thisisastandardideaofhowscienceworks,whichimpliesthatscienceisaboutempiricalcontent, thetrueinterestingrelevantcontentofscienceisitsempiricalcontent.Sincetheorieschange,the empiricalcontentisthesolidpartofwhatscienceis.Now,theressomethingdisturbing,formeas atheoreticalscientist,inallthis.Ifeelthatsomethingismissing.Somethingofthestoryismissing. Ivebeenaskingtomyselfwhatisthisthingmissing?ImnotsureIhavetheanswer,butIwantto presentsomeideasonsomethingelsewhichscienceis. Thisisparticularlyrelevanttodayinscience,andparticularlyinphysics,becauseifImallowedto bepolemical,inmyfield,infundamentaltheoreticalphysics,itis30yearsthatwefail.Therehasnt beenamajorsuccessintheoreticalphysicsinthelastfewdecades,afterthestandardmodel, somehow.Ofcoursethereareideas.Theseideasmightturnouttoberight.Loopquantumgravity mightturnouttoberight,ornot.Stringtheorymightturnouttoberight,ornot.Butwedont know,andforthemoment,naturehasnotsaidyesinanysense.Isuspectthatthismightbeinpart becauseofthewrongideaswehaveaboutscience,andbecausemethodologicallywearedoing somethingwrong,atleastintheoreticalphysics,andperhapsalsoinothersciences. WhenIgiveathesistostudents,mostofthetimetheproblemIgiveforathesisisnotsolved.Its notsolvedbecausethesolutionofthequestion,mostofthetime,isnotsolvinginthequestion,its justquestioningthequestionitself.Isrealizingthatinthewaytheproblemwasformulated,there wassomeimplicitprejudiceassumptionthatwastheonetobedropped.Ifthisisso,theideathat wehavedataandtheories,andthenwehavearationalagentthatconstructstheoriesfromthedata usinghisrationality,hismind,hisintelligence,hisconceptualstructure,andjugglestheoriesand data,doesntmakeanysense,becausewhatisbeingchallengedateverystepisnotthetheory,its theconceptualstructureusedinconstructingtheoriesandinterpretingthedata.Inotherwords, itsnotchangingtheoriesthatwegoahead,butchangingthewaywethinkabouttheworld. WhatarethentheaspectsofdoingsciencethatIthinkareunderevaluated,andshouldcomeup front?First,scienceisaboutconstructingvisionsoftheworld,aboutrearrangingourconceptual structure,aboutcreatingnewconceptswhichwerenottherebefore,andevenmore,about changing,challengingtheapriorithatwehave.Soitsnothingtodoabouttheassemblyofdata andthewayoforganizingtheassemblyofdata.Ithaseverythingtodoaboutthewaywethink, andaboutourmentalvisionoftheworld. Scienceisaprocessinwhichwekeepexploringwaysofthinking,andchangingourimageofthe world,ourvisionoftheworld,tofindnewonesthatworkalittlebitbetter.Thepastknowledgeis

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alwayswithus,anditsourmainingredientforunderstanding.Thetheoreticalideaswhichare basedonletsimaginethatthismayhappenbecausewhynotarenottakingusanywhere. Scienceisnotaboutcertainty.Scienceisaboutfindingthemostreliablewayofthinking,atthe presentlevelofknowledge.Scienceisextremelyreliable;itsnotcertain.Infact,notonlyitsnot certain,butitsthelackofcertaintythatgroundsit.Scientificideasarecrediblenotbecausethey aresure,butbecausetheyaretheonesthathavesurvivedallthepossiblepastcritiques,andthey arethemostcrediblebecausetheywereputonthetableforeverybodyscriticism. Theveryexpressionscientificallyprovenisacontradictioninterms.Thereisnothingthatis scientificallyproven.Thecoreofscienceisthedeepawarenessthatwehavewrongideas,wehave prejudices.Wehaveingrainedprejudices.Inourconceptualstructureforgraspingrealitythere mightbesomethingnotappropriate,somethingwemayhavetorevisetounderstandbetter.Soat anymoment,wehaveavisionofrealitythatiseffective,itsgood,itsthebestwehavefoundso far.Itsthemostcrediblewehavefoundsofar,itsmostlycorrect. IfIcanmakeafinalcommentaboutthiswayofthinkingaboutscience,ortwofinalcomments: Oneisthatscienceisnotaboutthedata.Theempiricalcontentofscientifictheoryisnotwhatis relevant.Thedataservestosuggestthetheory,toconfirmthetheory,todisconfirmthetheory,to provethetheorywrong.Butthesearethetoolsthatweuse.Whatinterestsusisthecontentofthe theory.Whatinterestsusiswhatthetheorysaysabouttheworld.Generalrelativitysaysspace timeiscurved.ThedataofgeneralrelativityarethatMercuryperihelionmoves43degreesper century,withrespecttothatcomputedwithNewtonianmechanics. Whocares?Whocaresaboutthesedetails?Ifthatwasthecontentofgeneralrelativity,general relativitywouldbeboring.Generalrelativityisinterestingnotbecauseofitsdata,butbecauseit tellsusthatasfarasweknowtoday,thebestwayofconceptualizingspacetimeisasacurved object.ItgivesusabetterwayofgraspingrealitythanNewtonianmechanics,becauseittellsus thattherecanbeblackholes,becauseittellsustheresaBigBang.Thisisthecontentofthe scientifictheory. Sosummarizing,Ithinkscienceisnotaboutdata;itsnotabouttheempiricalcontent,aboutour visionoftheworld.Itsaboutovercomingourownideas,andaboutgoingbeyondcommonsense continuously.Scienceisacontinuouschallengeofcommonsense,andthecoreofscienceisnot certainty,itscontinuousuncertainty.Iwouldevensaythejoyoftakingwhatwethink,being awarethatineverythingwethink,thereareprobablystillanenormousamountofprejudicesand mistakes,andtrytolearntolookalittlebitlarger,knowingthatthereisalwaysalargerpointof viewthatwellexpectinthefuture. Thismaytakemetoanotherpoint,whichisshouldascientistthinkaboutphilosophy,ornot?Its sortofthefashiontodaytodiscardphilosophy,tosaynowwehavescience,wedontneed philosophy.Ifindthisattitudeverynavefortworeasons.Oneishistorical.Justlookback: Heisenbergwouldhaveneverdonequantummechanicswithoutbeingfullofphilosophy;Einstein wouldhaveneverdonerelativitywithouthavingreadallthephilosophersandhaveaheadfullof

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philosophy;GalileowouldneverhavedonewhathehaddonewithouthavingaheadfullofPlato. Newtonthoughtofhimselfasaphilosopher,andstartedbydiscussingthiswithDescartes,and hadstrongphilosophicalideas. ButevenMaxwell,Boltzmann,Imean,allthemajorstepsofscienceinthepastweredoneby peoplewhowereveryawareofmethodological,fundamental,evenmetaphysicalquestionsbeing posed.WhenHeisenbergdoesquantummechanics,heisinacompletelyphilosophicalmind.He saysinclassicalmechanicstheressomethingphilosophicallywrong,theresnotenoughemphasis onempiricism.Itisexactlythisphilosophicalreadingofhimthatallowshimtoconstructthis fantasticallynewphysicaltheory,scientifictheory,whichisquantummechanics. Thedivorcebetweenthisstrictdialoguebetweenphilosophersandscientistsisveryrecent,and somehowitsafterthewar,inthesecondhalfofthe20thcentury.Ithasworkedbecauseinthefirst halfofthe20thcentury,peopleweresosmart.EinsteinandHeisenbergandDiracandcompany puttogetherrelativityandquantumtheoryanddidalltheconceptualwork.Thephysicsofthe secondhalfofthecenturyhasbeen,inasense,aphysicsofapplicationofthegreatideasofthe peopleofthe30s,oftheEinsteinsandtheHeisenbergs. Ithinkthatthescientistswhosay,Idontcareaboutphilosophy,itsnottruetheydontcare aboutphilosophy,becausetheyhaveaphilosophy.Theyareusingaphilosophyofscience.They areapplyingamethodology.Theyhaveaheadfullofideasaboutwhatisthephilosophytheyre using;justtheyrenotawareofthem,andtheytakethemforgranted,asifthiswasobviousand clear.Whenitsfarfromobviousandclear.Theyarejusttakingapositionwithoutknowingthat therearemanyotherpossibilitiesaroundthatmightworkmuchbetter,andmightbemore interestingforthem. Ithinkthereisnarrowmindedness,ifImightsayso,inmanyofmycolleaguescientiststhatdont wanttolearnwhatisbeingsaidinthephilosophyofscience.Thereisalsoanarrowmindednessin alotofareasofphilosophyandthehumanitiesinwhichtheydontwanttolearnaboutscience, whichisevenmorenarrowminded.Somehowculturesreach,enlarge.Imthrowingdownan opendoorifIsayithere,butrestrictingourvisionofrealitytodayonjustthecorecontentof scienceorthecorecontentofhumanitiesisjustbeingblindtothecomplexityofrealitythatwecan graspfromanumberofpointsofview,whichtalktooneanotherenormously,andwhichIbelieve canteachoneanotherenormously. CarloRivelli,ScienceIsNotAboutCertainty:APhilosophyOfPhysics,at http://edge.org/conversation/aphilosophyofphysics Ishouldliketosaytwothings,oneintellectualandonemoral.TheintellectualthingIshouldwant tosaytothemisthis.Whenyouarestudyinganymatterorconsideringanyphilosophy,ask yourselfonlyWhatarethefacts?Andwhatisthetruththatthefactsbearout?Neverlet yourselfbediverted,eitherbywhatyouwishtobelieveorbywhatyouthinkcouldhave beneficentsocialeffectsifitwerebelieved.Butlookonlyandsolelyatwhatarethefacts.Thatis

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theintellectualthingthatIshouldwishtosay. ThemoralthingIshouldwishtosaytothemisverysimple.IshouldsayLoveiswise,hatredis foolish.Inthisworld,whichisgettingmoreandmorecloselyinterconnected,wehavetolearnto tolerateeachother.Wehavetolearntoputupwiththefactthatsomepeoplesaythingswedont like.Wecanonlylivetogetherinthatway.Butifwearetolivetogetherandnotdietogether,we mustlearnakindofcharityandakindoftolerancewhichisabsolutelyvitaltothecontinuationof humanlifeonthisplanet. BertrandRussell(18721970),answeringthequestion,Whatwouldyouthinkits worthtellingourdescendantsaboutthelifeyouvelivedandthelessonsyouvelearned fromit?inaBBCFacetoFaceinterview,1959.Theproblemwithmostsocialandeven physicalscientiststodayisthattheypracticetheirscienceguidedbyRussellsmoral principle,notbyhisintellectualprinciple.Suchscientistsareoftenguidedpreciselyby whattheywishtobelieveandbywhattheythinkcouldhavebeneficentsocial[and personalstatus]effectsifitwerebelieved. Thedaysciencebeginstostudynonphysicalphenomena,itwillmakemoreprogressinone decadethaninallthepreviouscenturiesofitsexistence. NikolaTesla(apocryphal) Silentevidenceiswhateventsusetoconcealtheirownrandomness. NassimNicholasTaleb,TheBlackSwan:TheImpactoftheHighlyImprobable,2007 ThescienceofEcologyhasbeentakenoverbythecultofscientificreductionismandhasbecomea weaponinthewaronthelivingworldbeingwagedbyindustrialman. Themorecredibleepistemologistsofthelastdecades...havegenerallycometoagreethatscientific knowledgehasnospecialstatuscontrarytowhatlogicalpositivistsandmanyscientistsstill maintainthatdistinguishesitfromcommonorgardenknowledge. Atthesametime,ithasalsobecomeclearthat,sincescientistsdonotliveinaclosedscientific community,butarealsomembersofasocietywithwhoseworldview,togetherwiththevaluesit reflects,theyhave,likeeverybodyelse,beenimbued,andwhichthescientificparadigmwhich theyentertainalsotendstoreflect....Consistencywiththereigningsocialparadigmisthus,in effect,theultimatecriterionofscientifictruth. EdwardGoldsmith,WhateverHappenedtoEcology?,2002 Thought,howeverunintelligibleitmaybe,seemsasmuchfunctionoforgan,asbileofliver.This viewshouldteachoneprofoundhumility,onedeservesnocreditforanything.[N]oroughtoneto

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blameothers. CharlesDarwin,inaprivatenotetohimself,inthe1870s Ourcravingforgeneralityhas[asone]sourceourpreoccupationwiththemethodofscience.I meanthemethodofreducingtheexplanationofnaturalphenomenatothesmallestpossible numberofprimitivenaturallaws;and,inmathematics,ofunifyingthetreatmentofdifferent topicsbyusingageneralization.Philosophersconstantlyseethemethodofsciencebeforetheir eyes,andareirresistiblytemptedtoaskandanswerinthewaysciencedoes.Thistendencyisthe realsourceofmetaphysics,andleadsthephilosopherintocompletedarkness.Iwanttosayhere thatitcanneverbeourjobtoreduceanythingtoanything,ortoexplainanything.Philosophy reallyispurelydescriptive. LudwigWittgenstein,TheBlueBook,193334

ENVIRONMENT
Themiracleisnottowalkonwater.ThemiracleistowalkonthegreenEarth. ThichNhatHanh Wehavegearedthemachinesandlockedalltogetherintointerdependence; wehavebuiltthegreatcities; nowthereisnoescape. Wehavegatheredvastpopulationsincapableoffreesurvival,insulated Fromthestrongearth,eachpersoninhimselfhelpless,onalldependent. Thecircleisclosed,andthenet Isbeinghauledin. RobinsonJeffers,fromThePurseSeine,1937 Ifyoudontunderstandhowthingsareconnected,thecauseofproblemsissolutions. AmoryB.Lovins,RockyMountainInstitute.Thisisarareandrelativelysophisticated statementofthesocalledLawofUnintendedConsequences.Lesssophisticatedis Watchout;youmightgetwhatyouwishfor.LeastsophisticatedisShitHappens. Thechiefcauseofproblemsissolutions. SevareidsLaw,EricSevareid,networkTVnewsanchor [Illustratingconvergencetothelowestcommondenominatorsoundbite.Thecultof mediocritylevelsall...]

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Thelawofunintendedconsequencesiswhathappenswhenasimplesystemtriestoregulatea complexsystem.Thepoliticalsystemissimple.Itoperateswithlimitedinformation(rational ignorance),shorttimehorizons,lowfeedback,andpoorandmisalignedincentives.Societyin contrastisacomplex,evolving,highfeedback,incentivedrivensystem.Whenasimplesystem triestoregulateacomplexsystemyouoftengetunintendedconsequences. AndrewGelman Choosinganineffectiveordetrimentalpolicyforcopingwithacomplexsystemisnotamatterof randomchance.Theintuitiveprocesseswillselectthewrongsolutionmuchmoreoftenthannot.A complexsystemaclasstowhichacorporation,acity,aneconomy,oragovernmentbelongs behavesinmanywaysquitetheoppositeofthesimplesystemsfromwhichwehavegainedour experience. Mostofourintuitiveresponseshavebeendevelopedinthecontextofwhataretechnicallycalled firstorder,negativefeedbackloops.Suchasimpleloopisgoalseekingandhasonlyone importantstatevariable.Forexample,warmingoneshandsbesideastovecanbeapproximatedas afirstorder,negativefeedbackloopinwhichthepurposeoftheprocessistoobtainwarmth withoutburningoneshands.Theprincipalstatevariableoftheloopisthedistancefromthestove. Ifoneistoocloseheburnshishands,iftoofarawayhereceiveslittleheat.Theintuitivelessonis thatcauseandeffectarecloselyrelatedintimeandspace.Temperaturedependsonthedistance fromthestove.Toomuchortoolittleheatisclearlyrelatedtothepositionofthehands.The relationofcauseandeffectisimmediateandclear.Similarly,thesimplefeedbackloopsthat governwalking,drivingacar,orpickingthingsupalltrainustofindcauseandeffectoccurringat approximatelythesamemomentandlocation. Butincomplexsystemscauseandeffectareoftennotcloselyrelatedineithertimeorspace.The structureofacomplexsystemisnotasimplefeedbackloopwhereonesystemstatedominatesthe behavior.Thecomplexsystemhasamultiplicityofinteractingfeedbackloops.Itsinternalratesof flowarecontrolledbynonlinearrelationships.Thecomplexsystemisofhighorder,meaningthat therearemanysystemstates(orlevels).Itusuallycontainspositivefeedbackloopsdescribing growthprocessesaswellasnegative,goalseekingloops.Inthecomplexsystemthecauseofa difficultymayliefarbackintimefromthesymptoms,orinacompletelydifferentandremotepart ofthesystem.Infact,causesareusuallyfound,notinpriorevents,butinthestructureandpolicies ofthesystem. Tomakemattersstillworse,thecomplexsystemisevenmoredeceptivethanmerelyhiding causes.Inthecomplexsystem,whenwelookforacausenearintimeandspacetoasymptom,we usuallyfindwhatappearstobeaplausiblecause.Butitisusuallynotthecause.Thecomplex systempresentsapparentcausesthatareinfactcoincidentsymptoms.Thehighdegreeoftime correlationbetweenvariablesincomplexsystemscanleadustomakecauseandeffect associationsbetweenvariablesthataresimplymovingtogetheraspartofthetotaldynamic

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behaviorofthesystem.Conditionedbyourtraininginsimplesystems,weapplythesame intuitiontocomplexsystemsandareledintoerror.Asaresultwetreatsymptoms,notcauses.The outcomeliesbetweenineffectiveanddetrimental.(pages89) JayW.Forrester;UrbanDynamics,1969 Thedynamiccharacteristicsofcomplexsocialsystemsfrequentlymisleadpeople.[Urban policiesforexample]arebeingfollowedonthepresumptionthattheywillalleviatethedifficulties. Infact,adownwardspiraldevelopsinwhichthepresumedsolutionmakesthedifficultyworse andtherebycausesredoublingofthepresumedsolutionsothatmattersbecomestillworse. Thesamedownwardspiralfrequentlydevelopsinnationalgovernmentandatthelevelofworld affairs.Judgmentanddebateleadtoprogramsthatappeartobesound.Commitmentincreasesto theapparentsolutions.Ifthepresumedsolutionsactuallymakemattersworse,theprocessby whichthishappensisnotevident.So,whenthetroublesincrease,theeffortsareintensifiedthat areactuallyworseningtheproblems. JayW.Forrester,WorldDynamics,1973,pages9394 Complexsystemsthathaveartificiallysuppressedvolatilitybecomeextremelyfragile,whileatthe sametimeexhibitingnovisiblerisks. NassimTaleb,intheJune2011issueofForeignAffairs Agoodsolutionwill:solvemorethanoneproblem,whilenotmakingnewproblems;satisfya wholerangeofcriteria;begoodinallrespects;acceptgivenlimits,using,sofaraspossible,whatis athand;improvethebalances,symmetries,orharmonieswithinapatternitisaqualitative solutionratherthanenlargingorcomplicatingsomepartofapatternattheexpenseorin neglectoftherest. WendellBerryonSolvingforPatterns Naturesecosystemshave3.5billionyearsofexperienceevolvingefficient,complex,adaptive, resilientsystems.Whyshouldcompaniesreinventthewheel,whentheR&Dhasalreadybeen done? GilFriend,ofNaturalLogic,Inc. Whenwetrytopickoutanythingbyitself,wefindithitchedtoeverythingelseintheUniverse. JohnMuir Thedestructionofthenaturalworldisnottheresultofglobalcapitalism,industrialization,

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Westerncivilization,oranyflawinhumaninstitutions.Itisaconsequenceoftheevolutionary successofanexceptionallyrapaciousprimate.Throughoutallofhistoryandprehistory,human advancehascoincidedwithecologicaldevastation. JohnGray,StrawDogs Wethoughtweweregettingsomethingfornothing,butweweregettingnothingforeverything. WendellBerry Theboundaryofasystemmaybedrawnaroundasinglecompany,oraroundanindustry,orthe wholecountry.Thebiggerthecoverage,thebiggerbethepossiblebenefits,butthemoredifficult tomanage. Dr.W.EdwardsDeming Properlyspeaking,globalthinkingisnotpossible.Thosewhohavethoughtglobally(andamong themthemostsuccessfulhavebeenimperialgovernmentsandmultinationalcorporations)have donesobymeansofsimplificationstooextremeandoppressivetomeritthenameofthought. Globalthinkershavebeen,andwillbe,dangerouspeople. Globalthinkingcanonlybestatistical.Itsshallownessisexposedbytheleastintentiontodo something.Unlessoneiswillingtobedestructiveonaverylargescale,onecannotdosomething exceptlocally,inasmallplace. Theonlysustainablecity...isacityinbalancewithitscountryside:acity,thatis,thatwouldlive offthenetecologicalincomeofitssupportingregion,payingasitgoesallitsecologicalandhuman debts....Somecitiescanneverbesustainable,becausetheydonothaveacountrysidearound them,ornearthem,fromwhichtheycanbesustained.NewYorkCitycannotbemadesustainable, norcanPhoenix. Ecologicalgoodsensewillbeopposedbyallthemostpowerfuleconomicentitiesofourtime, becauseecologicalgoodsenserequiresthereductionorreplacementofthoseentities.[For ecologicalgoodsensetoprevail]ourcurrentlyprevailingassumptionsaboutknowledge, information,education,money,andpoliticalwillareinadequate.AllourinstitutionswithwhichI amfamiliarhaveadoptedtheorganizationalpatternsandthequantitativemeasuresofthe industrialcorporations.Bothsidesoftheecologicaldebate,perhapsasaconsequence,are alarminglyabstract. Abstractionistheenemywhereveritisfound.Theabstractionsofsustainabilitycanruintheworld justassurelyastheabstractionsofindustrialeconomics.Locallifemaybeasmuchendangeredby savingtheplanetasbyconqueringtheworld.Suchaprojectcallsforabstractpurposesand centralpowersthatcannotknow,andsowilldestroy,theintegrityoflocalnatureandlocal

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community. Youcantactlocallybythinkingglobally.Ifyouwanttokeepyourlocalactsfromdestroyingthe globe,youmustthinklocally. Noonecanmakeecologicalgoodsensefortheplanet.Everyonecanmakeecologicalgoodsense locally,iftheaffection,thescale,theknowledge,thetools,andtheskillsareright. Therightscaleinworkgivespowertoaffection.Whenoneworksbeyondthereachofoneslove fortheplaceoneisworkingin,andforthethingsandcreaturesoneisworkingwith,then destructioninevitableresults. Ifwecouldthinklocally,wewoulddofarbetterthanwearedoingnow.Therightlocalquestions andanswerswillbetherightglobalones.TheAmishquestion,Whatwillthisdotoour community?tendstowardtherightanswerfortheworld. Therealworkofplanetsavingwillbesmall,humble,andhumbling,and(insofarasitinvolves love)pleasingandrewarding.Itsjobswillbetoomanytocount,toomanytoreport,toomanyto bepubliclynoticedorrewarded,toosmalltomakeonerichorfamous. Thegreatobstaclemaynotbegreedbutthemodernhankeringafterglamour.Alotofour smartest,mostconcernedpeoplewanttocomeupwithabigsolutiontoabigproblem. Localfoolishnessissuperiortonationalandinternationalfoolishnessbecauseitdoesntdo nationalandinternationaldamage. Ourwishtopreservetheplanetmustsomehowbereducedtothescaleofourcompetence.Only lovecandoit. WendellBerry,OutofYourCar,OffYourHorse,inTheAtlanticMonthly, February,1991 HewhowoulddogoodtoanothermustdoitinMinuteParticulars. Generalgoodisthepleaofthescoundrel,hypocrite,andflatterer; ForArtandSciencecannotexistbutinminutelyorganizedparticulars. WilliamBlake,Jerusalem,pl.55,l.60 Menareabletodeceivethemselvesupongeneralmatters,butnotsomuchsowhentheycometo particulars....Thequickestwayofopeningtheeyesofthepeopleistofindthemeansofmaking themdescendtoparticulars,seeingthattolookatthingsonlyinageneralwaydeceivesthem. NiccoloMachiavelli

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Aftereveryfoolishdaywesleepoffthefumesandfuriesofitshours;andthoughwearealways engagedwithparticulars,andoftenenslavedtothem,webringwithustoeveryexperimentthe innateuniversallaws. RalphWaldoEmerson,Nature Togeneralizeistobeanidiot. WilliamBlake Appreciationofsacrednessbeginsverysimplybytakinganinterestinallthedetailsofyourlife. ChgyamTrungpa,shortpathTibetanBuddhistTeacher Acreationisethicalindirectproportiontoitsvaluetothosewhomitmostaffects. HarryPalmer,Avatar ActGlobally,ThinkLocally.[Yetanothersloganimplodesuponcloseexamination...] AlexanderCarpenter,American Whatmancallscivilizationalwaysresultsindeserts. DonMarquis Manstalksacrossthelandscapeanddesertsfollowinhisfootsteps. Herodotus Growthistheenemyofprogress. EdwardAbbey,AVoiceCryingintheWilderness(VoxClamantisinDeserto) Progressmayhavebeenallrightonce,butitwentontoolong. OgdenNash Progressisthevictoryoflaughteroverdogma. BenjaminDeCasseres

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Theoptimistproclaimsthatweliveinthebestofallpossibleworlds;thepessimistfearsthisis true. JamesBranchCabell Modernmanwillneverfindpeaceuntilhecomesintoharmonywiththeplacewherehelives. CarlGustavJung,GermanPsychologist Themajorproblemsintheworldaretheresultofthedifferencebetweenhownatureworksand thewaypeoplethink. GregoryBateson,inthefilmAnEcologyofMind Psychology,sodedicatedtoawakeninghumanconsciousness,needstowakeuptooneofthemost ancienthumantruths:wecannotbestudiedorcuredapartfromtheplanet. JamesHillman,AmericanPsychologist Ifpsychosisistheattempttolivealie,theepidemicpsychosisofourtimeisthelieofbelievingthat wehavenoethicalobligationtoourplanetaryhome...[Healthprofessionals]ignorethegreater ecologicalrealitiesthatsurroundthepsycheasifthesoulmightbesavedwhilethebiosphere crumbles. TheodoreRoszak Whenhumanbeingslosetheirconnectiontonature,toheavenandearth,thentheydonotknow howtonurturetheirenvironment...Healingoursocietygoeshandinhandwithhealingour personal,elementalconnectionwiththephenomenalworld. ChgyamTrungpa,Rinpoche OnceIthoughtthattobehumanwasthehighestaimamancouldhave,butIseenowthatitwas meanttodestroyme.TodayIamproudtosaythatIaminhuman,thatIbelongnottomenand governments,thatIhavenothingtodowithcreedsandprinciples.Ihavenothingtodowiththe creakingmachineryofhumanityIbelongtotheearth!IsaythatlyingonmypillowandIcan feelthehornssproutingfrommytemples. HenryMiller,TropicofCancer Westilltalkintermsofconquest.Westillhaventbecomematureenoughtothinkofourselvesas onlyatinypartofavastandincredibleuniverse.Mansattitudetowardnatureistodaycritically importantsimplybecausewehavenowacquiredafatefulpowertoalteranddestroynature.But

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manisapartofnatureandhiswaragainstnatureisinevitablyawaragainsthimself...NowI trulybelievethatweinthisgenerationmustcometotermswithnature,andIthinkwere challengedasmankindhasneverbeenchallengedbeforetoproveourmaturityandourmastery, notofnature,butofourselves. RachelCarson,April1963 Toknowapeople,youneedonlyalittlepatience,aquietmoment,andaplacewhereyoumight listentothewhisperedmessagesoftheirland...Landscapeholdsthekeytocharacter.Onecould depopulateFrance,resettleitwithTartars,andwithinafewgenerationsfindthatthenational characteristicshadreemerged:therestless,metaphysicalcuriosity,thepassionateindividualism, theaffectionforgoodliving....Justaslandscapedefinesapeople,culturespringsfromaspiritof place. LawrenceDurrell,EnglishWriter TothosewhofollowedColumbusandCortez,theNewWorldtrulyseemedincrediblebecauseof thenaturalendowments.Thelandoftenannounceditselfwithaheavyscentmilesoutintothe ocean.GiovannidaVerrazanoin1524smelledthecedarsoftheEastCoastahundredleaguesout. ThemenofHenryHudsonsHalfMoonweretemporarilydisarmedbythefragranceoftheNew Jerseyshore,whileshipsrunningfartherupthecoastoccasionallyswamthroughlargebedsof floatingflowers.Wherevertheycameinlandtheyfoundarichriotofcolorandsound,ofgame andluxuriantvegetation.Hadtheybeenotherthantheywere,theymighthavewrittenanew mythologyhere.Asitwas,theytookinventory. FrederickTurner Forthoushaltbeinleaguewiththestonesofthefield, andthebeastsofthefieldshallbeatpeacewiththee. Bible,Job5:23 Thereisatransnationalecologyevennewerthanthetransnationaleconomy.Theenvironmentno moreknowsnationalboundariesthandoesmoneyorinformation.Thecrucialenvironmental needstheprotectionoftheatmosphere,forinstance,andoftheworldsforestscannotbemet bynationalactionornationallaw.Theycannotbeaddressedasadversarialissues.Theyrequire commontransnationalpolicies,transnationallyenforced. PeterF.Drucker,TheNewRealities Quelaterreestpetitequilavoitdescieux! (HowsmalltheEarthtohimwholooksfromheaven!)

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Delille ThefoolishnessofGodiswiserthanmen;andtheweaknessofGodisstrongerthanmen.Forye seeyourcalling,brethren,howthatnotmanywisemenaftertheflesh,notmanymighty,notmany noble,[arecalled],butGodhathchosenthefoolishthingsoftheworldtoconfoundthewise;and Godhathchosentheweakthingsoftheworldtoconfoundthethingswhicharemighty.Andbase thingsoftheworld,andthingswhicharedespised,hathGodchosen;[yea],andthingswhichare not,tobringtonoughtthingsthatare. Bible,1Corinthians,1:2528 Isitnotenoughforyoutofeedonthegoodpasture?Mustyoualsotrampletherestofyour pasturewithyourfeet?Isitnotenoughforyoutodrinkclearwater?Mustyoualsomuddythe restwithyourfeet? Ezekiel34:18 Straddlingeachadolphinsback Andsteadiedbyafin, Thoseinnocentsrelivetheirdeath, Theirwoundsopenagain. WilliamButlerYeats Donotexpecttoomuchoftheendoftheworld. StanislawJ.Lec,Aforyzmy.Fraszki,Krakow,WydawnictwoLiterackie,1977,Mysli nieuczesane Butasknowthebeasts,andtheyshallteachthee; andthefowlsoftheair,andtheyshalltellthee; andspeaktotheearth,anditshallteachthee; andthefishesoftheseashalldeclareuntothee. Whoamongthesedoesnotknow thatthehandoftheLordhasdonethis, inwhosehandisthelifeofeverylivingthing, andthebreathofallmankind. Bible,Job12:710 Thisweknowallthingsareconnectedlikethebloodwhichunitesonefamily. ChiefSeattle(apocryphal)

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Somepeopleseethingsastheyareandaskwhy. Idreamofthingsthatneverwereandaskwhynot. GeorgeBernardShaw Ahumanbeingispartofawhole,calledbyustheUniverse;apartlimitedintimeandspace.He experienceshimself,histhoughtsandfeelingsassomethingseparatedfromtherestakindof opticaldelusionofhisconsciousness.Thisdelusionisakindofprisonforus,restrictingustoour personaldesiresandtoaffectionforafewpersonsnearestus.Ourtaskistofreeourselvesfrom thisprisonbywideningourcirclesofcompassiontoembracealllivingcreaturesandthewholeof natureinitsbeauty. AlbertEinstein Selfabsorptioninallitsformskillsempathy,letalonecompassion. DanielGoleman Wewillbedestroyedunlesswecreateacosmicconscience.Andwehavetobegintodothatonan individuallevel,withtheyouththatarethepoliticiansoftomorrow.Butnoone,andcertainly nostate,cantakeovertheresponsibilitythattheindividualhastohisconscience.(page141) Wemustchangetheheartofman.(page143) AlbertEinstein,inEinsteinandthePoetInSearchoftheCosmicManbyWilliam Hermanns(BrandenPress,1983) IfeelthatthroughstrangeforgottenconnectionsIhavebeenevolvedarrivingatmypresentstate ofexpression.Thegreatmemoryofthoseseriesofexistencesrunningthroughmeliesinthe subconscious.ThatiswhyIcanfeelanoldbondofunitywithcreepersandtrees,birdsandbeasts ofthisworld.ThatiswhythisvastlymysteriousandimmenseUniversedoesnotappearterrifying orunfriendly. RabindranathTagore Letthebeautywelovebewhatwedo.TherearehundredsofwaystokneelandkisstheEarth. JalaludinRumi,PersianMysticalPoet Therainforestisbeingdestroyedbecauseithasnovalue.Tosavetherainforestitmustbeused. SteveMeyer,AmericanEconomist

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Population,whenunchecked,increasesinageometricratio.Subsistenceonlyincreasesinan arithmeticalratio...thepowerofpopulationisindefinitelygreaterthanthepowerintheearthto producesubsistenceforman. TheDismalTheorem,ThomasRobertMalthus(17661834),ThePrincipleofPopulation, 1,1798 Iftheonlythingwhichcancheckthegrowthofpopulationisstarvationandmisery,thenthe ultimateresultofanytechnologicalimprovementistoenablealargernumberofpeopletolivein misery. TheUtterlyDismalTheorem,KennethBoulding,TheMeaningoftheTwentiethCentury, 1964 Anyonewhobelievesexponentialgrowthcangoonforeverinafiniteworldiseitheramadmanor aneconomist. KennethBoulding Toputthisincontext,youmustrememberthatestimatesofthelongtermcarryingcapacityof Earthwithrelativelyoptimisticassumptionsaboutconsumption,technologies,andequity(AxT), areinthevicinityoftwobillionpeople.Todayspopulationcannotbesustainedontheinterest generatedbynaturalecosystems,butisconsumingitsvastsupplyofnaturalcapitalespecially deep,richagriculturalsoils,fossilgroundwater,andbiodiversityaccumulatedovercenturies toeons.Insomeplacessoils,whicharegeneratedonatimescaleofcentimeterspercenturyare disappearingatratesofcentimetersperyear.Someaquifersarebeingdepletedatdozensoftimes theirrechargerates,andwehaveembarkedonthegreatestextinctionepisodein65millionyears. PaulEhrlich,25September1998 Overpopulation,combinedwithoverconsumption,istheelephantintheroom.Wedonttalk aboutoverpopulationbecauseofrealfearsfromthepastofracism,eugenics,colonialism,forced sterilization,forcedfamilyplanning,plusthefearsfromsomeofcontraception,abortion,andsex. Wedon'treallytalkaboutoverconsumptionbecauseofignoranceabouttheeconomicsof overpopulationandthetrueecologicallimitsofEarth. PaulEhrlich,inMotherJonesmagazine,12May2010,42yearsafterpublicationofThe PopulationBomb Theparadoxembeddedinourfutureisthatthefastestwaytoslowourpopulationgrowthisto reducepoverty,yetthefastestwaytorunoutofresourcesistoincreasewealth.Thetrialaheadis tostrikethedelicatecompromise:betweenfewerpeople,andmorepeoplewithfewerneeds...all

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withinaneweconomygearedtowardsustainability.Perhapsthisisthesixthstageinour demographicmaturity:thetransitionfrom20thcenturyfamilyplanningto21stcentury civilisationalplanning. JuliaWhitty,inMotherJonesmagazine,12May2010 ItellthisstorytoillustratethetruthofthestatementIheardlongagointheArmy:Plansare worthless,butplanningiseverything.Thereisaverygreatdistinctionbecausewhenyouareplanning foranemergencyyoumuststartwiththisonething:theverydefinitionofemergencyisthatitis unexpected,thereforeitisnotgoingtohappenthewayyouareplanning. DwightDavidEisenhower,inaspeechtotheNationalDefenseExecutiveReserve ConferenceinWashington,D.C.,1957 Assoonasquestionsofwillordecisionorchoiceofactionarise,humanscienceisataloss. NoamChomsky,TVinterviewquotedinTheListener,6April1978 Manhaslostthecapacitytoforeseeandforestall.Hewillendbydestroyingtheearth. AlbertSchweitzer Whynotconsiderthepossibilitythatacity,likeamanorwomanoratreeoranyotherhealthy livingthing,shouldgrowuntilitreachesmaturityandthenstop;ahumanwhoneverstopped growingwouldbeafreak,amutant,amonster,asideshowgeekeatinglivechickensforsupper andtopplingdeadofdiabetesandkidneyfailureintoanearlygrave...Whenacityfinallystops growing,itscitizenscanfinallybegintolive.Inpeace.Security.Withamodicumofdomestic tranquility. EdwardAbbey,OneLifeataTime,Please [NotaBenethatothercityorganisms,ants,bees,corals,spongesregulatethefinalsize oftheircolonieswithdifferingbuteffectivesteadystateandmigratorystratagems. Othernoncityorganismssuchasratsincagesandlemmingsinthewildregulate theirpopulationthroughaggressive,cyclicdieoutbehaviorsthatresultingreatswings intheirpopulations,andsevereneurosisinindividuallives.Disregulationwithin organismsiscalledcancer.] Anidea,arelationship,cangoextinctjustlikeananimalorplant.Theideainthiscaseisnature, theseparateandwildprovince,theworldapartfrommantowhichheadapted,underwhoserules hewasbornanddied.Inthepast,wespoiledandpollutedpartsofthatnature,inflicted environmentaldamage.Butthatwaslikestabbingamanwithtoothpicks:thoughithurt, annoyed,degraded,itdidnottouchvitalorgans,blockthepathofthelymphorblood.Wenever

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thoughtthatwehadwreckednature.Deepdown,weneverreallythoughtwecould:itwastoobig andtooold;itsforcesthewind,therain,thesunweretoostrong,tooelemental. But,quitebyaccident,itturnedoutthatthecarbondioxideandothergasseswewereproducingin ourpursuitofabetterlife...couldalterthepowerofthesun,couldincreaseitsheat.Andthat increasecouldchangethepatternsofmoistureanddryness,breedstormsinnewplaces,breed deserts.Thosethingsmayormaynothaveyetbeguntohappen,butitistoolatetoaltogether preventthemfromhappening.Wehaveproducedthecarbondioxideweareendingnature. Wehavenotendedrainfallorsunlight;infact,rainfallandsunlightmaybecomemoreimportant forcesinourlives.Itistooearlytotellexactlyhowmuchharderthewindwillblow,howmuch hotterthesunwillshine.Thatisforthefuture.Butthemeaningofthewind,thesun,therainof naturehasalreadychanged.Yes,thewindstillblowsbutnolongerfromsomeothersphere, someinhumanplace. BillMcKibben,TheEndofNature,1989[andnowlookatthisinanAGWcultcontext] Ifapasturebecomesacommonsopentoall,therightofeachtouseitmaynotbematchedbya correspondingresponsibilitytoprotectit.Askingeveryonetouseitwithdiscretionwillhardlydo, fortheconsiderateherdsmanwhorefrainsfromoverloadingthecommonssuffersmorethana selfishonewhosayshisneedsaregreater.Ifeveryonewouldrestrainhimself,allwouldbewell; butittakesonlyonelessthaneveryonetoruinasystemofvoluntaryrestraint.Inacrowdedworld oflessthanperfecthumanbeings,mutualruinisinevitableiftherearenocontrols.Thisisthe TragedyoftheCommonsusingthewordtragedyasthephilosopherWhiteheadusedit:The essenceofdramatictragedyisnotunhappiness.Itresidesinthesolemnityoftheremorseless workingofthings. ThelessonoftheTragedyoftheCommonsisthatthecommoninterestfundamentallydiffers fromthesumofthespecialinterests. GarrettHardin,TragedyoftheCommons,1968 ThehumanmindisaproductofthePleistoceneage,shapedbywildnessthathasallbut disappeared.Ifwecompletethedestructionofnature,wewillhavesucceededincuttingourselves offfromthesourceofsanityitself. DavidOrr,environmentalphilosopher,inAdbusters,Sept./Oct.2002 AMachiavellianmasssocietyvaluingwealthacquisitionandtypifiedbyexploitativerelations must,inevitably,beaviolentsociety,usingforcetoprotectthehavesandthehopetohaves fromthehavenotsandoutsiders.Suchasocietywilldestroyitselfbecauseitsgreedwillcauseit toconsumeitsownresourcesandevenitsownpeople.Noselfrestraintscaneffectivelybe imposedbecausethesocietysverynature,itsinternaldynamic,istoconsume.Itsvoracious

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appetitewillcauseittoliterallyeatitself.Whensufficientlyweakened,othersimilarsocial monsterswillfinishitoffifanythingremains. JackD.Forbes

Itrapidlybecamecleartomethatthemostimaginativewayoflookingatevolution,andthemost inspiringwayofteachingit,wastosaythatitsallaboutthegenes.Itsthegenesthat,fortheir owngood,aremanipulatingthebodiestheyrideaboutin.Theindividualorganismisasurvival machineforitsgenes. RichardDawkins Letusunderstand,onceforall,thattheethicalprogressofsocietydepends,notonimitatingthe cosmicprocess,stilllessinrunningawayfromit,butincombatingit.Itmayseemanaudacious proposalthustoputthemicrocosmagainstthemacrocosmandtosetmantosubduenaturetohis higherends;butIventuretothinkthatthegreatintellectualdifferencebetweentheancienttimes withwhichwehavebeenoccupiedandourday,liesinthesolidfoundationwehaveacquiredfor thehopethatsuchanenterprisemaymeetwithacertainmeasureofsuccess. ThomasH.Huxley,EvolutionandEthics,1893 Thehumanspeciesmaybeseenashavingevolvedintheserviceofentropy,anditcannotbe expectedtooutlastthedenseaccumulationsofenergythathavehelpeddefineitsniche.Human beingsliketobelievetheyareincontroloftheirdestiny,butwhenthehistoryoflifeonEarthis seeninperspective,theevolutionofHomosapiensismerelyatransientepisodethatactsto redresstheplanet'senergybalance. Evenifworldpopulationcouldbeheldconstant,inbalancewithrenewableresources,the creativeimpulsethathasbeenresponsibleforhumanachievementsduringtheperiodofgrowth wouldcometoanend.Andthespiralingcollapsethatisfarmorelikelywillleave,atbest,a handfulofsurvivors.Thesepeoplemightgetby,forawhile,bypickingthroughthewreckageof civilization,butsoontheywouldhavetoleadsimplerlives,likethehuntersandsubsistence farmersofthepast.Theywouldnothavetheresourcestobuildgreatpublicworksorcarry forwardscientificinquiry.Theycouldnotletindividualsremainunproductiveastheywrote novelsorcomposedsymphonies.Afterafewgenerations,theymightcometobelievethatthe rubbleamidwhichtheyliveistheremainsofcitiesbuiltbygods. DavidPrice,EnergyAndHumanEvolution,1995 Energyhasalwaysbeenthebasisofculturalcomplexityanditalwayswillbe...thepastclarifies potentialpathstothefuture.Oneoftendiscussedpathisculturalandeconomicsimplicityand lowerenergycosts.Thiscouldcomeaboutthroughthecrashthatmanyfearagenuine collapseoveraperiodofoneortwogenerations,withmuchviolence,starvation,andlossof

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population.Thealternativeisthesoftlandingthatmanypeoplehopeforavoluntarychange tosolarenergyandgreenfuels,energyconservingtechnologies,andlessoverallconsumption. Thisisautopianalternativethat,assuggestedabove,willcomeaboutonlyifsevere,prolonged hardshipinindustrialnationsmakesitattractiveandifeconomicgrowthandconsumerismcanbe removedfromtherealmofideology. JosephA.Tainter,Complexity,ProblemSolving,AndSustainableSocieties,1996 Inassemblingcomplexitythebountyofincreasingreturnsiswonbymultipletriesovertime.As variouspartsreorganizetoanewwhole,thesystemescapesintoahigherorder. IlyaViscountPrigogine

Thepersonwhowouldchallengethelogicorjusticeofanyoneaspectofthechainmusteventually confrontthelogicandjusticeoftheentiresystem TheEcologist,WhoseCommonFuture?,page51

Aslongascorporatemanagementconsiderspublicinterestsasmerelyincidentaltoprivate interests,wecanhardlyexpectthefinalsolutionoftheconservationproblemfromvoluntary decisionsbydirectorsofcorporations...Aslongasthemaximizationofprofitremainsthe cornerstoneofacquisitivesocietyandcapitalisteconomy,corporationswillretaintheirinterestin scarcityasacreatorofeconomicvalue.Socialwelfaredemandsabundance,distributedjustlyand spreadoutoveralongertimethaneventhemostprogressiveandliberalcorporationexecutiveat presentdaresconsider. ErichW.Zimmermann,WorldResourcesandIndustries,1951edition,page811 WeneedtopublishaCatalogofGlobalCarpetbaggers,entrepreneurseagertoprofitonmisery. Weshouldnamenamesandillustratethebookwiththeshockingexamplesofwhatthesepeople andtheiruncontrolledmultinationalshavedonetotheearth.Weshoulddescribethesecompanies, whocontrolsthemandestimatewhethertheyaresolventenoughtoputupabigenvironmental restorationbond. DavidBrower,BewareofJointVentureVultures,EarthIslandJournal,Fall1991,page35 Thebigcorporations,ourclients,arescaredshitlessoftheenvironmentalmovement,[public relationsexecutiveFrank]Mankiewiczconfided.Theysensethattheresamajorityoutthereand thattheemotionsareallontheothersideiftheycanbeheard.Theythinkthepoliticiansare goingtoyieldtotheemotions.Ithinkthecorporationsarewrongaboutthat.Ithinkthecompanies willhavetogiveinonlyatinsignificantlevels.Becausethecompaniesaretoostrong,theyrethe establishment.Theenvironmentalistsaregoingtohavetobelikethemobinthesquarein Romaniabeforetheyprevail.

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WilliamGreider,WhoWillTellThePeople?,1992,page24 Thesmart[companies]aregoinggreen,thedumbonesarenot,andthefoolishonesare pretending. DavidKreutz,environmentalconsultant,quotedinGreenBusiness:HopeorHoax?, referringtotheTorontoGlobeandMail Wehavereachedapointatwhichwemusteitherconsciouslydesireandchooseanddeterminethe futureoftheEarthorsubmittosuchaninvolvementinourdestructivenessthattheEarth,and ourselveswithit,mustcertainlybedestroyed,andwehavecometothisatatimewhenitishard, ifnotimpossible,toforeseeafuturethatisnotterrifying. Thegreat,greedy,indifferentnationalandinternationaleconomyiskillingruralAmerica,justasit iskillingAmericancities...Experiencehasshownthatthereisnouseinappealingtothiseconomy formercytowardtheearthortowardanyhumancommunity.Alltruepatriotsmustfindwaysof opposingit. WendellBerry,ConservationandtheLocalEconomy,Sex,Economy,Freedom,& Community:EightEssays,Pantheon,NewYork,1993 Weremorelikelytoseeothercompaniesascollaboratorsratherthanadversaries...Wearentso muchcompetingwitheachotheraswearecompetingwiththeearth.Andmaybethatsahealthy waytolookatit. GeorgeKirkland,Chairman&managingdirectorofChevronNigeriaLimited,quoted inTheNation,16November1998 Donotburnyourselfout.BeasIamareluctantenthusiastaparttimecrusader,ahalfhearted fanatic.Savetheotherhalfofyourselvesandyourlivesforpleasureandadventure.Itisnot enoughtofightfortheland;itisevenmoreimportanttoenjoyit.Whileyoucan.Whileitisstill there.Sogetoutthereandhuntandfishandmessaroundwithyourfriends,rambleoutyonder andexploretheforests,encounterthegrizz,climbthemountains,bagthepeaks.Runtherivers, breathedeepofthatyetsweetandlucidair,sitquietlyforawhileandcontemplatetheprecious stillness,thatlovely,mysterious,andawesomespace.Enjoyyourselves,keepyourbraininyour headandyourheadfirmlyattachedtothebody,thebodyactiveandalive,andIpromiseyouthis much:Ipromiseyouthisonesweetvictoryoverourenemies,overthosedeskboundpeoplewith theirheartsinasafedepositboxandtheireyeshypnotizedbydeskcalculators.Ipromiseyouthis: youwilloutlivethebastards. EdwardAbbey(19271989),atanEarthFirstrallyattheGrandCanyon,1987

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Pollutionisnothingbuttheresourceswearenotharvesting. Weallowthemtodispersebecausewevebeenignorantoftheirvalue. BuckminsterFuller Whyusetheforestswhichwerecenturiesinthemakingandthemineswhichrequiredagestolay down,ifwecangettheequivalentofforestandmineralproductsintheannualgrowthofthe fields? HenryFord Sustainabilitymeansnotturningresourcesintojunkfasterthannaturecanturnjunkinto resources. SteveGoldfinger Haveagoodtimesavingtheworld,oryourejustgoingtodepressyourself.Peoplewanttobe partofsomethingfun...putfuninthemovementtoconserve,preserve,andrestore,andcelebrate Earth,andpeoplewillruntosignup. DavidBrower Weareliketenantfarmerschoppingdownthefencearoundourhouseforfuelwhenweshouldbe usingnaturesinexhaustiblesourcesofenergysun,wind,andtide.Idputmymoneyonthe sunandsolarenergy.Whatasourceofpower!Ihopewedonthavetowaituntiloilandcoalrun outbeforewetacklethat ThomasAlvaEdison Thestoneagecametoanendnotforalackofstones,andtheoilagewillend,butnotforalackof oil. SheikAhmedZakiYamani,formerSaudiArabiaoilminister,quotedbyReuters IfthesuccessorfailureofthisplanetandofhumanbeingsdependedonhowIamandwhatIdo, howwouldIbe?WhatwouldIdo? R.BuckminsterFuller Failureisnotalwaysamistake,itmaysimplybethebestonecandounderthecircumstances.The realmistakeistostoptrying. B.F.Skinner

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Therequiredcriteriaforsuccessinthe21stcenturyareecologicalintegrity,effectivedecision making,andsocialcohesion.Theseareprogressivelyreplacingcurrentcommitmentstomaximum economicgrowth,compulsiveconsumption,andinternationalcompetition. RobertTheobald,ReworkingSuccess Ifmypeople,whicharecalledbymyname,shallhumblethemselves,andpray,andseekmyface, andturnfromtheirwickedways;thenwillIhearfromheaven,andwillforgivetheirsin,andwill healtheirland. Bible,IIChronicles7:14 Farmshavereplacedwastelands,cultivatedlandhassubduedtheforests,cattlehaveputtoflight thewildbeast,barrenlandshavebecomefertile,rockshavebecomesoil,swampshavebeen drained,andthenumberofcitiesexceedsthenumberofpoorhutsfoundinformertimes. Everywheretherearepeople,communitieseverywherethereishumanlife!Tosuchapointthat theworldisfull.Theelementsscarcelysufficeus.Ourneedspress Pestilence,famine,wars,[earthquakes]areintended,indeed,asremedies,asprunings,againstthe growthofthehumanrace. or Asourdemandsgrowgreater,ourcomplaintsagainstnaturesinadequacyareheardbyall.The scourgesofpestilence,famine,wars,andearthquakeshavecometoberegardedasablessingto overcrowdednations,sincetheyservetopruneawaytheluxuriantgrowthofthehumanrace. Tertullian(160240A.D.)QuotedinSupermanPlayswithKryptoniteDice, GiesandGies,1994,page6 Reificationistheapprehensionofhumanphenomenaasiftheywerethings,thatis,innonhuman orpossiblysuprahumanterms.Anotherwayofsayingthisisthatreificationistheapprehension oftheproductsasiftheysomethingelsethanhumanproductssuchasfactsofnature,resultsof cosmiclaws,ormanifestationsofdivinewill.Reificationimpliesthatmaniscapableofforgetting hisownauthorshipofthehumanworld,andfurther,thatthedialecticbetweenman,theproducer, andhisproductsislosttoconsciousness.Thereifiedworldis,bydefinition,adehumanizedworld. Itisexperiencedbymanasastrangefacticity,anopusalienumoverwhichhehasnocontrolrather thanastheopuspropriumofhisownproductiveactivity. Berger&Luckmann,TheSocialConstructionofReality,1966,page89 Thedestructionofthenaturalworldisnottheresultofglobalcapitalism,industrialization,

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Westerncivilizationoranyflawinhumaninstitutions.Itisaconsequenceoftheevolutionary successofanexceptionallyrapaciousprimate.Throughoutallofhistoryandprehistory,human advancehascoincidedwithecologicaldevastation. JohnGray,StrawDogs,page7 Thereareinnatureneitherrewardsnorpunishmentsthereareonlyconsequences. RobertIngersoll Inanageofovershoot,thetaskfacingmankindistominimizetheseverityandinhumanityofthe crashtowardwhichweareheaded.Perhapswithecologicalunderstandingoftherealcausesof thecrashwecanremainhumanincircumstancesthatcouldotherwisetemptustoturnbeastly. Clearknowledgemayforestallmisplacedresentment,thusenablingustorefrainfrominflicting futileandunpardonablesufferinguponeachother. Catton,Overshoot:TheEcologicalBasisofRevolutionaryChange,1980 Ithasbeenoftensaidthat,ifthehumanspeciesfailstomakeagoofithereonEarth,someother specieswilltakeovertherunning.Inthesenseofdevelopingintelligencethisisnotcorrect.We have,orsoonwillhave,exhaustedthenecessaryphysicalprerequisitessofarasthisplanetis concerned.Withcoalgone,oilgone,highgrademetallicoregone,nospecieshowevercompetent canmakethelongclimbfromprimitiveconditionstohighleveltechnology.Thisisaoneshot affair.Ifwefail,thisplanetarysystemfailssofarasintelligenceisconcerned.Thesamewillbetrue ofotherplanetarysystems.Oneachofthemtherewillbeonechance,andonechanceonly. FredHoyle,Astronomer Nogoodcancomefromdemandingabsoluteproof.Thedefaultpositionrevealswheremenof commonsense,inacertainjurisdiction,haveagreedtoplacetheburdenofproof.Itisthedenialof thedefaultpositionthatmustbeartheburdenofproof. GarrettHardin,LivingWithinLimits,1993,page40 Inscience,theburdenofprooffallsupontheclaimant;andthemoreextraordinaryaclaim,the heavieristheburdenofproofdemanded. MarcelloTruzzi[NoteBene:thattheburdenofprooffallsonaclaimantisoneofthe basicprinciplesofEnglishCommonLaw] Extraordinaryclaimsrequireextraordinaryevidence. CarlSagan,paraphrasingTruzzi

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Allspeciesexpandasmuchasresourcesallowandpredators,parasites,andphysicalconditions permit.Whenaspeciesisintroducedintoanewhabitatwithabundantresourcesthataccumulated beforeitsarrival,thepopulationexpandsrapidlyuntilalltheresourcesareusedup. Peoplewhobelievethatastablepopulationcanliveinbalancewiththeproductivecapacityofthe environmentmayseeaslowdowninthegrowthofpopulationandenergyconsumptionas evidenceofapproachingequilibrium.Butwhenoneunderstandstheprocessthathasbeen responsibleforpopulationgrowth,itbecomesclearthatanendtogrowthisthebeginningof collapse. DavidPrice,EnergyandHumanEvolution,athttp://dieoff.org/page137.htm Ifanysubstantialfractionofthemorecolossalsegmentofhumanitydidconsequentlygiveuppart oftheirresourcedevouringextensionsoutofhumaneconcernforthelesscolossalbrethren,there isnoguaranteethatthiswouldavertdieoff.Itmightonlypostponeit,permittinghumannumbers tocontinueincreasingabitlonger,orlesscolossalpeoplestobecomeabitmorecolossal,beforewe crashallthemoreresoundingly. WilliamCatton,Overshoot,page174 Thehumanspeciesmaybeseenashavingevolvedintheserviceofentropy,anditcannotbe expectedtooutlastthedenseaccumulationsofenergythathavehelpeddefineitsniche.Human beingsliketobelievetheyareincontroloftheirdestiny,butwhenthehistoryoflifeonEarthis seeninperspective,theevolutionofHomosapiensismerelyatransientepisodethatactstoredress theplanetsenergybalance. DavidPrice,EnergyandHumanEvolution,1995 Idonotbelievethatthegeneralignoranceaboutthecomingcatastrophicendofthecheapoilerais theproductofaconspiracy,eitheronthepartofbusinessorgovernmentornewsmedia.Mostlyit isamatterofculturalinertia,aggravatedbycollectivedelusion,nursedinthegrowthmediumof comfortandcomplacency.AuthorErikDavishasreferredtothisasthe"consensustrance." WilliamHowardKunstler,TheLongEmergency,page26 Aconspiracyisnothingbutasecretagreementofanumberofmenforthepursuanceofpolicies whichtheydarenotadmitinpublic. MarkTwain Everyoneisentitledtohisownsetofopinions,butnooneisentitledtohisownsetoffacts.

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U.S.SenatorDanielPatrickMoynihan(andvariousotherattributions) Thetruthisincontrovertible.Malicemayattackit,ignorancemayderideit,butintheend;thereit is. WinstonChurchill Youarenotrequiredtocompletethetask[ofrepairingtheworld];neitherareyouatlibertyto abstainfromit. ThePirkeiAvot,2:21 TheforestsofAmerica,howeverslightedbyman,musthavebeenagreatdelighttoGod;forthey werethebestheeverplanted.Thewholecontinentwasagarden,andfromthebeginningit seemedtobefavoredabovealltheotherwildparksandgardensoftheglobe.Topreparethe ground,itwasrolledandsiftedinseaswithinfinitelovingdeliberationandforethought,liftedinto thelight,submergedandwarmedoverandoveragain,pressedandcrumpledintofoldsand ridges,mountainsandhills,subsoiledwithheavingvolcanicfires,ploughedandgroundand sculpturedintosceneryandsoilwithglaciersandrivers[e]veryfeaturegrowingandchanging frombeautytobeauty,higherandhigher.Andinthefullnessoftimeitwasplantedingroves,and belts,andbroad,exuberant,mantlingforests,withthelargest,mostvaried,mostfruitful,andmost beautifultreesintheworld.Brightseasmadeitsborderwithwaveembroideryandicebergs;gray desertswereoutspreadinthemiddleofit,mossytundrasonthenorth,savannasonthesouth,and bloomingprairiesandplains;whilelakesandriversshonethroughallthevastforestsand openings,andhappybirdsandbeastsgavedelightfulanimation.Everywhere,everywhereoverall theblessedcontinent,therewerebeauty,andmelody,andkindly,wholesome,foodfulabundance. JohnMuir,TheAmericanForests,TheAtlanticMonthly,August1897 Asforpointingtoourmentalfailureswithscornordismay,wemightaswellprofessdisappoint mentwiththemechanicsofgravityorthelawsofthermodynamics.Inotherwords,thedegreeof disillusionmentwefeelinresponsetoanyparticularhumanbehavioristheprecisemeasureofour ignoranceofitsevolutionaryandgeneticorigins. RegMorrison,TheSpiritintheGene JamesTobin,theAmericanNobelPrizewinnerineconomics,hasquestionedveryseriously whetheritmakessensefromthepointofviewofAmericansocietyasawholetodivertsomuchof itsyoungtalentfromthetopuniversitiesintofinancialmarkets.Thisdebateisnotnew.John MaynardKeynesconsideredthesamequestioninthe1930s,andexpressedtheviewthatonthe wholetherewardsofthoseinthefinancialsectorwerejustified.Manyindividualsattractedto thesemarkets,Keynesargued,areofadomineeringandevenpsychopathicnature.Iftheir energiescouldnotfindanoutletinmoneymaking,theymightturninsteadtocareersinvolving

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openandwantoncruelty.FarbettertohavethemabsorbedonWallStreetorintheCityofLondon thaninorganisedcrime. PaulOrmerod,TheDeathofEconomics,JohnWiley,1997,pages37 Ifyouthinktheeconomyismoreimportantthantheenvironment,tryholdingyourbreathwhile youcountyourmoney. GuyMcPhereson ...asocietydrivenmainlybyselfishindividualismhasallthepotentialforsustainabilityofa collectionofangryscorpionsinabottle. DavidEhrenfeld AnewstoryisemergingofanintimateEarthcommunity.Onlyinrecenttimeshassuchavision becomepossible.Weneverknewenough.Nowthetimehascometolowerourvoices,tocease imposingourmechanisticpatternsonthebiologicalprocessesoftheEarth,toresisttheimpulseto control,andtobeginquitehumblytofollowtheguidanceofthelargercommunityonwhichall lifedepends.OurhumandestinyisintegralwiththedestinyoftheEarth. ThomasBerry In1543CopernicusannouncedtoastartledEuropethattheEarthwasnotstationary,butwas sailingrapidlythroughspaceasitspunaroundtheSun.Thiswasdifficultnewstotakeinallat once,butovertimetheEuropeansreinventedtheirentirecivilizationinlightofthisstrangenew factabouttheUniverse.Thefundamentalinstitutionsofthemedievalworld,includingthe monarchies,thechurch,thefeudaleconomicsystem,andthemedievalsenseofself,meltedaway asaradicallydifferentcivilizationwasconstructed. Weliveinasimilarmomentofbreakdownandcreativity.Thecosmologicaldiscoverythatshatters nearlyeverythinguponwhichthemodernagewasbuiltisthediscoverythattheUniversecame intoexistence13.7billionyearsagoandissobiasedtowardcomplexificationthatlifeand intelligencearenowseentobeanearlyinevitableconstructionofevolutionarydynamics.Ournew challengeistoreinventourcivilization.Themajorinstitutionsofthemodernperiod,including thatofagricultureandreligionandeducationandeconomics,needtobereimaginedwithinan intelligent,selforganizing,livingUniverse,sothatinsteadofdegradingtheEarth'slifesystems, humanitymightlearntojointheenvelopingcommunityoflivingbeingsinamutuallyenhancing manner.Thisgreatworkwillsurelydrawuponthetalentsandenergiesofmanymillionsof humansfromeverycultureofourplanetandthroughouttherestofthe21stcentury. BrianSwimmeandThomasBerry,TheStoryoftheUniverse

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HEYOKA
Ihavenochoice. IsaacBashevisSinger,whenaskedifhebelievedinfreewill. Duetocircumstancesbeyondmycontrol,Iamthemasterofmyfateandcaptainofmysoul. AshleighBrilliant Thereisnosuchthingasfreewill.Themindisinducedtowishthisorthatbysomecauseandthat causeisdeterminedbyanothercause,andsobacktoinfinity. Spinosa Mancandowhathewillsbuthecannotwillwhathewills. ArthurSchopenhauer Thefactthatpeoplehavethesensethattheychoosefreelydoesnotmeanthattheychoosefreely. Ouractionsspringfromtheinterfaceofourgeneticheritage,allourpersonal,social,andcultural conditioning,andtheenvironmentalrealitiesofthemoment.Andthenwetellourselvesthatwe havechosen,andgeneratewhateverreasonsnecessarytoconvinceourselvesweareincontrol. JayHanson Thetruthshallsetyoufree,butfirstitwillpissyouoff! GloriaSteinem Ifyouaregoingtotellpeoplethetruth,youhadbettermakethemlaughortheywillkillyou. OscarWilde Attachmentisthegreatfabricatorofillusions;realitycanbeattainedonlybysomeonewhois detached. SimoneWeil Theawakenedonemovesaboutintheworldlikeadrybrownleaf,blownbythewindsofhisown previoustendencies.

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Ashtavakra Wisemenareinstructedbyreason; Menoflessunderstanding,byexperience; Themostignorant,bynecessity; Thebeastsbynature. MarcusTulliusCicero Youhaveattributedconditionstovillainythatsimplyresultfromstupidity. RobertHeinlein,LogicofEmpire,1941 Neverattributetomalicethatwhichcanbeadequatelyexplainedbystupidity. HanlonsRazorafterRobertJ.Hanlon,1980 AlsoattributedtoNapoleonBonaparte(byincompetence.) ...misunderstandingsandneglectcreatemoreconfusioninthisworldthantrickeryandmalice.At anyrate,thelasttwoarecertainlymuchlessfrequent. JohannWolfgangvonGoethe,TheSorrowsofYoungWerther(1774) Thinkofhowstupidtheaveragepersonis,andrealizehalfofthemarestupiderthanthat. GeorgeCarlin Thedifferencebetweengeniusandstupidityisthatgeniushaslimitations. AlbertEinstein(apocryphal) Thethingaboutsmartpeopleisthattheyseemlikecrazypeopletodumbpeople. Unattributed Abirdbythebushisworthtwobythehand. Itsanillbreadthatbodesnowill. Youcanleadahorsetowaterbutyoucantmakethewaterthink. AlexanderCarpenter,American

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Rememberthatundertheskinyoufondlelietheboneswaitingtorevealthemselves. Ikkyu,JapanesemadZenpriest Thereisaskeletonineverywoman. VictorHugo(18021885) Inwriting,youmustkillallyourdarlings. WilliamFaulkner,AmericanWriter Interfaeceseturinamnascimur. Iwasbornbetweenshitandpiss. SaintAugustine Yougaveyourlifetobecomethepersonyouarerightnow.Wasitworthit? RichardBach,One Everyeffortundercompulsiondemandsasacrificeoflifeenergy. NikolaTesla Andthelightshinethindarkness;andthedarknesscomprehendeditnot. JesusChrist,Bible,... TheMessiahwillonlycomewhenheisnolongerneeded. FranzKafka Contradictionsdonotexist.Wheneveryouthinkthatyouarefacingacontradiction,checkyour premises.Youwillfindthatoneofthemiswrong. FranciscodAnconia DoIcontradictmyself?Well,then,Icontradictmyself. Iamvast.Icontainmultitudes. WaltWhitman

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Thewellbredcontradictotherpeople.Thewisecontradictthemselves. OscarWilde Ifyoudontunderstandhowthingsareconnected,thecauseofproblemsissolutions. AmoryB.Lovins,RockyMountainInstitute Ifyoudontwantitprinted,dontletithappen. Mastheadmotto,AspenDailyNews,Aspen,Colorado Iftheeyecouldseethedemonsthatpeopletheuniverse,existencewouldbeimpossible. Talmud,Berakhot,6 Notoneshredofevidencesupportsthenotionthatlifeisserious. AlbertEinstein Donotexpecttoomuchoftheendoftheworld. StanislawJ.Lec,AforyzmyFraszki,Krakow,WydawnictwoLiterackie, 1977,Myslinieuczesane Superstitionbringsbadluck. RaymondSmullyan,5000B.C.,I.3.8 Itsnotthethingswedontknowthathurtus;itsthethingsweknowthatjustaintso. WillRogers Iftheycangetyouaskingthewrongquestions,theydonthavetoworryaboutanswers. ThomasPynchon,GravitysRainbow,1973 Youexperiencewhatyoubelieve,unlessyoubelieveyouwont,inwhichcaseyoudont,which meansyoudid. HarryPalmer,ReSurfacing:TechniquesforExploringConsciousness Thedemandtogiveuptheillusionaboutitsconditionisthedemandtogiveupaconditionwhich

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needsillusions. KarlMarx ItakemydesiresforrealitybecauseIbelieveintherealityofmydesires. Anonymousgraffito,Paris,1968 IfIhadntbelievedit,Iwouldnthaveseenitwithmyowneyes. AttributedtoMarshallMcLuhan,YogiBerra,andmanyothers(withthankstoLion Goodman) HaveyounoticedthatnaturehasrecentlybeguntolooklikeCorotslandscapes? OscarWilde TheChristianresolvetofindtheworlduglyandevilhasmadetheworlduglyandevil. FriedrichNietzsche,DieFrhlicheWissenschaft Intimesofchange,thosewhoarereadytolearnwillinherittheworld,whilethosewhobelieve theyknowwillbemarvelouslypreparedtodealwithaworldthathasceasedtoexist. EricHoffer Itisnotthestrongestspeciesthatsurvive,northemostintelligent,buttheonesmostresponsiveto change. Thought,howeverunintelligibleitmaybe,seemsasmuchfunctionoforgan,asbileofliver.This viewshouldteachoneprofoundhumility,onedeservesnocreditforanything.[N]oroughtoneto blameothers. CharlesDarwin. Puritanismisthehauntingfearthatsomeone,somewhere,maybehappy. H.L.Mencken,AmericanGadfly APuritanexaggeratesavirtueuntilitbecomesavice;thereareasmanykindsofPuritansasthere arevirtues,becauseanyvirtuecanbeoverdrawn. ProfessorRichardSchweder,UniversityofChicagoDepartmentofPsychology

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Forgiveusourvirtues.Thatiswhatweshouldaskofourneighbors. FriedrichNietzsche Idiscernadisturbinghistoricalpatternthecrackandfallofcivilizationsowingtoamorbid intensificationoftheirownfirstprinciples.(Paraphrased) GeorgWilhelmFriedrichHegel(17701831),ThePhilosophyofHistory Theendofthehumanracewillbethatitwilleventuallydieofcivilisation. RalphWaldoEmerson Aneracanbesaidtoendwhenitsbasicillusionsareexhausted. ArthurMiller Theillusionoffreedom[inAmerica]willcontinueaslongasitsprofitabletocontinuetheillusion. Atthepointwheretheillusionbecomestooexpensivetomaintain,theywilljusttakedownthe scenery,theywillpullbackthecurtains,theywillmovethetablesandchairsoutofthewayand youwillseethebrickwallatthebackofthetheater. FrankZappa Ifdestructionbeourlot,weourselvesmustbeitsauthorandfinisher.Asanationoffreemen,we mustlivethroughalltime,ordiebysuicide. AbrahamLincoln,onafreesociety Theonlylimitsare,asalways,thoseofvision. JamesBroughton Whetheryouthinkyoucanorthinkyoucanteitherwayyoureright. HenryFord,AmericanIndustrialist Thereisnosuchthingasluck,onlyhighlyfavorableadjustmentstomultiplefactors,thatcause eventstoturnoutinonesfavor. BenObiWanKanobi,StarWars

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Inhumanendeavor,chancefavorsthepreparedmind. LouisPasteur Whatwasyourrelationshiptothoughtbeforeyouwereconvincedthattherewasaproblem? AndrewCohen,EnfantTerribleAmericainoftheRamanaMaharshilineage Thinkthings,notwords. OliverWendellHolmes,Jr.,AmericanJurist HeavenandEartharenothumane.Theytreatpeoplelikethings.or Heavenandeartharenothumanistictheyregardmyriadbeingsasstrawdogs. Sagesarenothumanistictheyregardpeopleasstrawdogs. TaoTeChing,5 Theuniverseisnothostile,noryetisitfriendly.Itissimplyindifferent. J.H.Holmes(18791964) Thereareinnatureneitherrewardsnorpunishmentsthereareonlyconsequences. RobertIngersoll Somecircumstantialevidenceisverystrong,aswhenyoufindatroutinthemilk. HenryDavidThoreau,Journal,11Nov1850 Thepowerofaccurateobservationiscommonlycalledcynicismbythosewhohavenotgotit. GeorgeBernardShaw Cynicisawordcreatedbyoptimiststocriticizerealists. GregoryBenford,InTheOceanofNight,1972,page248 Cynic,n:ablackguardwhosefaultyvisionseesthingsastheyare,notastheyoughttobe. AmbroseBierce,TheDevilsDictionary

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Nomatterhowcynicalyoubecome,itsneverenoughtokeepup. LilyTomlin Acynicisnotmerelyonewhoreadsbitterlessonsfromthepast;heisonewhoisprematurely disappointedinthefuture. SidneyJ.Harris Thefutureisalreadyhere.Itsjustnotevenlydistributedyet. MattSavinar,alsoattributedtoWilliamGibson Iwasnttryingtopredictthefuture;Iwastryingtopreventit. RayBradbury BecomingaScientistbecauseyoucravefactualcertaintyandthirstforameaningfulvisionof humanlifeislikebecominganArchbishopsoyoucanmeetgirls. Unknown,throughDaviddelTorto Oh,God!Icouldbeboundedinanutshell,andcountmyselfakingofinfinitespace,wereitnot thatIhavebaddreams. Wm.Shakespeare,Hamlet,263 Itwaspleasanttometogetaletterfromyoutheotherday.PerhapsIshouldhavefoundit pleasanterifIhadbeenabletodecipherit.IdontthinkthatImasteredanythingbeyondthedate (whichIknew)andthesignature(whichIguessedat).Theresasingularandaperpetualcharmin aletterofyours;itnevergrowsold,itneverlosesitsnovelty....Otherlettersarereadandthrown awayandforgotten,butyoursarekeptforeverunread.Oneofthemwilllastareasonablemana lifetime. ThomasAldrich Finally,Iwouldthank,hadInotlosthisnameandaddress,agentlemaninAmerica,whohas generouslyandgratuitouslycorrectedthepunctuation,thebotany,theentomology,the geography,andthechronologyofpreviousworksofmineandwill,Ihope,notsparehisservices onthepresentoccasion. VirginiaWolfe,Orlando,Preface

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Iamseatedinthesmallestroominmyhouse. Yourarticleisbeforeme. Soonitwillbebehindme. HectorBerliozreplytoapublishedattackononeofhiscompositions Dontreadyourreviews,weighthem. JohnCage Themoreminimaltheart,themoremaximumtheexplanation. HiltonKramer Agreatworkofartisnevercompleted;itismerelyabandoned. Goodartistsborrow;greatartistssteal. PabloPicasso Thereisnosuchthingasbadink;thereisonlyink. UnknownPublicist SaintSaensknowseverything;allhelacksisinexperience. HectorBerlioz,ontheknowitallCamilleSaintSaens Timeisagreatteacher,butunfortunatelyitkillsallitspupils. HectorBerlioz(18031869) Youwhoscribble,yethateallwhowrite...andwithfaintpraisesoneanotherdamn. WilliamWycherley,16491716 Whenpeopledontwanttocome,nothingwillstopthem. SolHurok,AmericanImpresario Whenyoucometoaforkintheroad,takeit. IfyouaskmeaquestionIdontknow,Imnotgoingtoanswer.

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YogiBerra,AmericanAthleteandCulturalIcon Outsideofadog,abookisamansbestfriend;insideofadog,itstoodarktoread. GrouchoMarx,1970s(alsoattributedtoJimBrewer,1954) Theaveragedogisanicerpersonthantheaverageperson. AndrewA.AndyRooney Whenpeoplediethereawaitsthemwhattheyneitherexpectnorevenimagine. Heraclitus(ca.500B.C.),Fragment27 Athingisnotnecessarilytruebecauseamandiesforit. OscarWilde Anelectionisnothingmorethananadvanceauctionofstolengoods. AmbroseBierce Thestateisthegreatfictitiousentitybywhicheveryoneexpectstoliveattheexpenseofeveryone else. FredericBastiat,TheState,inSelectedEssaysonPoliticalEconomy,page144 Socialismisagreatideauntilyourunoutofotherpeoplesmoney. Bumpersticker Societyislikeastew.Ifyoudontkeepitstirredup,yougetalotofscumontop. EdwardAbbey Ingovernment,thescumrisestothetop. FriedrichHayek,NobelLaureate Inanunregulatedworld,theleastprincipledpeoplerisetothetop. BrianBasham,BewareCorporatePsychopaths,TheIndependent,29December2011

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Itisapopulardelusionthatthegovernmentwastesvastamountsofmoneythroughinefficiency andsloth.[Onthecontrary,]enormouseffortandelaborateplanningarerequiredtowastethis muchmoney. P.J.ORourke Thewaytocrushthebourgeoisieistogrindthembetweenthemillstonesoftaxationandinflation. VladimirI.Lenin Togiveanaccuratedescriptionofwhathasneveroccurredisnotmerelytheproperoccupationof thehistorian,buttheinalienableprivilegeofanymanofpartsandculture. OscarWilde Feweventsoccurattherighttime,andmanydonotoccuratall;itistheproperfunctionofthe historiantocorrectthesefaults. Herodotus Historyisapackofliesabouteventsthatneverhappenedtoldbypeoplewhowerentthere. GeorgeSantayana Intellingatruestory,youmustnotbetooconcernedabouttheactual,factualcircumstances. EdwardTeller Theproblemisnotthatthereareproblems.Theproblemisexpectingotherwiseandthinkingthat havingproblemsisaproblem. TheodoreRubin Theproblemisnottheproblem.Theproblemisyourattitudeabouttheproblem. CaptainJackSparrow Whatwasyourrelationshiptothoughtbeforeyouwereconvincedthattherewasaproblem? AndrewCohen,EnfantTerribleAmericainoftheRamanaMaharshilineage Theproblemisneverhowtogetnew,innovativethoughtsintoyourmind,buthowtogetoldones

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out. DeeHock,personalcommunication Ifyouthinktheresasolution,yourepartoftheproblem. GeorgeCarlin Nobodyrealizesthatsomepeopleexpendtremendousenergymerelytobenormal. AlbertCamus Thecelebrityisapersonwhoisknownforhiswellknownness. DanielJ.Boorstein Hewhofallsinlovewithhimselfwillhavenorivals. BenjaminFranklin Blessedaretheywhocanlaughatthemselves,fortheyshallneverceasetobeamused. Unattributed Nothinghappenstoanymanthatheisnotformedbynaturetobear. MarcusAureliusAntoninus Itisthebusinessofthefuturetobedangerous. AlfredNorthWhitehead Thefutureaintwhatitusedtobe. CaseyStengel(YogiBerra?) TheFutureliesahead! MortSaul,ca.1960 Predictionisverydifficult,especiallyifitsaboutthefuture. NielsBohr

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Iwasnttryingtopredictthefuture;Iwastryingtopreventit. RayBradbury Thepastisfiction,thefutureisadream,andwearelivingontheedgeofarazor. ChgyamTrungpa,Rinpoche Topredictthefuture,weneedlogic;butwealsoneedfaithandimagination,whichcansometimes defylogicitself. ArthurC.Clarke Thesagebattleshisownego;thefoolbattleseveryoneelses. PirVilayat,Sufi Anyactispurethatdoesnotshrinkfromitslogicalconclusions. FrancoisTrouffault Onlyfoolsrushin Whereangelsfeartotread Butiftherewerenofools Whowouldleadtheangels? SloanBashinsky,AmericanOriginal Takeyourwelldisciplinedstrengths andstretchthembetweentwoopposingpoles. Becauseinsidehumanbeings iswhereGodlearns. RainerMariaRilke Ringthebellsthatstillcanring, Forgetyourperfectoffering. Thereisacrack,acrackineverything, Thatshowthelightgetsin. LeonardCohen

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Whatmakesyouthinkyourenotalreadydead? WilliamS.Burroughs,apparentlyneartheendofhislife,whenasked duringapressconferenceaboutthepossibilityofanafterlife. AllournamesforGodcomefromournamesforourselves. Wouldstthoubeperfect,donotyelpaboutGod. MeisterJohannesEckhart,Christianmystic EarlofSandwich: Ponmyhonor,Wilkes,Idontknowwhetheryoulldieonthegallowsorofthepox. JohnWilkes(EnglishMPandJournalist,17271797): Thatmustdepend,myLord,uponwhetherIfirstembraceyourLordshipsprinciples,oryour Lordshipsmistresses. Intheory,there'snodifferencebetweentheoryandpractice...Butinpractice,thereis. CarterBrooks,CartersReader Occamsrazorn.[WilliamofOckham]:ascientificandphilosophicalrulethatentitiesshouldnot bemultipliedunnecessarily,whichisinterpretedasrequiringthesimplestofcompetingtheorems bepreferredtothemorecomplex,orthatexplanationsofunknownphenomenabesoughtfirstin termsofknownquantities. WebstersNewCollegiateDictionary,Merriam,1981 Entianonsuntmultiplicandapraeternecessitatem. Entitiesshouldnotbemultipliedbeyondwhatisneeded Pluralitasnonestponendasinenecessitate Multiplesshouldnotbeusedifnotnecessary Themorecommonlyused,andquitetreacherous,interpretationsare: Giventwoequallypredictivetheories,choosethesimpler,or Thesimplestanswerisusuallythecorrectanswer. Themostaccurateinterpretationis:

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Thefittestexplanationofanyphenomenonisascomplexasitneedstobe,andnomore. WilliamofOccam(c.12801349),Quodlibeta,V,Q.i,circa1324 Nosetofmutuallyinconsistentobservationscanexistforwhichsomehumanintellectcannot conceiveacoherentexplanation,howevercomplicated. CrabtreesBludgeon(oneofseveralempiricalrefutationsofOccamsRazor) Foreverycomplexquestion,thereisasimpleansweranditswrong. H.L.Mencken Nosoonerdowemakeourproductidiotproofthansomeonecomesupwithabetteridiot. Unknown,throughDannyMack Ofthegreatthingswhicharetobefoundamongus,theBeingofNothingnessisthegreatest. LeonardoDaVinci Thesecretofgettingrichisnottoworkhard,buttogetalotofotherpeopletoworkhardforyou. MichaelParenti

HowImdoingisnoneofmybusiness. JackKamalRuane,oftheRamanaMaharshilineage ThemusicIhavewrittenisasnothingcomparedwiththemusicIhaveheard. LudwigvonBeethoven Creativityisastrugglebetweenvitalityandform. RolloMay Theclassicdefinitionofchutzpahiswhensomeonemurdershisparentsandasksforleniency becauseheisanorphan.Inthedigitalworldchutzpahiswhenacomputerjournalistgetsflamed forillinformedreportingandclaimsheisthevictimofdemagoguery. Letthedigitalageofaccountablejournalismtakeroots.Getoffyourloftyperch,allyoureporters,

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andpreparetodefendyourselvesinfairargument.Ifyoucanttaketheheat,becomeaventure capitalistandrejectbusinessplansallday. GuyKawasaki,MacintoshEvangelist(inthelateEighties?) Icantunderstandwhypeoplearefrightenedbynewideas.Imfrightenedofoldones. JohnCage,AmericanComposer Theminuteyoustarttalkingaboutwhatyouregoingtodoifyoulose,youhavelost. GeorgeShultz,U.S.SecretaryofStateforRonaldReagan Eaglesmaysoar,butweaselsarentsuckedintojetengines. Unattributed Youcanuseaneraseronthedraftingtableorasledgehammerontheconstructionsite. FrankLloydWright Preachthegospelatalltimes.Ifnecessary,usewords. SaintFrancisofAssisi,Apocrypha Thetruthismoreimportantthanthefacts. FrankLloydWright Noexperimentshouldbebelieveduntilithasbeenconfirmedbytheory. ArthurS.Eddington Thosewhosayitcannotbedoneshouldnotinterferewiththoseofuswhoaredoingit. S.Hickman(alsoattributedasaChineseproverb) SometimesIthinkthatGodincreatingmansomewhatoverestimatedhisability. OscarWilde Thesafestplaceinanycrisisisalwaysthehardtruths.

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DonBeck WarisGodswayofteachingAmericansgeography. AmbroseBierce(18421914) Beforeyoucriticizeaman,walkamileinhisshoes.Thatway,whenyoucriticizehim,yourea mileaway,plusyouhavehisshoes. Unattributed Windowsisathirtytwobitextensionandgraphicalshelltoasixteenbitpatchtoaneightbit operatingsystemoriginallycodedforafourbitmicroprocessorwrittenbyatwobitcompanythat cantstandonebitofcompetition. Anonymous(late1980s) Startalargefoolishproject,likeNoah!Itmakesnodifferencewhatpeoplethinkofyou. JalaludinRumi Theminuteyousettleforlessthanyoudeserve,yougetevenlessthanyousettledfor. MaureenDowd,NewYorkTimescolumnist Itisanironichabitofhumanbeingstorunfasterwhenwehavelostourway. RolloMay Whoisallpowerfulshouldfeareverything. PierreCorneille,Cinna,ActIV,SceneII,1640 Sincenoonecaneverknowforcertainwhetherornothisownviewoflifeisthecorrectone,itis absolutelyimpossibleforhimtoknowifsomeoneelsesisthewrongone. GoreVidal Onceyouputoneofhisbooksdown,yousimplycantpickitupagain. MarkTwain FromthemomentIpickedupyourbookuntilIlaiditdownIwasconvulsedwithlaughter.Some

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dayIintendtoreadit. GrouchoMarx Historyspoliticalandeconomicpowerstructureshavealwaysfearfullyabhorredidlepeopleas potentialtroublemakers.Yetnatureneverabhorsseeminglyidletrees,grass,snails,coralreefs, andcloudsinthesky. R.BuckminsterFuller(18951983),CriticalPath IcreatedavisionofDavidinmymindandsimplycarvedawayeverythingthatwasnotDavid. MichelangeloBuonarroti Neveraskamanwhatcomputerheuses.IfitsaMac,helltellyou.Ifitsnot,whyembarrasshim? TomClancy Womenwhoseektobeequalwithmenlackambition. TimothyLeary Thingswillgetworsebeforetheygetworse. LilyTomlin WhenIgetnewinformation,Ichangemyposition.What,sir,doyoudowithnewinformation? JohnMaynardKeynes Anyonewhohasthepowertomakeyoubelieveabsurditieshasthepowertomakeyoucommit atrocities[injustices]. Voltaire(apocryphal) Youmeetyourdestinyontheroadyoutaketoavoidit. CarlGustavJung(apocryphal) Demagogue:Onewhopreachesdoctrinesheknowstobeuntruetomenheknowstobeidiots. H.L.Mencken

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Whatconcernsmeisnotthewaythingsare,butratherthewaypeoplethinkthingsare. Epictitus The1stlawofthermodynamicssays:youcantwin. The2ndlawofthermodynamicssays:youcantbreakeven. Thezeroethlawsays:youcantevengetoutofthegame! Similarly, Capitalismisbasedonthefalsepremisethatyoucanwin. Socialismisbasedonthefalsepremisethatyoucanbreakeven. Mysticismisbasedonthefalsepremisethatyoucangetoutofthegame... JohnBarrow Thenecessityofrejectinganddestroyingsomethingsthatarebeautifulisthedeepestcurseof existence. GeorgesSantayana Aristotlesaidthatsomepeoplewereonlyfittobeslaves.Idonotcontradicthim.ButIreject slaverybecauseIseenomenfittobemasters. C.S.Lewis Imaginationwasgiventomantocompensatehimforwhatheisnot,andasenseofhumorto consolehimforwhatheis. SirFrancisBacon DennisGalenMitrzykmayhavebeenrightwhenhesaidthatGeorgeBernardShawmayhave beenrightwhenhesaid,Hegelwasrightwhenhesaidthatwelearnfromhistorythatmancan neverlearnanythingfromhistory. Z.B.F.Alexander Itsatruismthatthosewhothinkofthemselvesashammerstreatalltheyencounterasnails;itis lessapparentthatthosewhothinkofthemselvesasnailstreatalltheyencounterashammers. Z.B.F.Alexander Thesurestwaytocorruptayouthistohavehimholdinhigheresteemthosewhothinkalike ratherthanthosewhothinkdifferently.

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FriedrichWilhelmNietzsche(18441900) Itisdifficulttogetamantounderstandsomethingwhenhissalary dependsuponhisnot understandingit. UptonSinclair Commonsenseisthecollectionofprejudicesacquiredbyageeighteen. AlbertEinstein Itisnotthefunctionofourgovernmenttokeepthecitizenfromfallingintoerror;itisthefunction ofthecitizentokeepthegovernmentfromfallingintoerror. U.S.SupremeCourtJusticeRobertH.Jackson,1950 Governmentisadiseasethatmasqueradesasitsowncure. RobertLefevre 5%ofthepeoplethink.10%ofthepeoplethinktheythink.Therestwouldratherdiethanthink. Unattributed Iknowthatmostmen,includingthoseateasewithproblemsofthegreatestcomplexity,can seldomacceptthesimplestandmostobvioustruthifitbesuchaswouldobligethemtoadmitthe falsityofconclusionswhichtheyhaveproudlytaughttoothers,andwhichtheyhavewoven, threadbythread,intothefabricsoftheirlife. Themostdifficultsubjectscanbeexplainedtothemostslowwittedmanifhehasnotformedany ideaofthemalready;butthesimplestthingcannotbemadecleartothemostintelligentmanifhe isfirmlypersuadedthatheknowsalready,withoutashadowofdoubt,whatislaidbeforehim. CountLeoTolstoy(18281910) Menfearthoughtastheyfearnothingelseonearth,morethanruin,moreeventhandeath. Thoughtissubversiveandrevolutionary,destructiveandterrible,thoughtismercilesstoprivilege, establishedinstitutions,andcomfortablehabit.Thoughtlooksintothepitofhellandisnotafraid. Thoughtisgreatandswiftandfree,thelightoftheworld,andthechiefgloryofman. BertrandRussell Ifyoudontreadanewspaper,youreuninformed. Ifyoudo,youaremisinformed.

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MarkTwain Mencanonlybehappywhentheydonotassumethattheobjectoflifeishappiness. GeorgeOrwell,1944 Thesecretofrulershipistocombineabeliefinonesowninfallibilitywithapowertolearnfrom pastmistakes. GeorgeOrwell,NineteenEightyfour,1949 Ifyougave[Jerry]Falwellanenemayoucouldburyhiminamatchbox. ChristopherHitchens,May2007 Iftheycangetyouaskingthewrongquestions,theydonthavetoworryaboutanswers. ThomasPynchon,GravitysRainbow,1973 Libertarianismisaboutconferringlibertyandconcomitantresponsibilitywheretheymostrightly shouldrestontheindividual.Liberalismisaboutgrantingtheindividualchoice(atleast socially)butspreadingtheeconomicrisks(theconsequences)overtheentiregroup. Unattributed GovernmentistheEntertainmentDivisionofthemilitaryindustrialcomplex. FrankZappa Allhumangreatnesshasitssourceintheblood.Greatnessisguidedbyinstinct,andintuitionisits greatblessing.Theparticipationoftheintellectinworksoftruegeniusisalwayslimited. Dr.JosephGoebbels Intuition,notintellect,istheopensesameofyourself. AlbertEinstein,quotedinEinsteinandthePoetInSearchoftheCosmicManbyWilliam Hermanns(BrandenPress,1983,page16) Technologicalprogressislikeanaxeinthehandsofapathologicalcriminal. AlbertEinstein(apocryphal)

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ThewholemodernworldhasdivideditselfintoConservativesandProgressives.Thebusinessof Progressivesistogoonmakingmistakes.ThebusinessoftheConservativesistopreventthe mistakesfrombeingcorrected. G.K.Chesterton Laissezfairewasplanned;planningwasnot. KarlPolanyi Carrythebattletothem.Dontletthembringittoyou.Putthemonthedefensiveanddontever apologizeforanything. HarryS.Truman Itsneverwhatpeopledothatmakesusangry;itswhatwetellourselvesaboutwhattheydid. MarshallRosenberg Onemansconspiracyisanothermansbusinessplan. DuctTapeFatwaBlog Menoccasionallystumbleonthetruth,butmostofthempickthemselvesupandhurryoffasif nothinghadhappened. WinstonChurchill Theselfrighteousnessoftheselfflagellatorscanquicklyleadtojudgmentofothers. Maanit ThemoreIaccusemyself,themoreIhavearighttojudgeyou. AlbertCamus,TheFall Designisnotjustwhatitlookslikeandfeelslike.Designishowitworks. SteveJobs Designiscontent.Styleiscontent.

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Z.B.F.Alexander FormisEmptiness;EmptinessalsoisForm. BuddhistMantra Ihavealwayswantedtobesomebody,butIseenowIshouldhavebeenmorespecific. LilyTomlin Hardlyapurescience,historyisclosertoanimalhusbandrythanitistomathematics,inthat itinvolvesselectivebreeding.Theprincipaldifferencebetweenthehusbandrymanandthe historianisthattheformerbreedssheeporcowsorsuch,andthelatterbreeds(assumed)facts. Thehusbandrymanuseshisskillstoenrichthefuture;thehistorianuseshistoenrichthepast. Bothareusuallyuptotheiranklesinbullshit. TomRobbins Theonlythingnewinthisworldisthehistoryyoudontknow. HarryS.Truman(apocryphal) Whatthenis,generallyspeaking,thetruthofhistory?Afableagreedupon. NapoleonBonaparte,ConversationwithEmmanuel,comtedeLasCases (20November1816),MmorialdeSainteHlne,v.4,page251 Fromthefactthatpeopleareverydifferentitfollowsthat,ifwetreatthemequally,theresultmust beinequalityintheiractualposition,andthattheonlywaytoplacetheminanequalposition wouldbetotreatthemdifferently.Equalitybeforethelawandmaterialequalityarethereforenot onlydifferentbutareinconflictwhicheachother;andwecanachieveeitheroneortheother,but notbothatthesametime. F.A.Hayek,TheConstitutionofLiberty,1978 IttakesabravemantobeacowardintheSovietarmy. JosephStalin Hewhomakesabeastofhimselfgetsridoftheburdenofbeingaman. HunterS.Thompson

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Irony:Thecapacitytoholdtwoconflictingideasinmindwithoutbuyingintoeither. Paradox:Ironyonsteroids. Unknown Thetestofafirstrateintelligenceistheabilitytoholdtwoopposedideasinthemindatthesame time,andstillretaintheabilitytofunction. F.ScottFitzgerald,TheCrackUp,page69 Truthisnotthehalfwaypointbetweentwountruths. LudwigvonMises Theabsolutetruthisthethingthatmakespeoplelaugh.Peoplesaytheylovetruth,butinreality theywanttobelievethatwhichtheyloveistrue.Truthdoesnotdoasmuchgoodintheworldas thesemblanceoftruthdoesevil. DucdeLaRochefoucauld,Maxims,64 Thegreatestshortcomingofthehumanraceisourinabilitytounderstandtheexponential function. ProfessorAlbertBartlett,UniversityofColoradoatBoulder Inourtime,thecurseismonetaryilliteracy,justasinabilitytoreadplainprintwasthecurseof earliercenturies. EzraPound Thefirstprincipleisthatyoumustnotfoolyourselfandyouaretheeasiestpersontofool. Forasuccessfultechnology,realitymusttakeprecedenceoverpublicrelations,fornaturecannot befooled. RichardFeynman Naturebatslast,andownsthestadium. Unattributed Youcanignorerealitybutyoucantignoretheconsequencesofignoringreality.

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AynRand Thereisnobox. RockyMountainInstitutesAmoryLovinsresponsewhenElizabethKolbert,awriter fortheNewYorker,askedaboutthinkingoutsidethebox. Youdonthavetoomanyslugs.Youhavetoofewducks. PermacultureSaying Thoughtheproblemsoftheworldareincreasinglycomplex,thesolutionsremainembarrassingly simple. BillMollison,permaculturepioneer Thebasisofoptimismissheerterror. OscarWilde Thepuppetmastersnolongercareifweseethestrings. Unattributed Justlookatus.Everythingisbackwards.Everythingisupsidedown.Doctorsdestroyhealth, lawyersdestroyjustice,universitiesdestroyknowledge,governmentsdestroyfreedom,themajor mediadestroyinformation,andreligiondestroysspirituality. MichaelEllne(!) Wenowliveinanationwheredoctorsdestroyhealth,lawyersdestroyjustice,universitiesdestroy knowledge,governmentsdestroyfreedom,thepressdestroysinformation,religiondestroys morals,andourbanksdestroyoureconomy. ChrisHedges(later!) Thepupilistherebyschooledtoconfuseteachingwithlearning,gradeadvancementwith education,adiplomawithcompetence,andfluencywiththeabilitytosaysomethingnew.His imaginationisschooledtoacceptserviceinplaceofvalue.Medicaltreatmentismistakenfor healthcare,socialworkfortheimprovementofcommunitylife,policeprotectionforsafety, militarypoisefornationalsecurity,theratraceforproductivework.Health,learning,dignity, independence,andcreativeendeavouraredefinedaslittlemorethantheperformanceofthe institutionswhichclaimtoservetheseends,andtheirimprovementismadetodependon

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allocatingmoreresourcestothemanagementofhospitals,schools,andotheragenciesinquestion. IvanIllich,DeschoolingSociety Medicalsciencehasmadesuchtremendousprogressthatthereishardlyahealthyhumanleft. AldousHuxley Ourupsidedownwelfarestateissocialismfortherich,freeenterpriseforthepoor.Thegreat welfarescandaloftheageconcernsthedolewegiverichpeople. WilliamO.Douglas,PointsofRebellion,1969,page68 Howwedareevenprateaboutdemocracyisbeyondme.Ourformofdemocracyisbribery,onthe highestscale.ItsfarworsethananythingthatoccurredintheRomanEmpire,untilthePraetorian Guardstartedtoselltheprincipate.Werenotademocracy,andwehaveabsolutelynothingto givetheworldinthewayofpoliticalideasorpoliticalarrangements.Godknows,thementionof justiceislikeacloveofgarlictoCountDracula. GoreVidal Nevermurderamanwhoiscommittingsuicide. WoodrowWilson(apocryphal) Neverinterruptyourenemywhileheisbusymakingmistakes. NapoleonBonaparte(apocryphal) Foreverycredibilitygapthereisagullibilityfill. MichaelRivero,WhatReallyHappens Animalloversandprofessionalbiologistsshouldbeabletoagreeontheultimategoalofgame management:tominimizetheaggregatesufferingofanimals.Theydifferintheirtimehorizons andinthefocusoftheirimmediateattention.Biologistsinsistthattimehasnostopandthatwe shouldseektomaximizethewellbeingoftheherdoveranindefiniteperiodoftime.Todothatwe mustreadthelandscape,lookingforsignsofoverexploitationoftheenvironmentbya populationthathasgrownbeyondthecarryingcapacity. Bycontrast,thetypicalanimalloverignoresthelandscapewhilefocusingonindividualanimals. Toassertpreemptiveanimalrightsamountstoassertingthesanctityofanimallife,meaningeach andeveryindividuallife.Wereanecologisttouseasimilarrhetorichewouldspeakofthe

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sanctityofcarryingcapacity.Bythishewouldmeanthatwemustconsidertheneedsnotonlyof theanimalsinfrontofustodaybutalsoofunborndescendantsreachingintotheindefinitefuture. Timehasnostop,theworldisfinite,biologicalreproductionisnecessarilyexponential:forthese combinedreasonsthesanctitystrategyaspursuedbyanimalloversinthelongrunsavesfewer lives,andtheseatamoremiserablelevelofexistence,thandoesthecapacitystrategypursuedby ecologicallyknowledgeablebiologists. Thereisnothingmoredangerousthanashallowthinkingcompassionateperson. GarrettHardin Alllifeisanexperiment.Themoreexperimentsyoumakethebetter. RalphWaldoEmerson. Somescientistsclaimthathydrogen,becauseitissoplentiful,isthebasicbuildingblockofthe universe.Idisputethat.Isaythereismorestupiditythanhydrogen,andthatisthebasicbuilding blockoftheuniverse. FrankZappa Noisacompletesentence. Unknown Letyouryesbeyes,andyournobeno;anythingmorethanthiscomesfromtheevilone. JesusofNazareth,Bible,Matthew5:37 Theuseofsolarenergyhasnotbeenopenedupbecausetheoilindustrydoesnotownthesun. RalphNader Notreeswerekilledinthesendingofthismessage,butalargenumberofelectronswereterribly inconvenienced. Partofanemailsignature Sicgorgiamusallossubjectatosnunc. Wegladlyfeastonthosewhowouldsubdueus. TheAddamsFamilycredo

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Gestapoofficer(stalkingthroughPabloPicassosstudio,andchancingacrossapostcardof Guernica):Didyoudothat? Picasso:No,youdid. Apocryphal Whentwogreatforcesopposeeachother,thevictorywillgototheonewhoknowshowtoyield. TaoteChing NothingisUnbiased. IfyouareHonest,youmakeyourpointofviewclear. Ifyouaredishonest,youpretendtobeObjective. NoamChomsky Whilethemodernsinsurethemselvesbynotthinkingatallabouttheconsequencesoftheir innovationsforthesocialorder,thepremodernsdwellendlesslyandobsessivelyonthose connectionsbetweennatureandculture.Toputitcrudely:thosewhothinkthemostabouthybrids circumscribethemasmuchaspossible,whereasthosewhochoosetoignorethemdevelopthem totheutmost. BrunoLatour,WeHaveNeverBeenModern,1991 Notonlycanonenotmakeaparodyofafundamentalistviewpointthatsomeonewontmistake fortherealthing,butthelegitimateextremeviewpointsareoftenmistakenforparodies. PoesLaw Everyoneisaprisonerofhisownexperiences.Noonecaneliminateprejudicesjustrecognize them. EdwardR.Murrow Peoplewithadvantagesareloathtobelievethattheyjusthappentobepeoplewithadvantages. C.WrightMills,ThePowerElite,1956 Idontcaretobelongtoanyclubthatwouldhavemeasamember. GrouchoMarx

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Everymanisworthjustsomuchasthethingshebusieshimselfwith. MarcusAurelius,circa175A.D. Habitatlossbeginsathome. FredKaluza,2010 Nothingcansoalienateavoterfromthepoliticalsystemasbackingawinningcandidate. MarkB.Cohen,Legislator WhendidthePTB[PowersThatBe]everdoinganythingbeneficialforthemasses? LauraKnightJadczyk,http://www.SOTT.net Thebiggeryoubuildthebonfire,themoredarknessisrevealed. TerenceMcKenna Theleastcorruptgovernmentsinhistoryarethosewhospendtheirfirstdayinofficecleaningtheir predecessorsbloodstainsoutofthecarpets. MichaelRivero,http://www.whatreallyhappened.com Agaffe:whenapoliticianaccidentallytellsthetruth. MichaelKinsley Believethosewhoseekthetruth,doubtthosewhofindit. AndrGide Icontendthatwearebothatheists.Ijustbelieveinonefewergodthanyoudo.Whenyou understandwhyyoudismissalltheotherpossiblegods,youwillunderstandwhyIdismissyours. StephenRoberts,Australianhistorian,died1971 Inwhateverpoliticaloreconomicgameyoureplaying,ifyoudontknowexactlywhothemarkis, andwhyandhow,thenyourethemark. VariousLate20thCenturyPoliticalPhilosophers

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Ifyourenotpayingforsomething,yourenotthecustomer;youretheproductbeingsold. AndrewLewis Whenpeoplehavenothinglefttolose,theyloseit. GeraldCelente Onlythosewhoarecapableofsillinesscanbecalledtrulyintelligent. ChristopherIsherwood Lifeisintrinsicallyboringanddangerousatthesametime.Atanygivenmomentthefloormay openup.Ofcourse,italmostneverdoes;that'swhatmakesitsoboring. EdwardGorey

TRAVEL
Forwhatgivesvaluetotravelisfear.Itbreaksdownakindofinnerstructurewehave.Onecanno longercheathidebehindthehoursspentattheofficeorattheplant(thosehoursweprotestso loudly,whichprotectussowellfromthepainofbeingalone). AlbertCamus,FrenchWriter Whateveritsorigin,Iknowthatinmensminds,especiallyinsuperiorminds,residesaninnate longingtoseenewplaces,tokeepchangingoneshome.Idontdenythatthislongingshouldbe temperedandheldinboundsbyreason.Yourownexperiencewillleadyoutoagreewithmethat thistasteforwanderingabouttheworldminglespleasurewithitspains,whilethosewhosit foreverononespotexperienceastrangeboredomintheirrepose.Whichisthebettercourse,in thisasinmansotherproblems?Godaloneknows.Ifonethinksthatrewardisnottobefoundin thespiritbutinsomeparticularplace,ifonecallsimmobilityconstancy,thenthegoutymustbe extremelyconstant,andthedeadaremoreconstantstill,andthemountainsarethemostconstant ofall. Plutarch,AD46?AD120? ...Themountains,beingpossessive,claimedownershipofthem,andthatiftheydidnotsavetheir energy,themountainswouldneverletthemgo. CarlosCasteneda,TheEaglesGift,82

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Greatsoulsthatgointothedesertcomeoutmystics...becausethedesertitselfhasnouseforthe formalsideofmansaffairs.Whatneed,then,ofsomuchpawingoverprecedentanddiscoursing uponit,whentheopencountryliesthere,asortofchemistscupforresolvingobligations?Say whether,whenalldecorationiseatenaway,thereremainsanybond,andwhatyoushalldoabout it. MaryAustin,LostBorders Weshallnotceasefromexploration Andtheendofallourexploring Willbetoarrivewherewestarted Andknowtheplaceforthefirsttime. T.S.Eliot,LittleGidding,5 Wemusttravelinthedirectionofourfear. JohnBerryman Idonotwantmyhousetobewalledinonallsidesandmywindowstobestuffed.Iwantthe culturesofallthelandstobeblownaboutmyhouseasfreelyaspossible.ButIrefusetobeblown offmyfeetbyany. MohandasKaramchandGandhi TheearlytwilightofaSundayevening,inHamilton,Bermuda,isanalluringtime.Thereisjust enoughofwhispering,breeze,fragranceofflowers,andsenseofreposetoraiseone'sthoughts heavenward;andjustenoughamateurpianomusictokeephimremindedoftheotherplace.... Wenevermetaman,orwoman,orchildanywhereinthissunnyislandwhoseemedtobe unprosperous,ordiscontented,orsorryaboutanything.Thissortofmonotonybecamevery tiresomepresently,andevensomethingworse.Thespectacleofanentirenationgrovelingin contentmentisaninfuriatingthing. MarkTwain,SomeRamblingNotesofanIdleExcursion,TheAtlanticMonthly,October 1877January1878 Ofwhatvaluearefortyfreedomswithoutablankspotonthemap? AldoLeopold Lookingatthestarsalwaysmakesmedream,assimplyasIdreamovertheblackdots representingtownsandvillagesonamap.Why,Iaskmyself,shouldnttheshiningdotsofthesky

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beasaccessibleastheblackdotsonthemapofFrance? VincentVanGogh Anadventureisreallyjustasignofincompetence.Havinganadventureshowsthatsomeoneis incompetent,thatsomethinghasgonewrong.Everythingthatyouaddtoanexplorersheroism, youmustsubtractfromhisintelligence.Anadventureisinterestingenoughinretrospect, especiallytothepersonthatdidnthaveit;atthetimeithappensitusuallyconstitutesan exceedinglydisagreeableexperience. VilhjalmurStefansson(18791962) Imaysaythatthisisthegreatestfactorthewayinwhichtheexpeditionisequippedtheway inwhicheverydifficultyisforeseen,andprecautionstakenformeetingoravoidingit.Victory awaitshimwhohaseverythinginorderluck,peoplecallit.Defeatiscertainforhimwhohas neglectedtotakethenecessaryprecautionsintime;thisiscalledbadluck. RoaldAmundsen,TheSouthPole ThephilosophersoftheMiddleAgesdemonstratedboththattheEarthdidnotexistandalsothat itwasflat.Todaytheyarestillarguingaboutwhethertheworldexists,buttheynolongerdispute aboutwhetheritisflat. VilhjalmurStefansson,TheStandardizationofError,1927 AseasonintheArcticisagreattestofcharacter.Onemayknowamanbetteraftersixmonthswith himbeyondtheArcticcirclethanafteralifetimeofacquaintanceincities.ThereissomethingI knownotwhattocallitinthosefrozenspaces,thatbringsamanfacetofacewithhimselfand withhiscompanions;ifheisaman,themancomesout;and,ifheisacur,thecurshowsas quickly. AdmiralPerry ThehospitalityofmannersinFranceisnotcomplementedbyrealhospitalityofthought. HenriFrdericAmiel AsIseeit,itprobablyreallyisgoodforthesoultobeatourist,evenifitsonlyonceinawhile.Not goodforthesoulinarefreshingorenliveningway,though,butratherinagrim,steelyeyed,lets lookhonestlyatthefactsandfindsomewaytodealwiththemway.Mypersonalexperiencehas notbeenthattravelingaroundthecountryisbroadeningorrelaxing,orthatradicalchangesin placeandcontexthaveasalutaryeffect,butratherthatintranationaltourismisradically constricting,andhumblinginthehardestwayhostiletomyfantasyofbeingarealindividual,

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oflivingsomehowoutsideandaboveitall.(Comingupisthepartthatmycompanionsfind especiallyunhappyandrepellent,asurewaytospoilthefunofvacationtravel:)Tobeamass tourist,forme,istobecomeapurelatedateAmerican:alien,ignorant,greedyforsomethingyou cannoteverhave,disappointedinawayyoucanneveradmit.Itistospoil,bywayofsheer ontology,theveryunspoilednessyouaretheretoexperience.Itistoimposeyourselfonplacesthat inallnoneconomicwayswouldbebetter,realer,withoutyou.Itis,inlinesandgridlockand transactionaftertransaction,toconfrontadimensionofyourselfthatisasinescapableasitis painful:Asatourist,youbecomeeconomicallysignificantbutexistentiallyloathsome,aninsecton adeadthing. DavidFosterWallace,ConsidertheLobster,inGourmetMagazine,August2004

LANGUAGE and SPEECH

Adefinition[distinction?]isthebeginningofknowledge. Demosthenes Manmakestools,thentoolsremakeman. MarshallMcLuhan Ifearthedaythattechnologywillsurpassourhumaninteraction.Theworldwillhavea generationofidiots. AlbertEinstein(apocryphal) Manisthetoolbearinganimal;womanisthemanbearinganimal. Feministtrope,1980s Oneoughttorecognizethatthepresentpoliticalchaosisconnectedwiththedecayoflanguage... GeorgeOrwell,EnglishWriter Thefirstthingamanwilldoforhisidealsislie. JosephSchumpeter,1942 Thecorruptionofmanisfollowedbythecorruptionoflanguage. RalphWaldoEmerson,Nature

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Therearisesfromabadandinaptformationofwordsawonderfulobstructiontothemind. FrancisBacon Tongues,likegovernments,haveanaturaltendencytodegeneration. SamuelJohnson Languageservesnotonlytoexpressthoughtsbuttomakepossiblethoughtswhichcouldnotexist withoutit. BertrandRussell Thelexiconoflanguage,then,isafinitesetoftermsthatmymetaphorisabletostretchoutoveran infinitesetofcircumstances,eventocreatingnewcircumstancesthereby.(page52) Subjectiveconsciousmindisananalogofwhatiscalledtherealworld.Itisbuiltupwitha vocabularyorlexicalfieldwhosetermsareallmetaphorsoranalogsofbehaviorinthephysical world.Itsrealityisofthesameorderasmathematics.(page55) Butwhatisitthatwearemakingametaphorof?Wehaveseenthattheusualfunctionofmetaphor isawishtodesignateaparticularaspectofathingortodescribesomethingforwhichwordsare notavailable.(page56) JulianJaynes,TheOriginofConsciousnessintheBreakdownoftheBicameralMind,1976 Agoodmetaphoristhesignoftruegenius. Aristotle(apocryphal) Appliedtotheworldasrepresentativeofalltheworld,factsbecomesuperstitions.Asuperstition isafterallonlyametaphiergrownwildtoserveaneedtoknow.Liketheentrailsofanimalsorthe flightsofbirds,suchscientificsuperstitionsbecomethepreservedritualizedplaceswherewemay readoutthepastandfutureofman,andheartheanswersthatcanauthorizeouractions. JulianJaynes,TheOriginofConsciousnessintheBreakdownoftheBicameralMind,1990, page443 Everyintellectualsearchesforanewideology,...butideologyistothemindwhatexcrementisto thebody:theexhaustedremainsofoncelivingideas. WilliamIrwinThompson,GaiaandthePoliticsofLife,1986(?),page209

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Itisimportantthatourgenerationnotdebasethelanguageofspiritualityasourfathershave debasedthelanguageofpolitics. RobertBly,AmericanPoet,personalcommunication,1984 Whenanideaiswanting,awordcanalwaysbefoundtotakeitsplace. Goethe Speechisconvenientlylocatedmidwaybetweenthoughtandaction,whereitoftensubstitutesfor both. JohnAndrewHolmes Wordsare,ofcourse,themostpowerfuldrugusedbymankind. RudyardKipling(18561936) Goodwritersarethosewhokeepthelanguageefficient.Thatistosay,keepitaccurate,keepit clear.Itdoesntmatterwhetheragoodwriterwantstobeuseful,orwhetherabadwriterwantsto doharm...Ifanationsliteraturedeclines,thenationatrophiesanddecays. EzraPound Thehighestpossiblestageinmoralcultureiswhenwerecognizethatweoughttocontrolour thoughts. CharlesDarwin WhenIuseaword,HumptyDumptysaid,inratherascornfultone,itmeansjustwhatIchoose ittomeanneithermorenorless.Thequestionis,saidAlice,whetheryoucanmakewords meansomanydifferentthings.Thequestionis,saidHumptyDumpty,whichistobemaster thatsall. LewisCarroll,ThroughtheLookingGlass Peopleaskyouforcriticism,buttheyonlywantpraise. W.SomersetMaugham Acriticisamanwhoknowsthewaybutcantdrivethecar.

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KennethTynan Actioniswiththescholarsubordinatebutitisalsoessential.Withoutitheisnotyetaman. RalphWaldoEmerson,TheAmericanScholar Agentlemanshouldbecautiousinspeechbutquickinaction. Confucius,ChineseTotem FashionyourtalktheChineseway,whichistoalwaysleaveanelementofdoubt,query,enquiry forfurtherparley.Foritblocksconversationtomonopolizeallitsissueswitharrogantcertainty. HanSuyin,ChineseAmericanNovelist Finxeruntanimi,raroetperpuacaloquentis. (Heisdisinclinedtoaction;lesstospeech.) Horace(QuintusHoratiusFlaccus,658B.C.) Drawingonmyfinecommandoflanguage,Isaidnothing. RobertBenchley Allunutteredtruthsturnpoisonous. FriedrichWilhelmNietzsche(18441900) Wordswreakhavocwhentheyfindanameforwhathaduptothenbeenlivednamelessly. JeanPaulSartre Ifyoudontsayanything,youwontbecalledontorepeatit. CalvinCoolidge Womanatparty:IbetIcanmakeyousaymorethanthreewords. CalvinCoolidge:Youlose. Apocryphal IguessIamnotnaturallyenergetic.Iliketositaroundandtalk.

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CalvinCoolidge Onlyforyou,childrenofdoctrineandlearning,havewewrittenthiswork.Examinethisbook, ponderthemeaningwehavedispersedinvariousplacesandgatheredagain;whatwehave concealedinoneplacewehavedisclosedinanother,thatitmaybeunderstoodbyyourwisdom. HeinrichCorneliusAgrippavonNettesheim,Deoccultaphilosophia,3,65 Wordsarelikeleaves,andwheretheymostabound, Muchfruitofsensebeneathisrarelyfound. AlexanderPope(16881744) Itisalwayseasiertodevelopanegativeargumentthantoadvanceaconstructiveone. JohnSteinbeck Inallintellectualdebates,bothsidestendtobecorrectinwhattheyaffirm,andwronginwhat theydeny,andifeithercouldbemadetotaketheothersviewsinadditiontoitsown,littlemore wouldbeneededtomakeitsdoctrinecorrect. JohnStewartMill(18061873),1840 Therealstoryisnotinthenoisebutinthesilence. ThomasFriedman,NewYorkTimescolumnist Thinkthings,notwords. OliverWendellHolmes,Jr.,AmericanJurist Ifyouwouldlearntowrite,tisinthestreetyoumustlearnit... Thepeople,notthecollege,isthewritershome. RalphWaldoEmerson,SocietyandSolitude Hewrappedhimselfinquotationsasabeggarwouldenfoldhimselfinthepurpleofemperors. RudyardKipling,ManyInventions Ihavegatheredaposieofothermensflowers,andnothingbutthethreadthatbindsthemismine own.

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JohnBartlett,gathererofFamiliarQuotations,9thedition,1901 Thepropagandistspurposeistomakeonesetofpeopleforgetthatcertainothersetsofpeopleare human. AldousHuxley Energyisrecognizedasthekeytoallactivityonearth.Naturalscienceisthestudyofthesources andcontrolofnaturalenergy,andsocialscience,theoreticallyexpressedaseconomics,isthestudy ofthesourcesandcontrolofsocialenergy.Botharebookkeepingsystems.Mathematicsisthe primaryenergyscience.Andthebookkeepercanbekingifthepubliccanbekeptignorantofthe methodologyofthebookkeeping.Allscienceismerelyameanstoanend.Themeansis knowledge.Theendiscontrol.[Butnotethatinthiscaseitisnotmerelycontrolofthemassesby theelite,butthecontrolofnature(includingcontrolofhumanswhoarecategorizedasoutsideour family/tribe/nationbyhumanswhoarewithinit).] JimKeith Whatisthedifferencebetweenunethicalandethicaladvertising?Unethicaladvertisinguses falsehoodstodeceivethepublic;ethicaladvertisingusestruthtodeceivethepublic. VilhajalmurStefansson,Discovery,1964 Theprincipalfunctionofmoderngovernmentistokeeppeopleapart.or Keepingcitizensaparthasbecomethefirstmaximofmodernpolitics. JeanJacquesRousseau(17121778) Wheneverjusticeisuncertainandpolicespyingandterrorareatwork,humanbeingsfallinto isolation,which,ofcourse,istheaimandpurposeofthedictatorstate,sinceitisbasedonthe greatestaccumulationofdepotentiatedsocialunits. CarlGustavJung(18751961),TheUndiscoveredSelf,1957 Aprinciplefamiliartopropagandistsisthatthedoctrinestobeinstilledinthetargetaudience shouldnotbearticulated:thatwouldonlyexposethemtoreflection,inquiry,and,verylikely, ridicule.Theproperprocedureistodrillthemhomebyconstantlypresupposingthem,sothatthey becometheveryconditionfordiscourse. NoamChomsky,LettersfromLexington:ReflectionsonPropaganda,1994 Theconsciousandintelligentmanipulationoftheorganizedhabitsandopinionsofthemassesis

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animportantelementindemocraticsociety.Thosewhomanipulatethisunseenmechanismof societyconstituteaninvisiblegovernmentwhichisthetruerulingpowerofourcountry.Weare governed,ourmindsaremolded,ourtastesformed,ourideassuggested,largelybymenwehave neverheardof.Thereareinvisiblerulerswhocontrolthedestiniesofmillions.Itisnotgenerally realizedtowhatextentthewordsandactionsofourmostinfluentialpublicmenaredictatedby shrewdpersonsoperatingbehindthescenes.Not,whatisstillmoreimportant,theextenttowhich ourthoughtsandhabitsaremodifiedbyauthorities. EdwardBernays,Propaganda,1928,pages9,35 Thesecondoldesttrickinthespooksbook(theoldestbeingthefalseflagattack),ispoisoningthe well.Ifyoureaspookoutfitandyouvepulledoffabitofskullduggeryanddontwantany untidybitsofevidenceorlooseendstrippingyouup,onethingyoudoisplantobviously doctoredevidencewhereitwillcertainlybefoundbytheskepticalwhosuspectyourstoryis bullshit.Thenwhenafewenthusiasticdoubterspointtothatasproof',yousimplyrefertothe dodgyprovenanceofsuchevidence,andthusdestroythecredibilityofthosewhodoubtyour officialcoverstory.Literallyallcorporateandstatesponsoreddirtyoperationsforhighstakesdo this. Anonymousblogcomment,online Themostperfidiouswayofharmingacauseconsistsofdefendingitdeliberatelywithfaulty arguments. FriedrichNietzsche Disinformation,inordertobeeffective,mustbe90%accurate. PeterDaleScott Iftheycangetyouaskingthewrongquestions,theydonthavetoworryaboutanswers. ThomasPynchon,Jr.,GravitysRainbow,1973 Confusioniscausedbypackagewords.YoucallamanaManichaeanoraBolshevik,orsomething orother,andneverfindoutwhatheisdrivingat.Thetechniqueofinfamyistoinventtwolies, thengetpeoplearguingheatedlyoverwhichoneofthemistrue. EzraPound,personalcommunicationtoBridson,N.D.17,174175 Thesmartwaytokeeppeoplepassiveandobedientistostrictlylimitthespectrumofacceptable opinion,butallowverylivelydebatewithinthatspectrum.

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NoamChomsky Wovonmannichtsprechenkann,darbermumanschweigen. Whatwecannotspeakofwemustpassoverinsilence. or Whereofonecannotspeak,thereofonemustbesilent. LudwigWittgenstein Ifweunderstandthemechanismsandmotivesofthegroupmind,itisnowpossibletocontroland regimentthemassesaccordingtoourwillwithouttheirknowingit...Theconsciousandintelligent manipulationoftheorganizedhabitsandopinionsofthemassesisanimportantelementin democraticsociety.Thosewhomanipulatethisunseenmechanismofsocietyconstitutean invisiblegovernmentwhichisthetruerulingpowerofourcountry.Ourmindsaremolded,our tastesareformed,ourideassuggested,largelybymenwehaveneverheardof....Inalmostevery actofourdailylives,whetherinthesphereofpoliticsorbusiness,inoursocialconductorour ethicalthinking,wearedominatedbytherelativelysmallnumberofpersons...whounderstand thementalprocessesandsocialpatternsofthemasses.Itistheywhopullthewireswhichcontrol thepublicmind. EdwardBernays,Propaganda,1928 Onlyalargescalepopularmovementtowarddecentralizationandselfhelpcanarrestthepresent tendencytowardstatism...Areallyefficienttotalitarianstatewouldbeoneinwhichtheall powerfulexecutiveofpoliticalbossesandtheirarmyofmanagerscontrolapopulationofslaves whodonothavetobecoerced,becausetheylovetheirservitude.Tomakethemloveitisthetask assigned,inpresentdaytotalitarianstates,toministriesofpropaganda,newspapereditors,and schoolteachers....Thegreatesttriumphsofpropagandahavebeenaccomplished,notbydoing something,butbyrefrainingfromdoing.Greatistruth,butstillgreater,fromapracticalpointof view,issilenceabouttruth. AldousHuxley(18941963),BraveNewWorld,Forewordto1946edition Therealhopelessvictimsofmentalillnessaretobefoundamongthosewhoappeartobemost normal.Manyofthemarenormalbecausetheyaresowelladjustedtoourmodeofexistence, becausetheirhumanvoicehasbeensilencedsoearlyintheirlives,thattheydonotevenstruggle orsufferordevelopsymptomsastheneuroticdoes. Theyarenormalnotinwhatmaybecalledtheabsolutesenseoftheword;theyarenormalonlyin relationtoaprofoundlyabnormalsociety.Theirperfectadjustmenttothatabnormalsocietyisa

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measureoftheirmentalsickness.Thesemillionsofabnormallynormalpeople,livingwithoutfuss inasocietytowhich,iftheywerefullyhumanbeings,theyoughtnottobeadjusted. Humanbeingsactinagreatvarietyofirrationalways,butallofthemseemtobecapable,ifgiven afairchance,ofmakingareasonablechoiceinthelightofavailableevidence.Democratic institutionscanbemadetoworkonlyifallconcerneddotheirbesttoimpartknowledgeandto encouragerationality.Buttoday,intheworldsmostpowerfuldemocracy,thepoliticiansandthe propagandistsprefertomakenonsenseofdemocraticproceduresbyappealingalmostexclusively totheignoranceandirrationalityoftheelectors. Thankstocompulsoryeducationandtherotarypress,thepropagandisthasbeenable,formany yearspast,toconveyhismessagestovirtuallyeveryadultineverycivilizedcountry.(page54) AldousHuxley,BraveNewWorldRevisited,1958 Ifyouallowapoliticalcatchwordtogoonandgrow,youwillawakensomedaytofinditstanding overyou,thearbiterofyourdestiny,againstwhichyouarepowerless,asmenarepowerless againstdelusions. WilliamGrahamSumner Inaway,theworldviewofthepartyimposeditselfmostsuccessfullyonthepeopleincapableof understandingit.Theycouldbemadetoacceptthemostflagrantviolationsofreality,because theyneverfullygraspedtheenormityofwhatwasdemandedofthem,andwerenotsufficiently interestedinpubliceventstonoticewhatwashappening.Bylackofunderstanding,theyremained sane.Theysimplyswallowedeverything,andwhattheyswalloweddidthemnoharm,becauseit leftnoresiduebehind,justlikeagrainofcornwillpassundigestedthroughthebodyofabird. GeorgeOrwell,NineteenEightyfour,1949 Youdontcommunicatewithanyonepurelyontherationalfactsorethicsofanissue...Itisonly whentheotherpartyisconcernedorfeelsthreatenedthathewilllisteninthearenaofaction,a threatoracrisisbecomesalmostapreconditiontocommunication...Noonecannegotiatewithout thepowertocompelnegotiation...Toattempttooperateonagoodwillbasisratherthanona powerbasiswouldbetoattemptsomethingthattheworldhasnotyetexperienced. SaulAlinsky,RulesforRadicals Ifyoutellaliebigenoughandkeeprepeatingit,peoplewilleventuallycometobelieveit.Thelie canbemaintainedonlyforsuchtimeastheStatecanshieldthepeoplefromthepolitical,economic andmilitaryconsequencesofthelie.ItthusbecomesvitallyimportantfortheStatetouseallofits powerstorepressdissent,forthetruthisthemortalenemyofthelie,andthusbyextension,the truthisthegreatestenemyoftheState.

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ItistheabsoluterightoftheStatetosupervisetheformationofpublicopinion. JosephGoebbels,GermanMinisterofPropaganda,19331945 Ifitspopular,itspropaganda. JayHanson,personalcommunication,September2012 Wonderfulistheeffectofimpudent&perseveringlying.TheBritishministryhavesolonghired theirgazetteerstorepeatandmodelintoeveryformliesaboutourbeinginanarchy,thattheworld hasatlengthbelievedthem,theEnglishnationhasbelievedthem,theministersthemselveshave cometobelievethem,andwhatismorewonderful,wehavebelievedthemourselves. ThomasJefferson,inalettertoWilliamS.Smith,writtenfromParis on13November1787 Thatisofcourseratherpainfulforthoseinvolved.Oneshouldnotasarulerevealonessecrets, sinceonedoesnotknowifandwhenonemayneedthemagain.TheessentialEnglishleadership secretdoesnotdependonparticularintelligence.Rather,itdependsonaremarkablystupidthick headedness.TheEnglishfollowtheprinciplethatwhenonelies,oneshouldliebig,andsticktoit. Theykeepuptheirlies,evenattheriskoflookingridiculous. JosephGoebbels,AusChurchillsLgenfabrik,inDieZeitohneBeispeil,12January1941 Throughcleverandconstantapplicationofpropagandapeoplecanbemadetoseeparadiseashell, andalsotheotherwayaround,toconsiderthemostwretchedsortoflifeasparadise. AdolfHitler,MeinKampf,1923 ButitremainedfortheJews,withtheirunqualifiedcapacityforfalsehood,andtheirfighting comrades,theMarxists,toimputeresponsibilityforthedownfallpreciselytothemanwhoalone hadshownasuperhumanwillandenergyinhisefforttopreventthecatastrophewhichhehad foreseenandtosavethenationfromthathourofcompleteoverthrowandshame.Byplacing responsibilityforthelossoftheworldwarontheshouldersofLudendorfftheytookawaythe weaponofmoralrightfromtheonlyadversarydangerousenoughtobelikelytosucceedin bringingthebetrayersoftheFatherlandtoJustice. Allthiswasinspiredbytheprinciplewhichisquitetrueinitselfthatinthebigliethereis alwaysacertainforceofcredibility;becausethebroadmassesofanationarealwaysmoreeasily corruptedinthedeeperstrataoftheiremotionalnaturethanconsciouslyorvoluntarily;andthus intheprimitivesimplicityoftheirmindstheymorereadilyfallvictimstothebigliethanthesmall lie,sincetheythemselvesoftentellsmallliesinlittlemattersbutwouldbeashamedtoresortto

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largescalefalsehoods.Itwouldnevercomeintotheirheadstofabricatecolossaluntruths,and theywouldnotbelievethatotherscouldhavetheimpudencetodistortthetruthsoinfamously. Eventhoughthefactswhichprovethistobesomaybebroughtclearlytotheirminds,theywill stilldoubtandwaverandwillcontinuetothinkthattheremaybesomeotherexplanation.Forthe grosslyimpudentliealwaysleavestracesbehindit,evenafterithasbeennaileddown,afact whichisknowntoallexpertliarsinthisworldandtoallwhoconspiretogetherintheartoflying. Thesepeopleknowonlytoowellhowtousefalsehoodforthebasestpurposes. Fromtimeimmemorial,however,theJewshaveknownbetterthananyothershowfalsehoodand calumnycanbeexploited.Isnottheirveryexistencefoundedononegreatlie,namely,thatthey areareligiouscommunity,whereasinrealitytheyarearace?Andwhatarace!Oneofthegreatest thinkersthatmankindhasproducedhasbrandedtheJewsforalltimewithastatementwhichis profoundlyandexactlytrue.SchopenhauercalledtheJewTheGreatMasterofLies.Thosewho donotrealizethetruthofthatstatement,ordonotwishtobelieveit,willneverbeabletolenda handinhelpingTruthtoprevail. AdolfHitler,MeinKampf,Volume1Chapter10,1925 IamthusinwardlyarmedwithconfidenceinGodandtheunshakablestupidityofthevoting citizenry,thepoliticianscanbeginthefightfortheremakingoftheReichastheycallit. Ifyouwishthesympathyofthebroadmasses,youmusttellthemthecrudestandmoststupid things. AdolfHitler,MeinKampf,Volume2Chapter1 Massmovementscanriseandspreadwithoutbeliefinagod,butneverwithoutbeliefinadevil [Tothetruebeliever]everydifficultyandfailurewithinthemovementistheworkofthedevil,and everysuccessisatriumphoverhisevilplottingThisenemytheindispensabledevilofevery massmovementisomnipresent.Heplotsbothoutsideandinsidetheranksofthefaithful. Themissionaryzealseemsratheranexpressionofsomedeepmisgiving,somepressingfeelingof insufficiencyatthecenter.Proselytizingismoreapassionatesearchforsomethingnotyetfound thanadesiretobestowupontheworldsomethingwealreadyhave.Itisasearchforafinaland irrefutabledemonstrationthatourabsolutetruthisindeedtheoneandonlytruth.The proselytizingfanaticstrengthenshisownfaithbyconvertingothers. SotenaciouslyshouldweclingtotheworldrevealedbytheGospel,thatwereItoseeallthe AngelsofHeavencomingdowntometotellmesomethingdifferent,notonlywouldInotbe temptedtodoubtasinglesyllable,butIwouldshutmyeyesandstopmyears,fortheywouldnot deservetobeeitherseenorheard. MartinLuther,TableTalk,Number1687.

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Itisthetruebelieversabilitytoshuthiseyesandstophisearstothefactsthatdonotdeserveto beeitherseenorheardwhichisthesourceofhisunequaledfortitudeandconstancy.Hecannotbe frightenedbydangernordisheartenedbyobstaclenorbaffledbycontradictionsbecausehedenies theirexistence[Forthetruebeliever,]torelyontheevidenceofthesensesandofreasonisheresy andtreason.Itisstartlingtorealizehowmuchunbeliefisnecessarytomakebeliefpossible.What weknowasblindfaithissustainedbyinnumerableunbeliefsOnemightequategrowingup withamistrustofwords.Amaturepersontrustshiseyesmorethanhisears.Irrationalityoften manifestsitselfinupholdingthewordagainsttheevidenceoftheeyes.Children,savages,andtrue believersrememberfarlesswhattheyhaveseenthanwhattheyhaveheard. Allleadersstrivetoturntheirfollowersintochildren. Propagandadoesnotdeceivepeople;itmerelyhelpsthemtodeceivethemselves. Welietheloudestwhenwelietoourselves. Tomostofusnothingissoinvisibleasanunpleasanttruth.Thoughitisheldbeforeoureyes, pushedunderournoses,rammeddownourthroatsweknowitnotTheinabilityor unwillingnesstoseethingsastheyarepromotesbothgullibilityandcharlatanism. EricHoffer(19021983),TheTrueBeliever,1951 Thecruelestliesareoftentoldinsilence. RobertLouisStevenson,VirginibusPuerisque,1881 Anyonewhowantstorulemenfirsttriestohumiliatethem,totrickthemoutoftheirrightsand theircapacityforresistance,untiltheyareaspowerlessbeforehimasanimals.Heusesthemlike animalsand,evenifhedoesnottellthemso,inhimselfhealwaysknowsquiteclearlythatthey meanjustaslittletohim;whenhespeakstohisintimateshewillcallthemsheeporcattle.His ultimateaimistoincorporatethemintohimselfandtosuckthesubstanceoutofthem.What remainsofthemafterwardsdoesnotmattertohim.Theworsehehastreatedthem,themorehe despisesthem.Whentheyarenomoreuseatall,hedisposesofthemashedoesexcrement,simply seeingtoitthattheydonotpoisontheairofhishouse. EliasCanetti,CrowdsandPower, Themostpotentweaponinthehandsoftheoppressoristhemindoftheoppressed. SteveBiko Nobodycanputyoupsychologicallyintoprison;youarealreadythere.

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J.Krishnamurti Mostmenandwomenwillgrowuptolovetheirservitudeandwillneverdreamofrevolution. AldousHuxley,BraveNewWorld Theaveragecitizenistheworldsmostefficientcensor.Hisownmindisthegreatestbarrier betweenhimandthefacts.Hisownlogicproofcompartments,hisownabsolutismarethe obstacleswhichpreventhimfromseeingintermsofexperienceandthoughtratherthaninterms ofgroupreaction. EdwardBernays,CrystallizingPublicOpinion,1923 Ifthoseinchargeofoursocietypoliticians,corporateexecutives,andownersofpressand televisioncandominateourideas,theywillbesecureintheirpower.Theywillnotneed soldierspatrollingthestreets.Wewillcontrolourselves. HowardZinn Thosewhohaveputoutthepeopleseyes,reproachthemoftheirblindness. JohnMilton Iwanderthroeachcharterdstreet, NearwherethecharterdThamesdoesflow. AndmarkineveryfaceImeet Marksofweakness,marksofwoe. IneverycryofeveryMan, IneveryInfantscryoffear, Ineveryvoice:ineveryban, ThemindforgdmanaclesIhear HowtheChimneysweeperscry EveryblackningChurchappalls, AndthehaplessSoldierssigh RunsinblooddownPalacewalls ButmostthromidnightstreetsIhear HowtheyouthfulHarlotscurse BlaststhenewbornInfantstear AndblightswithplaguestheMarriagehearse.

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WilliamBlake,London,inSongsofInnocenceandExperience,1794 Freespeechiswhatisleftoverwhenacommunityhasdeterminedinadvancewhatitdoesnot wanttohear. StanleyFish,Chairman,DukeUniversityEnglishDepartment Wewrite,notwiththefingers,butwiththewholeperson.Thenervewhichcontrolsthepenwinds itselfabouteveryfiberofourbeing,threadstheheart,piercestheliver. VirginiaWolfe,Orlando,5 Putlittleornothingintowriting,dealfacetofacewhereamanseyeuponthecountenanceofhim withwhomhespeakethmaygivehimadirectionhowfartogo. SirFrancisBacon,OfNegotiating Hismindslidawayintothelabyrinthineworldofdoublethink.Toknowandnottoknow,tobe consciousofcompletetruthfulnesswhiletellingcarefullyconstructedlies,toholdsimultaneously twoopinionswhichcanceledout,knowingthemtobecontradictoryandbelievinginbothofthem, touselogicagainstlogic,torepudiatemoralitywhilelayingclaimtoit,tobelievethatdemocracy wasimpossibleandthatthePartywastheguardianofdemocracy,toforget,whateveritwas necessarytoforget,thentodrawitbackintomemoryagainatthemomentwhenitwasneeded, andthenpromptlytoforgetitagain,andaboveall,toapplythesameprocesstotheprocessitself thatwastheultimatesubtlety:consciouslytoinduceunconsciousness,andthen,onceagain,to becomeunconsciousoftheactofhypnosisyouhadjustperformed.Eventounderstandtheword doublethinkinvolvedtheuseofdoublethink. Theprocesshastobeconscious,oritwouldnotbecarriedoutwithsufficientprecision,butitalso hastobeunconscious,oritwouldbringwithitafeelingoffalsityandhenceofguilt...Totell deliberatelieswhilegenuinelybelievinginthem,toforgetanyfactthathasbecomeinconvenient, andthen,whenitbecomesnecessaryagain,todrawitbackfromoblivionforjustsolongasitis needed,todenytheexistenceofobjectiverealityandallthewhiletotakeaccountofthereality whichonedeniesallthisisindispensablynecessary. GeorgeOrwell,NineteenEightyfour,1949 Theproblemwithcommunicationistheillusionthatithasoccurred. GeorgeBernardShaw AmassofLatinwordsfallsuponthefactslikesoftsnow,blurringtheoutlinesandcoveringupall thedetails.

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GeorgeOrwell Motionpicturesareofcourseadifferentmediumofexpressionthanthepublicspeech,theradio, thestage,thenovel,orthemagazine.ButtheFirstAmendmentdrawsnodistinctionbetweenthe variousmethodsofcommunicatingideas. WilliamO.Douglas,U.S.SupremeCourtJustice,1953 Letthepeopledecidethroughthemarketplacemechanismwhattheywishtoseeandhear.Whyis therethisnationalobsessiontotamperwiththisboxoftransistorsandtubeswhenwedontdothe sameforTimemagazine? MarkFowler,FCCChairman Inthemarket,languagegrew.Becamebolder,moresophisticated.Leapedandsparkedfrommind tomind.Incitedbycuriosityandraptattention,ittookastoundingrisksthatnonehadeverdared tocontemplate,builtwholecivilizationsfromthegroundup. TheCluetrainManifesto,2000 Idontthinkwritersaresacred,butwordsare.Theydeserverespect.Ifyougettherightonesin therightorder,youcannudgetheworldalittleormakeapoemwhichchildrenwillspeakforyou whenyouredead. TomStoppard,TheRightThing,1982 Threefourthsofphilosophyandliteratureisthetalkofpeopletryingtoconvincethemselvesthat theyreallylikethecagetheyweretrickedintoentering. GarySnyder WhenLeonthetyrantofPhliusaskedPythagoraswhohewas,hesaid,APhilosopher,andhe comparedlifetothepublicfestivals,wheresomewenttocompeteforaprizeandotherswentwith thingstosell,butthebestasobservers;forsimilarly,inlife,somegrowupwithservilenatures, greedyforfameandgain,butphilosophersseekthetruth. DiogenesLaertius [Phaedrus]likedthatwordphilosophology.Itwasjustright.Ithadanicedull,cumbersome, superfluousappearancethatexactlyfitteditssubjectmatter,andhe'dbeenusingitforsometime now.Philosophologyistophilosophyasmusicologyistomusic,orasarthistoryandart appreciationaretoart,orasliterarycriticismistocreativewriting.Itsaderivative,secondary

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field,asometimesparasiticgrowththatlikestothinkitcontrolsitshostbyanalyzingand intellectualizingitshostsbehavior. Literaturepeoplearesometimespuzzledbythehatredmanycreativewritershaveforthem.Art historianscantunderstandthevenomeither.Hesupposedthatthesamewastruewith musicologistsbuthedidntknowenoughaboutthem.Butpholosophologistsdonthavethis problematallbecausethephilosopherswhowouldnormallycondemnthemareanullclass.They dontexist.Philosophologists,callingthemselvesphilosophers,arejustaboutallthereare. Youcanimaginetheridiculousnessofanarthistoriantakinghisstudentstomuseums,having themwriteathesisonsomehistoricalortechnicalaspectofwhattheyseethere,andafterafew yearsofthisgivingthemdegreessayingthattheyareaccomplishedartists.Theyveneverhelda brushoramalletorachiselintheirhands.Alltheyknowisarthistory. Yet,ridiculousasitsounds,thisisexactlywhathappensinthephilosophologythatcallsitself philosophy.Studentsarentexpectedtophilosophize.Theirinstructorswouldhardlyknowwhat tosayiftheydid.TheydprobablycomparethestudentswritingtoMillorKantorsomebodylike that,findthestudentsworkgrosslyinferior,andtellhimtoabandonit.AsastudentPhaedrus hadbeenwarnedthathewouldcomeacropperifhegottooattachedtoanyphilosophicalideas ofhisown. Literature,musicology,arthistory,andphilosophologythriveinacademicinstitutionsbecause theyareeasytoteach.YoujustXeroxsomethingsomephilosopherhassaidandmakethestudents discussit,makethemmemorizeit,andthenflunkthemattheendofthequarteriftheyforgetit. Actualpainting,musiccompositionandcreativewritingarealmostimpossibletoteachandso theybarelygetintheacademicdoor.Truephilosophydoesntgetinatall.Philosophologistsoften haveaninterestincreatingphilosophybut,asphilosophologists,theysubordinateit,muchasa literaryscholarmightsubordinatehisowninterestincreativewriting.Unlesstheyareexceptional theydontconsiderthecreationofphilosophytheirreallineofwork. Asanauthor,Phaedrushadbeenputtingoffthephilosophology,partlybecausehedidntlikeit, andpartlytoavoidputtingaphilosophologicalcartbeforethephilosophicalhorse. Philosophologistsnotonlystartbyputtingthecartfirst;theyusuallyforgetthehorseentirely. Theysayfirstyoushouldreadwhatallthegreatphilosophersofhistoryhavesaidandthenyou shoulddecidewhatyouwanttosay.Thecatchhereisthatbythetimeyouvereadwhatallthe greatphilosophersofhistoryhavesaidyoullbeatleasttwohundredyearsold.Asecondcatchis thatthesegreatphilosophersareverypersuasivepeopleandifyoureadtheminnocentlyyoumay becarriedawaybywhattheysayandneverseewhattheymissed. Phsdrus,incontrast,sometimesforgotthecartbutwasfascinatedbythehorse.Hethoughtthe bestwaytoexaminethecontentsofvariousphilosophologicalcartsisfirsttofigureoutwhatyou believeandthentoseewhatgreatphilosophersagreewithyou.Therewillalwaysbeafew somewhere.Thesewillbemuchmoreinterestingtoreadsinceyoucancheerwhattheysayand

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bootheirenemies,andwhenyouseehowtheirenemiesattackthemyoucankibitzalittleandtake arealinterestinwhethertheywererightorwrong. WiththistechniqueyoucanapproachsomeonelikeWilliamJamesinamuchdifferentwaythan anordinaryphilosophologistwould.Sinceyouvealreadydoneyourcreativethinkingbeforeyou readJames,youdontjustgoalongwithhim.Yougetallkindsoffreshnewideasbycontrasting whathessayingwithwhatyoualreadybelieve.Yourenotlimitedbyanydeadendsofhis thoughtandcanoftenseewaysofgoingaroundhim.ThiswasoccurringinwhatPhaedrushad readsofar.HewasgettingadefiniteimpressionthatJamesphilosophywasincompleteandthat theMetaphysicsofQualitymightactuallyimproveonit.Aphilosophologistwouldnormallybe indignantattheimpertinenceofsomeonethinkinghecouldimproveonthegreatHarvard philosopher,butJameshimself,tojudgefromwhatPhaedrushadreadsofar,wouldhavebeen veryenthusiasticabouttheeffort.Hewas,afterall,aphilosopher. RobertA.Pirsig,LILA:AnInquiryIntoMorals,1991,page322ff Theideathatpeoplesbeliefs,merelybybeingdeeplyheld,meritrespectisgrotesque.A constitutionalsocietyupholdsfreedomofspeechandthought:ithasnointerestinitscitizens feelings.Ifitsoughttoprotectsensibilities,therewouldbenolimittotheabridgementsoffreedom thattheprinciplewouldjustify. OliverKamm,inTheTimesOnline,28September2009 Beliefmeansnotwantingtoknowwhatistrue. FriedrichNietzsche Thereisaqueerdispositioninthehumanmindtothinkthatsymbolsandwordsandlogical deductionsaretruerthanactualexperiences,andthesegreatcontroversieswereduetothe struggleofthehumanintelligenceagainstthatdisposition.OntheonesideweretheRealists,who weresocalledbecausetheybelieved,ineffect,thatnamesweremorerealthanfacts,andonthe othersideweretheNominalists,whofromthefirstwerepervadedbyasuspicionaboutnames andwordsgenerally;whothoughttheremightbesomesortofcatchinverbalprocesses,andwho graduallyworkedtheirwaytowardsverificationbyexperimentwhichisthefundamentalthing aboutexperimentalscienceexperimentalsciencewhichhasgivenourhumanworldallthese immensepowersandpossibilitiesthattemptandthreatenittoday.Thesecontroversiesofthe schoolmenwereoftheutmostimportancetomankind.Themodernworldcouldnotbegintocome intoexistenceuntilthehumanmindhadbrokenawayfromthenarrowmindedverbalistwayof thinkingwhichtheRealistsfollowed. H.G.(?)Wells Nominalizations:Oneofthewaysthatpeoplebecomeimmobilizedistoturnanongoingprocess

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intoanevent.Eventsarethingswhichoccuratonepointintimeandarefinished.Oncetheyoccur, theiroutcomesarefixedandnothingcanbedonetochangethem.Thiswayofrepresentingtheir experienceisimpoverishinginthesensethatsubjectslosecontrolofongoingprocessesby representingthemasevents.Thepsychologistcanchallengethedistortedportionsofthesubjects mentalmodelbyexaminingthesubjectsSurfaceStructure;thatis,bycheckingeachofthenon verbsinasentenceandaskingyourselfwhetheryoucanthinkofaverboradjectivewhichis closelyassociatedwithitinappearance/soundandmeaning.Forexample,asthesubjectbeginsto discusssomeongoingprocessinhislife...hemayrepresentthisprocessinhisSurfaceStructureby thephrasemydecisionasin:Iregretmydecision.Thetaskofthepsychologististohelpthesubject seethatwhathehasrepresentedinhismodelasaclosed,finishedeventisanongoingprocess whichmaybeinfluencedbyhim. RichardBandlerandJohnGrinder,FoundersofNeuroLinguisticProgramming Noonegetsangryatamathematicianoraphysicistwhomheorshedoesntunderstand,orat someonewhospeaksaforeignlanguage,butratheratsomeonewhotamperswithyour[sic]own language. JacquesDerrida Thecomputationaltheoryofmindhasquietlyentrencheditselfinneuroscience,thestudyofthe physiologyofthebrainandnervoussystem.Nocornerofthefieldisuntouchedbytheideathat informationprocessingisthefundamentalactivityofthebrain.Informationprocessingiswhat makesneuroscientistsmoreinterestedinneuronsthaninglialcells,eventhoughthegliatakeup moreroominthebrain.Theaxon(thelongoutputfiber)ofaneuronisdesigned,downtothe molecule,topropagateinformationwithhighfidelityacrosslongseparations,andwhenits electricalsignalistransducedtoachemicaloneatthesynapse(thejunctionbetweenneurons),the physicalformatoftheinformationchangeswhiletheinformationitselfremainsthesame.Andas weshallsee,thetreeofdendrites(inputfibers)oneachneuronappearstoperformthebasiclogical andstatisticaloperationsunderlyingcomputation.Informationtheoretictermssuchassignals, codes,representations,transformations,andprocessingsuffusethelanguageof neuroscience.(page83) Thecomputationaltheoryfitssowellintoourunderstandingoftheworldthat,intryingto overthrowit,Penrosehadtorejectmostofcontemporaryneuroscience,evolutionarybiology,and physics!(page98) Peoplesurelydousesomesortoflogic.Alllanguageshavelogicaltermslikenot,and,same, equivalent,andopposite.Childrenuseand,not,or,andifappropriatelybeforetheyturnthree,not onlyinEnglishbutinhalfadozenotherlanguagesthathavebeenstudied.Logicalinferencesare ubiquitousinhumanthought,particularlywhenweunderstandlanguage.Logicis indispensableininferringtruethingsabouttheworldfrompiecemealfactsacquiredfromother peoplevialanguageorfromonesowngeneralizations.

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StevenPinker,HowTheMindWorks,1997 Reading,afteracertainage,divertsthemindtoomuchfromitscreativepursuits.Anymanwho readstoomuchanduseshisownbraintoolittlefallsintolazyhabitsofthinking. AlbertEinstein

PROHIBITION
TheFramersoftheBillofRightsdidnotpurporttocreaterights.Rather,theydesignedtheBill ofRightstoprohibitourGovernmentfrominfringingrightsandlibertiespresumedtobe preexisting. U.S.SupremeCourtJusticeWilliamJ.Brennan,1982 Theprestigeofgovernmenthasundoubtedlybeenloweredconsiderablybytheprohibitionlaw. Fornothingismoredestructiveofrespectforthegovernmentandthelawofthelandthanpassing lawswhichcannotbeenforced.Itisanopensecretthatthedangerousincreaseofcrimeinthis countryiscloselyconnectedwiththis. AlbertEinstein,MyFirstImpressionoftheU.S.A.,1921 Theusualroadtoslaveryisthatfirsttheytakeawayyourguns,thentheytakeawayyour property,thenlastofalltheytellyoutoshutupandsayyouareenjoyingit. JamesA.Donald TheConstitution,inadditiontodelegatingcertainenumeratedpowerstoCongress,placeswhole areasoutsidethereachofCongressregulatoryauthority.TheFirstAmendment,forexample,is fittinglycelebratedforpreventingCongressfromprohibitingthefreeexerciseofreligionor abridgingthefreedomofspeech.TheSecondAmendmentsimilarlyappearstocontainan expresslimitationonthegovernmentsauthority....ThisCourthasnothadrecentoccasionto considerthenatureofthesubstantiverightsafeguardedbytheSecondAmendment.If,however, theSecondAmendmentisreadtoconferapersonalrighttokeepandbeararms,acolorable argumentexiststhattheFederalGovernmentsregulatoryscheme,atleastasitpertainstothe purelyintrastatesaleorpossessionoffirearms,runsafoulofthatAmendmentsprotections. JusticeClarenceThomas,Printzv.UnitedStates,Concurrence,1997 Thechieffoundationsofallstates...aregoodlawsandgoodarms.Andastherecannotbegood lawswheretherearenotgoodarms...wheretherearegoodarmstheremustbegoodlaws...

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Machiavelli,ThePrince,1513 Nokingdomcanbesecuredotherwisethanbyarmingthepeople.Thepossessionofarmsisthe distinctionbetweenafreemanandaslave. JamesBurgh,PoliticalDisquisitions:Or,anEnquiryintoPublicErrors,Defects,andAbuses, 1775 Afreepeopleoughtnotonlytobearmedanddisciplined,buttheyshouldhavesufficientarms andammunitiontomaintainastatusofindependencefromanywhomightattempttoabusethem, whichwouldincludetheirowngovernment. GeorgeWashington BoththeoligarchandTyrantmistrustthepeople,andthereforedeprivethemofarms. Aristotle Falseistheideaofutilitythatsacrificesathousandrealadvantagesforoneimaginaryortrifling inconvenience;thatwouldtakefirefrommenbecauseitburns,andwaterbecauseonemaydrown init...Thelawsthatforbidthecarryingofarmsarelawsofsuchanature.Theydisarmonlythose whoareneitherinclinednordeterminedtocommitcrimes....Suchlawsmakethingsworseforthe assaultedandbetterfortheassailants;theyserverathertoencouragethantopreventhomicides, foranunarmedmanmaybeattackedwithgreaterconfidencethananarmedman. CesareBeccaria,OnCrimesandPunishment,1764 Thestrongestreasonforpeopletoretaintherighttokeepandbeararmsis,asalastresort,to protectthemselvesagainsttyrannyingovernmentLawsthatforbidthecarryingofarms...disarm onlythosewhoareneitherinclinednordeterminedtocommitcrimes...Suchlawsmakethings worsefortheassaultedandbetterfortheassailants;theyserverathertoencouragethantoprevent homicides,foranunarmedmanmaybeattackedwithgreaterconfidencethananarmedman. ThomasJefferson,quoting(plagiarizing?)CesareBeccariainCommonplaceBook, 17741776 Prohibition...goesbeyondtheboundsofreasoninthatitattemptstocontrolamansappetiteby legislationandmakesacrimeoutofthingsthatarenotcrimes...Aprohibitionlawstrikesablowat theveryprinciplesuponwhichourgovernmentwasfounded. AbrahamLincoln(apocryphal)

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Alcoholdidn'tcausethehighcrimeratesofthe20sand30s,Prohibitiondid.Anddrugsdonot causetoday'salarmingcrimerates,butdrugprohibitiondoes. Tryingtowagewaron23millionAmericanswhoareobviouslyverycommittedtocertain recreationalactivitiesisnotgoingtobeanymoresuccessfulthanProhibitionwas. U.S.DistrictJudgeJamesC.Paine,addressingtheFederalBarAssociationinMiami, November1991 Wewontdispassionatelyinvestigateorrationallydebatewhichdrugsdowhatdamageand whetherorhowmuchofthatdamageistheresultofcriminalization.Wedratherworkourselves intoascreamingfitofpuritanismandthengohomeandtakeapill. P.J.ORourke Iamconvincedthatwecandotogunswhatwevedonetodrugs:createamultibilliondollar undergroundmarketoverwhichwehaveabsolutelynocontrol. GeorgeL.Roman EveryfriendoffreedommustbeasrevoltedasIambytheprospectofturningtheUnitedStates intoanarmedcamp,bythevisionofjailsfilledwithcasualdrugusersandofanarmyofenforcers empoweredtoinvadethelibertyofcitizensonslightevidence. MiltonFriedman,NobelPrizewinningeconomist Decriminalizationwouldtaketheprofitoutofdrugsandgreatlyreduce,ifnoteliminate,thedrug relatedviolencethatiscurrentlyplaguingourstreets. KurtL.Schmoke,BaltimoreMayor AlthoughIamastrongpoliticalconservative,Inowbelievethatthecostsofourfruitlessstruggle againstillegaldrugsarenotworththemodestbenefitslikelytobeachieved. ProfessorErnestvandenHaag,contributingeditor,NationalReview Everydollarspenttopunishadruguserorsellerisadollarthatcannotbespentcollecting restitutionfromarobber.Everyhourspentinvestigatingadruguserorsellerisanhourthatcould havebeenusedtofindamissingchild.Everytrialheldtoprosecuteadruguserorselleriscourt timethatcouldbeusedtoprosecutearapistinacasethatmightotherwisehavebeenplea bargained. RandyE.Barnett,CuringtheDrugLawAddiction

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GermanswhowishtousefirearmsshouldjointheSSortheSAordinarycitizensdontneed guns,astheirhavinggunsdoesntservetheState. HeinrichHimmler Thisyearwillgodowninhistory.Forthefirsttime,acivilizednationhasfullgunregistration! Ourstreetswillbesafer,ourpolicemoreefficient,andtheworldwillfollowourleadintothe future! AdolfHitler,BerlinDaily{BerlinerTagblatt],15April1935 ThemostfoolishmistakewecouldpossiblymakewouldbetopermittheconqueredEastern peoplestohavearms.Historyteachesthatallconquerorswhohaveallowedtheirsubjectracesto carryarmshavepreparedtheirowndownfallbydoingso.IndeedIwouldgosofarastosaythat theunderdogisasinequanonfortheoverthrowofanysovereignty.Soletsnothaveanynative militiaorpolice.Germantroopsalonewillbearthesoleresponsibilityforthemaintenanceoflaw andorder. AdolfHitler,April11,1942,inHitlersTableTalkattheFhrersHeadquarters19411942, Dr.HenryPicker,ed.(AthenaeumVerlag,Bonn,1951) Peoplewhoobjecttoweaponsarentabolishingviolence,theyrebeggingforrulebybruteforce, whenthebiggest,strongestanimalsamongmenwerealwaysautomaticallyright.Gunsended that,andsocialdemocracyisahollowfarcewithoutanarmedpopulacetomakeitwork. L.NeilSmith,TheProbabilityBroach TheConventionsofanumberoftheStateshaving,attheTimeoftheirAdoptingtheConstitution, expressedaDesire,inOrdertopreventMisconstructionorAbuseofitsPowers,thatfurther declaratoryandrestrictiveClausesshouldbeadded:AndasexceedingtheGroundofpublic ConfidenceintheGovernmentwillbestinsurethebeneficentEndsofitsInstitution,... ArticlesinAdditionto,andAmendmentof,theConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica, proposedbyCongress,andratifiedbytheLegislaturesoftheseveralStates,pursuanttotheFifth ArticleoftheoriginalConstitution. PreambletotheBillofRightsoftheU.S.Constitution(emphasisadded) Puritanismisthehauntingfearthatsomeone,somewhere,maybehappy. H.L.Mencken,AmericanGadfly

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Claimingthatgunscausecrimehasalltheprobityofclaimingthatpencilscausemisspellings. Banningassaultweaponstofightcrimeisasstupidasbanningcondomstopreventrape. Unattributed UnlessweputmedicalfreedomintotheConstitution,thetimewillcomewhenmedicinewill organizeintoanundercoverdictatorshiptorestricttheartofhealingtooneclassofmenanddeny equalprivilegestoothers:TheConstitutionofthisRepublicshouldmakeaspecialprivilegefor medicalfreedomaswellasreligiousfreedom. Dr.BenjaminRush,signeroftheU.S.DeclarationofIndependence TheyhaveguncontrolinCuba.TheyhaveuniversalhealthcareinCuba.Sowhydotheywantto comehere? PaulHarvey,31August1994 Ideasaremorepowerfulthanguns.Wewouldnotletourenemieshaveguns,whyshouldwelet themhaveideas? JosephStalin Ifthoseinchargeofoursocietypoliticians,corporateexecutives,andownersofpressand televisioncandominateourideas,theywillbesecureintheirpower.Theywillnotneed soldierspatrollingthestreets.Wewillcontrolourselves. HowardZinn Theconclusionisthusinescapablethatthehistory,concept,andwordingoftheSecond AmendmenttotheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates,aswellasitsinterpretationbyeverymajor commentatorandcourtinthefirsthalfcenturyafteritsratification,indicatesthatwhatis protectedisanindividualrightofaprivatecitizentoownandcarryfirearmsinapeacefulmanner. ReportoftheSubcommitteeontheConstitutionoftheCommitteeontheJudiciary, UnitedStatesSenate,97thCongress,SecondSession(February1982) Therightofselfdefenseisthefirstlawofnature;inmostgovernmentsithasbeenthestudyof rulerstoconfinethisrightwithinthenarrowestlimitspossible.Whereverstandingarmiesarekept up,andwhentherightofthepeopletokeepandbeararmsis,underanycolororpretext whatsoever,prohibited,liberty,ifnotalreadyannihilated,isonthebrinkofdestruction. HenrySt.GeorgeTucker,inBlackstones1768CommentariesontheLawsofEngland

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Thegovernmentwhichstepsoutoftheranksoftheordinaryarticlesofconsumptiontoselectand layunderdisproportionateburdensaparticularonebecauseitisacomfort,pleasingtothetaste,or necessarytothehealthandwillthereforebebought,isinthatparticularatyranny. ThomasJefferson,lettertoSamuelSmith,1823. Youknow,IvelongfounditinterestingthatLiberalskeeptellingmethatthegovernmentis corrupt,thepoliceareoppressiveandbrutal,andthemilitaryisjusttheretokeeptheStatusQuo andinthenextbreath,proclaimthatonlymembersofthosethreegroupsshouldbeallowedto ownguns. AndrewNorthbrook Certainly,oneofthechiefguaranteesoffreedomunderanygovernment,nomatterhowpopular andrespected,istherightofcitizenstokeepandbeararms.Thisisnottosaythatfirearmsshould notbeverycarefullyusedandthatdefinitesafetyrulesofprecautionshouldnotbetaughtand enforced.Buttherightofcitizenstobeararmsisjustonemoreguaranteeagainstarbitrary government,andonemoresafeguardagainstatyrannywhichnowappearsremoteinAmerica, butwhichhistoricallyhasprovedtobealwayspossible. HubertHumphrey,KnowYourLawmakers,Guns,February1960,page4 Societydoesnotcontrolcrime,ever,byforcingthelawabidingtoaccommodatethemselvestothe expectedbehaviorofcriminals.Societycontrolscrimebyforcingthecriminalstoaccommodate themselvestotheexpectedbehaviorofthelawabiding. JeffSnyder,authorAmericanHandgunner,SecondAmendmentFoundationOfficer Annualdrugdeaths:tobacco:395,000,alcohol:125,000;legaldrugs:38,000,illegaldrugoverdoses: 5,200,marijuana,0.Consideringgovernmentsubsidiesoftobacco,justwhatisourgovernment protectingusfrominthedrugwar? WilliamA.Turnbow Anyway,nodrug,notevenalcohol,causesthefundamentalillsofsociety.Ifwerelookingforthe sourceofourtroubles,weshouldnttestpeoplefordrugs,weshouldtestthemforstupidity, ignorance,greed,andloveofpower. P.J.ORourke Everyablebodiedfreeman,betweentheagesofsixteenandfifty,isenrolledinthemilitia.We havenogeneralofficersalwaysexisting.Theseareappointedoccasionally,whenaninvasionor

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insurrectionhappens,andtheircommissiondetermineswiththeoccasion.TheGovernorisheadof themilitary,aswellascivilpower.Thelawrequireseverymilitiamantoprovidehimselfwiththe armsusualintheregularservice.Butthisinjunctionwasalwaysindifferentlycompliedwith,and thearmstheyhad,havebeensofrequentlycalledfortoarmtheregulars,thatinthelowerpartsof thecountrytheyareentirelydisarmed.Inthemiddlecountryafourthorfifthpartofthemmay havesuchfirelocksastheyhadprovidedtodestroythenoxiousanimalswhichinfesttheirfarms; andonthewesternsideoftheBlueRidgetheyaregenerallyarmedwithrifles.Thepayofour militia,aswellasofourregulars,isthatofthecontinentalregulars.Theconditionofourregulars, ofwhomwehavenonebutcontinentals,andpartofabattalionofstatetroops,issoconstantlyon thechange,thatastateofitatthisdaywouldnotbeitsstateamonthhence.Itismuchthesame withtheconditionoftheothercontinentaltroops,whichiswellenoughknown. ThomasJefferson,NotesontheStateofVirginia,QueryIX,1781,page126f

LIBERTY and RESTRAINT OF THE STATE

Thereisnogreatertyrannythanwhichisperpetratedundertheshieldoflawandinthenameof justice. Montesquieu Whatdifferencedoesitmaketothedead,theorphansandthehomeless,whetherthemad destructioniswroughtunderthenameoftotalitarianismortheholynameoflibertyor democracy? M.K.Ghandi Aslongasmencanspeakinliberty,youcanbettheywontact. CharlesJaredIngersoll,lettertoAlexisDeToqueville,circa1830 Thefactisthattheaveragemansloveoflibertyisninetenthsimaginary,exactlylikehisloveof sense,justice,andtruth.Heisnotactuallyhappywhenfree;heisuncomfortable,abitalarmed, andintolerablylonely.Libertyisnotathingforthegreatmassesofmen.Itistheexclusive possessionofasmallanddisreputableminority,likeknowledge,courage,andhonor.Ittakesa specialsortofmantounderstandandenjoylibertyandheisusuallyanoutlawindemocratic societies. H.L.Mencken,BaltimoreEveningSun,12February1923 Itisthecommonfateoftheindolenttoseetheirrightsbecomeapreytotheactive.Thecondition uponwhichGodhathgivenlibertytomaniseternalvigilance;whichconditionifhebreak,

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servitudeisatoncetheconsequenceofhiscrimeandthepunishmentofhisguilt. JohnPhilpotCurran,SpeechOntheRightofElection,1790 WhenintheCourseofhumanevents,itbecomesnecessaryforonepeopletodissolvethepolitical bandswhichhaveconnectedthemwithanother,andtoassumeamongthepowersoftheearth,the separateandequalstationtowhichtheLawsofNatureandofNaturesGodentitlethem,adecent respecttotheopinionsofmankindrequiresthattheyshoulddeclarethecauseswhichimpelthem totheseparation. Weholdthesetruthstobeselfevident,thatallmenarecreatedequal,thattheyareendowedby theirCreatorwithcertainunalienableRights,thatamongtheseareLife,Liberty,andthepursuitof Happiness.Thattosecuretheserights,GovernmentsareinstitutedamongMen,derivingtheir justpowersfromtheconsentofthegoverned,ThatwheneveranyFormofGovernment becomesdestructiveoftheseends,itistheRightofthePeopletoalterortoabolishit,andto institutenewGovernment,layingitsfoundationonsuchprinciplesandorganizingitspowersin suchform,astothemshallseemmostlikelytoeffecttheirSafetyandHappiness.Prudence, indeed,willdictatethatGovernmentslongestablishedshouldnotbechangedforlightand transientcauses;andaccordinglyallexperiencehathshewn,thatmankindaremoredisposedto suffer,whileevilsaresufferable,thantorightthemselvesbyabolishingtheformstowhichthey areaccustomed.Butwhenalongtrainofabusesandusurpations,pursuinginvariablythesame ObjectevincesadesigntoreducethemunderabsoluteDespotism,itistheirright,itistheirduty, tothrowoffsuchGovernment,andtoprovidenewGuardsfortheirfuturesecurity. TheunanimousDeclarationofIndependenceofthethirteenunitedStatesofAmerica Ithasbeenthoughtthatgovernmentisacompactbetweenthosewhogovernandthosewhoare governed;butthiscannotbetrue,becauseitisputtingtheeffectbeforethecause;forasmanmust haveexistedbeforegovernmentsexisted,therenecessarilywasatimewhengovernmentsdidnot exist,andconsequentlytherecouldoriginallyexistnogovernorstoformsuchacompactwith.The factthereforemustbe,thattheindividualsthemselves,eachinhisownpersonalandsovereignright, enteredintoacompactwitheachothertoproduceagovernment:andthisistheonlymodeinwhich governmentshavearighttoarise,andtheonlyprincipleonwhichtheyhavearighttoexist. ThomasPaine,TheRightsofMan,1791 Thejawsofpowerarealwaysopentodevour,andherarmisalwaysstretchedout,ifpossible,to destroythefreedomofthinking,speaking,andwriting.Libertycannotbepreservedwithouta generalknowledgeamongthepeople,whohavearight,anindisputable,unalienable, indefeasible,divinerighttothatmostdreadedandenviedkindofknowledge,Imeanthe charactersandconductoftheirrulers. JohnAdams,August1765

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Astandingmilitaryforce,withanovergrownExecutive,willnotlongbesafecompanionsto liberty.Themeansofdefenceagainstforeigndangerhavebeenalwaystheinstrumentsoftyranny athome. Thepreservationofafreegovernmentrequires,notmerelythatthemetesandboundswhich separateeachdepartmentofpowerbeinvariablymaintained,butmoreespeciallythatneitherof thembesufferedtooverleapthegreatbarrierwhichdefendstherightsofthepeople.Therulers whoareguiltyofsuchencroachmentexceedthecommissionfromwhichtheyderivetheir authority,andaretyrants.Thepeoplewhosubmittoitaregovernedbylawsmadeneitherby themselvesnorbyanauthorityderivedfromthemandareslaves JamesMadison ...ifacity,whichfromitsoriginhasenjoyedlibertybuthasofitselfbecomecorrupt,hasdifficulties indevisinggoodlawsforthemaintenanceofliberty,itisnottobewonderedatifacitythathad itsoriginsinservitudefindsitnotonlydifficult,butactuallyimpossible,evertoorganizea governmentthatwillsecureitslibertyandtranquility. NiccoloMachiavelli,Discourses,1,XLIX Thetruetestofafreesocietyisnotwhetherpeoplearefreetoengageinwhatthestatedefinesas responsibleconduct.Afterall,eventheChineseandNorthKoreanpeoplearefreebythat standard.Therealtestofafreesocietyiswhetheranindividualisfreetoengageinirresponsible behavior,solongasitdoesnotinterfere,inadirectandforcefulway,withtheabilityofothersto dothesame. JacobG.Hornberger Oneshouldasarule,respectpublicopinioninsofarasisnecessarytoavoidstarvationandto keepoutofprison,butanythingthatgoesbeyondthisisvoluntarysubmissiontoanunnecessary tyranny,andislikelytointerferewithhappinessinallkindsofways. BertrandRussell Iknowofnosafedepositoryoftheultimatepowersofsocietybutthepeoplethemselves;andifwe thinkthemnotenlightenedenoughtoexercisetheircontrolwithawholesomediscretion,the remedyisnottotakeitfromthem,buttoinformtheirdiscretion. ThomasJefferson OflibertyIwouldsaythat,inthewholeplenitudeofitsextent,itisunobstructedactionaccording toourwill.Butrightfullibertyisunobstructedactionaccordingtoourwillwithinlimitsdrawn

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aroundusbytheequalrightsofothers.Idonotaddwithinthelimitsofthelaw,becauselawis oftenbutthetyrantswill,andalwayssowhenitviolatestherightofanindividual. ThomasJefferson,lettertoIsaacH.Tiffany,1819 Allthepowersofgovernment,legislative,executive,andjudiciary,resulttothelegislativebody. Theconcentratingtheseinthesamehandsispreciselythedefinitionofdespoticgovernment.It willbenoalleviationthatthesepowerswillbeexercisedbyapluralityofhands,andnotbya singleone.Onehundredandseventythreedespotswouldsurelybeasoppressiveasone.Let thosewhodoubtitturntheireyesontherepublicofVenice.Aslittlewillitavailusthattheyare chosenbyourselves.Anelectivedespotismwasnotthegovernmentwefoughtfor;butonewhich shouldnotonlybefoundedonfreeprinciples,butinwhichthepowersofgovernmentshould besodividedandbalancedamongseveralbodiesofmagistracy,asthatnoonecouldtranscend theirlegallimits,withoutbeingeffectuallycheckedandrestrainedbytheothers.Forthisreason thatconvention,whichpassedtheordinanceofgovernment,laiditsfoundationonthisbasis,that thelegislative,executiveandjudiciarydepartmentsshouldbeseparateanddistinct,sothatno personshouldexercisethepowersofmorethanoneofthematthesametime.Butnobarrierwas providedbetweentheseseveralpowers.Thejudiciaryandexecutivememberswereleftdependant onthelegislative,fortheirsubsistenceinoffice,andsomeofthemfortheircontinuanceinit. Andthiswillprobablybethecaseforsometimetocome.Butitwillnotbeaverylongtime. Mankindsoonlearntomakeinterestedusesofeveryrightandpowerwhichtheypossess,ormay assume.Thepublicmoneyandpublicliberty,intendedtohavebeendepositedwiththreebranches ofmagistracy,butfoundinadvertentlytobeinthehandsofoneonly,willsoonbediscoveredtobe sourcesofwealthanddominiontothosewhoholdthem;distinguishedtoobythistempting circumstance,thattheyaretheinstrument,aswellastheobjectofacquisition.Withmoney,we willgetmen,saidCaesar,andwithmenwewillgetmoney.Norshouldourassemblybedeluded bytheintegrityoftheirownpurposes,andconcludethattheseunlimitedpowerswillneverbe abused,becausethemselvesarenotdisposedtoabusethem.Theyshouldlookforwardtoatime, andthatnotadistantone,whenacorruptioninthis,asinthecountryfromwhichwederiveour origin,willhaveseizedtheheadsofgovernment,andbespreadbythemthroughthebodyofthe people;whentheywillpurchasethevoicesofthepeople,andmakethempaytheprice.Human natureisthesameoneverysideoftheAtlantic,andwillbealikeinfluencedbythesamecauses. Thetimetoguardagainstcorruptionandtyranny,isbeforetheyshallhavegottenholdofus.Itis bettertokeepthewolfoutofthefold,thantotrusttodrawinghisteethandclawsafterheshall haveentered. ThomasJefferson,NotesontheStateofVirginia,QueryXIII,1781,page162ff Whilethepeoplehaveproperty,armsintheirhands,andonlyasparkofnoblespirit,themost corruptCongressmustbemadtoformanyprojectoftyranny. Rev.NicholasCollin,FayettevilleGazette(N.C.),12October1789

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Alittlepatience,andweshallseethereignofwitchespassover,theirspellsdissolve,andthe people,recoveringtheirtruesight,restoretheirgovernmenttoitstrueprinciples.Itistruethatin themeantimewearesufferingdeeplyinspirit,andincurringthehorrorsofawarandlong oppressionsofenormouspublicdebt.Ifthegamerunssometimesagainstusathomewemust havepatiencetillluckturns,andthenweshallhaveanopportunityofwinningbacktheprinciples wehavelost,forthisisagamewhereprinciplesareatstake. ThomasJefferson,lettertoJohnTaylor,4June1798 Freedomdoesnotconsistinthedreamofindependenceofnaturallaws,butintheknowledgeof theselawsandinthepossibilitythisgivesusofsystematicallymakingthemworktowarddefinite endsFreedomthereforeconsistsinthecontroloverourselvesandoverexternalnaturewhichis foundedontheknowledgeofnaturalnecessity. FriedrichEngels,AntiDhring Fromthefactthatpeopleareverydifferentitfollowsthat,ifwetreatthemequally,theresultmust beinequalityintheiractualposition,andthattheonlywaytoplacetheminanequalposition wouldbetotreatthemdifferently.Equalitybeforethelawandmaterialequalityarethereforenot onlydifferentbutareinconflictwhicheachother;andwecanachieveeitheroneortheother,but notbothatthesametime. FriedrichA.Hayek,TheConstitutionofLiberty,1978 (T)heuseoflibertytodescribethephysicalabilitytodowhatIwant,thepowertosatisfyour wishes,ortheextentofthechoiceofalternativesopentous...hasbeendeliberatelyfosteredas partofthesocialistargument...Oncethisidentificationoffreedomwithpowerisadmitted,there isnolimittothesophismsbywhichtheattractionsofthewordlibertycanbeusedtosupport measureswhichdestroyindividualliberty,noendtothetricksbywhichpeoplecanbeexhortedin thenameoflibertytogiveuptheirliberty.Ithasbeenwiththehelpofthisequivocationthatthe notionofcollectivepowerovercircumstanceshasbeensubstitutedforthatofindividualliberty andthatintotalitarianstateslibertyhasbeensuppressedinthenameofliberty. FriedrichAugustvonHayek,FreedomandCoercion,inDavidMiller(ed),Liberty (1991)pages80,8586 Americancapitalism,basedasitisonexploitationofthepoor,withitsfundamentalmotivationin personalgreed,simplycannotsurvivewithoutforcewithoutasecretpoliceforce.Now,more thanever,eachofusisforcedtomakeaconsciouschoicewhethertosupportthesystemof minoritycomfortandprivilegewithallitssecurityapparatusandrepression,orwhetherto struggleforrealequalityofopportunityandfairdistributionofbenefitsforallofsociety,inthe domesticaswellastheinternationalorder.Itshardernownottorealizethattherearetwosides, hardernottounderstandeach,andhardernottorecognizethatlikeitornotwecontributedayin

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anddayouteithertotheonesideortotheother. PhilipAgee,CIADiary,1975,page597 Asnightfalldoesnotcomeatonce,neitherdoesoppression.Inbothinstancesthereisatwilight wheneverythingremainsseeminglyunchanged.Anditisinsuchtwilightthatweallmustbe mostawareofchangeintheairhoweverslightlestwebecomeunwittingvictimsofthe darkness. U.S.SupremeCourtJusticeWilliamO.Douglas Thetroublewithfightingforhumanfreedomisthatonespendsmostofonestimedefending scoundrels.Foritisagainstscoundrelsthatoppressivelawsarefirstaimed,andoppressionmust bestoppedatthebeginningifitistobestoppedatall. H.L.Mencken Conpeopleintopayingenoughintaxes,andintotoleratingtheinflationaryerosionofwhatisleft tothembytheuseofpapermoney,andyouwillcompelbothparentsinmostfamiliesintothe workforce,andthechildren,therefore,intoyourschools.Now,notonlyaretheadultsdistracted, overworked,andontheedgeofdependency,butyouhavecontrolofthenextgeneration,which youcanindoctrinatetosuityourpurposes.Yourmasterywillsoonbeallbutunbreakable. PeterHendrickson,2007 Iplaceeconomyamongthefirstandmostimportantvirtues,andpublicdebtasthegreatestofthe dangerstobefeared.Wemustmakeourelectionbetweeneconomyandliberty,orprofusionand servitude. ThomasJefferson Ifthepublicdebtshouldoncemorebeswelledtoaformidablesize,weshallbecommittedtothe Englishcareerofdebt,corruption,androttenness,closingwithrevolution. ThomasJefferson Whenpeacefulrevolutionbecomesimpossible,violentrevolutionbecomesinevitable. OliverTambo,quotedbyJ.F.andR.F.Kennedy Thiscountry,withitsinstitutions,belongstothepeoplewhoinhabitit.Whenevertheyshallgrow wearyoftheexistingGovernment,theycanexercisetheirconstitutionalrightofamendingitor theirrevolutionaryrighttodismemberoroverthrowit.

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AbrahamLincoln,1861 Ithinkstatepowerandauthoritywouldloveviolence.Violencetheyaregeareduptocrush,but nonviolencetheyhaveamuchhardertimedealingwith. NoamChomsky,inaninterviewbroadcastontheBBC Everyrevolutionevaporatesandleavesbehindonlytheslimeofanewbureaucracy. FranzKafka(18331924) Theonlyrealrevolutionisintheenlightenmentofthemindandtheimprovementofcharacter,the onlyrealemancipationisindividual,andtheonlyrealrevolutionariesarephilosophersandsaints. WillandArielDurant,TheLessonsofHistory,Simon&Schuster,1968,page72 Governmentisadiseasethatmasqueradesasitsowncure. RobertLefevre Ithinkwehavemoremachineryofgovernmentthanisnecessary,toomanyparasiteslivingonthe laboroftheindustries. ThomasJefferson Rightfullibertyisunobstructedaction,accordingtoourwill,withinlimitsdrawnaroundusbythe equalrightsofothers. ThomasJefferson Ithinkthisisthemostextraordinarycollectionoftalent,ofhumanknowledge,thathaseverbeen gatheredattheWhiteHouse,withthepossibleexceptionofwhenThomasJeffersondinedalone. JohnF.Kennedy,inaspeechhonoringNobelPrizewinnersattheWhite House,29April1962 Wearenowformingarepublicanformofgovernment.Reallibertyisnotfoundintheextremesof democracy,butinmoderategovernments.Ifweinclinetoomuchtodemocracy,weshallsoon shootintoamonarchy(orsomeotherformofdictatorship). AlexanderHamilton

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Inallcaseswhereamajorityareunitedbyacommoninterestorpassion,therightsoftheminority areindanger. JamesMadison Amanwhohasnotpassedthroughtheinfernoofhispassionshasneverovercomethem. CarlGustavJung,GermanPsychologist Unbridledpassionsproducethesameeffects,whetherinaking,nobility,oramob.Theexperience ofallmankindhasprovedtheprevalenceofadispositiontousepowerwantonly.Itisthereforeas necessarytodefendanindividualagainstthemajority(inademocracy)asagainstthekingina monarchy. JohnAdams Ifintheopinionofthepeople,thedistributionormodificationoftheConstitutionalpowerbein anyparticularwrong,letitbecorrectedbyanamendmentinthewayinwhichtheConstitution designates.Butlettherebynochangebyusurpation,forthoughthis,inoneinstance,maybethe instrumentofgood,itisthecustomaryweaponbywhichfreegovernmentsaredestroyed. Letmenowwarnyouinthemostsolemnmanner.Observegoodfaithandjusticetowardall nations.Cultivatepeaceandharmonywithall.TheNationwhichindulgestowardanotheran habitualhatredoranhabitualfondnessisinsomedegreeaslave.Itisaslavetoitsanimosityorto itsaffection,eitherofwhichissufficienttoleaditastrayfromitsdutyanditsinterest. GeorgeWashington,FarewellAddress,1796 Governmentisnotreason;itisnoteloquence;itisforce!Likefire,itisadangerousservantanda fearfulmaster.Neverforamomentshoulditbelefttoirresponsibleaction. GeorgeWashington,speechof7January1790,reportedintheBostonIndependent Chronicle,14January1790 Stateisthenameofthecoldestofallcoldmonsters.Coldlyittellsliestoo;andthisliecrawlsoutof itsmouth:I,thestate,amthepeople.Thatisalie! Nietzsche,ThusSpakeZarathustra WerewedirectedfromWashingtonwhentosow,andwhentoreap,weshouldsoonwantbread. ThomasJefferson,Autobiography

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Agovernmentthatisbigenoughtogiveyouallyouwantisbigenoughtotakeitallaway. BarryGoldwater,RepublicanU.S.SenatorfromArizona IcannotconsenttopayforaprivilegewhereIhaveintrinsicright. RalphWaldoEmerson Individualrightsarenotsubjecttoapublicvote;amajorityhasnorighttovoteawaytherightsof aminority,thepoliticalfunctionofrightsispreciselytoprotectminoritiesfromoppressionbythe majorities(andthesmallestminorityistheindividual). AynRand,TheVirtueofSelfishness Ourgreatnationaltreasureisourconfidencethatwedonothavealawlessgovernmentinthis country,becauseoftheconstraintsimpliedbothbytheConstitutionandbythetranscendent principlesofjusticeandhumanrightsonwhichthatConstitutionisbased.Thisconfidenceisthe sourceofourstrengthandunitandifanythingdestroysthatconfidence,itinflictsawoundon thisnationfromwhichitcannothopetorecover. AlanKeyes,U.S.PresidentialCandidate,2000 TheshortmemoriesofAmericanvotersiswhatkeepsourpoliticiansinoffice. WillRogers Thenaturalprogressofthingsisforlibertytoyieldandgovernmenttogainground. ThomasJefferson(17431826) Thepoorestmanmay,inhiscottage,biddefiancetoalltheforcesoftheCrown.Itmaybefrail,its roofmayshake;thewindmayblowthroughit;thestormmayenter;therainmayenter;butthe KingofEnglandmaynotenter;allhisforcedaresnotcrossthethreshholdoftheruinedtenament. Necessityisthepleaforeveryinfringementofhumanfreedom.Itistheargumentoftyrants;itis thecreedofslaves. WilliamPitt,totheBritishHouseofCommons,18November1783 YouandIaretoldwemustchoosebetweenaleftorright,butIsuggestthereisnosuchthingasa leftorright.Thereisonlyanupordown.Uptomansageolddreamthemaximumof individualfreedomconsistentwithorderordowntotheantheapoftotalitarianism.Regardless oftheirsincerity,theirhumanitarianmotives,thosewhowouldsacrificefreedomforsecurityhave

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embarkedonthisdownwardpath. RonaldReagan,stumpingforBarryGoldwaterin1964 Thetruedangeriswhenlibertyisnibbledaway,forexpedience,andbyparts. EdmundBurke(17291797) Wehaverestrictedcredit,wehaverestrictedopportunity,wehavecontrolleddevelopment,and wehavecometobeoneoftheworstruled,oneofthemostcompletelycontrolledanddominated, governmentsinthecivilizedworldnolongeragovernmentbyfreeopinion,nolongera governmentbyconvictionandthevoteofthemajority,butagovernmentbytheopinionandthe duressofsmallgroupsofdominantmen. AmanwhothinksofhimselfasbelongingtoaparticularnationalgroupinAmericahasnotyet becomeanAmerican.Andthemanwhogoesamongyoutotradeuponyournationalityisno worthysontoliveundertheStarsandStripes. WoodrowWilson(Democrat),28thPresidentoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,signerthe FederalReserveActof1913andtheIncomeTaxActof1914. Libertyhasnevercomefromgovernment.Libertyhasalwayscomefromthesubjectsof government.Thehistoryoflibertyisahistoryofresistance.Thehistoryoflibertyisahistoryof limitationsofgovernmentalpower,nottheincreaseofit. WoodrowWilson,speechinNewYork,9September1912 ThegovernmentIliveunderhasbeenmyenemyallofmyactivelife.Whenithasnotbeen engagedinsilencingme,ithasbeenengagedinrobbingme.SofarasIcanrecallIhaveneverhad anycontactwithitthatwasnotanoutrageonmydignityandanattackuponmysecurity. H.L.Mencken Peopledemandfreedomofspeechasacompensationforthefreedomofthoughtwhichtheynever use. SrenKierkegaard Amonarchyisamerchantmanwhichsailswell,butwillsometimesstrikeonarock,andgotothe bottom;arepublicisaraftwhichwillneversink,butthenyourfeetarealwaysinthewater. FisherAmes(17581808)

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Leteverynationknow,whetheritwishesuswellorill,thatweshallpayanyprice,bearany burden,meetanyhardship,supportanyfriend,opposeanyfoe,toassurethesurvivalandsuccess ofliberty. JohnF.Kennedy Inthebeginningofachange,thepatriotisascarcemanandbrave,hatedandscorned.Whenhis causesucceedshowever,thetimidjoinhim,forthenitcostsnothingtobeapatriot. MarkTwain Ifyouwillnotfightforrightwhenyoucaneasilywinwithoutbloodshed;ifyouwillnotfight whenyourvictorywillbesureandnottoocostly;youmaycometothemomentwhenyouwill havetofightwithalloddsagainstyouandonlyaprecariouschanceofsurvival.Theremaybe evenaworsefate.Youmayhavetofightwhenthereisnohopeofvictory,becauseitisbetterto perishthantoliveasslaves. WinstonChurchill,ontheeveofBritainsentryintoWorldWarII [T]hereisnoformofgovernmentbutwhatmaybeablessingtothepeopleifwelladministered; andIbelieve,further,thatthis[theConstitution]islikelytobewelladministeredforacourseof years,andcanonlyendindespotism,asotherformshavedonebeforeit,whenthepeopleshall becomesocorruptedastoneeddespoticgovernment,beingincapableofanyother. BenjaminFranklin Teachyourchildrentobebrave.Thiscenturyofourshasbeenmarkedmostconspicuouslyby cowardiceofthepeopleeverywhere.Itwasbyourcowardicethatwewerebetrayedintothe handsofcorruptmenwhopromisedtomakelifesafeforusanddevoidofhazard,androbbed theadventurousnessbywhichthespiritsofmenarestrengthened.Itwasbyourpoltroonerythat welostourliberties.Itwasbyourfearsthatwealmostdied.Abravepeopleneverbecomeslaves. TaylorCaldwell,TheDevilsAdvocate,1952,pages332ff Somewritershavesoconfoundedsocietywithgovernment,astoleavelittleornodistinction betweenthem;whereastheyarenotonlydifferent,buthavedifferentorigins.Societyisproduced byourwants,andgovernmentbyourwickedness;theformerpromotesourhappinessPositively byunitingouraffections,thelatternegativelybyrestrainingourvices.Theoneencourages intercourse,theothercreatesdistinctions.Thefirstisapatron,thelastapunisher. ThomasPaine,openingparagraphofCommonSense,1776 Apatriotmustalwaysbereadytodefendhiscountryagainstitsgovernment.

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EdwardAbbey,AVoiceCryingintheWilderness(VoxClamantisinDeserto) ...themodernpatriotism,thetruepatriotism,theonlyrationalpatriotismisloyaltytothenationall thetime,loyaltytothegovernmentwhenitdeservesit. MarkTwain(18351910),inNorthAmericanReview,1905 Patriotismisawordwhichalwayscommemoratesarobbery.Thereisntafootoflandinthe worldwhichdoesntrepresenttheoustingandreoustingofalonglineofsuccessiveownerswho eachinturn,aspatriots,withproudswellingheartsdefendeditagainstthenextgangofrobbers whocametostealitanddidandbecameswellingheartpatriotsintheirturn. MarkTwain,Notebook Countitthegreatestsintopreferlifetohonor,andforthesakeoflivingtolosewhatmakeslife worthhaving. Juvenal Inthegeneralcourseofhumannature,apoweroveramanssubsistenceamountstoapowerover hiswill. AlexanderHamilton,FederalistPaperNo.79 Awiseandfrugalgovernmentwhichshallrestrainmenfrominjuringoneanother,shallleave themotherwisefreetoregulatetheirownpursuitsofindustryandimprovement,andshallnot takefromthemouthoflaborthebreadithasearned. ThomasJefferson [The]rights[ofthepeople]totheexerciseandfruitsoftheirownindustrycanneverbeprotected againsttheselfishnessofrulersnotsubjecttotheircontrolatshortperiods. ThomasJefferson,lettertoIsaacH.Tiffany,1816. ThegovernmentthatrobsPetertopayPaulcanalwaysdependuponthesupportofPaul. GeorgeBernardShaw ThemomenttheideaisadmittedintosocietythatpropertyisnotassacredasthelawsofGod,and thereisnotaforceoflawandpublicjusticetoprotectit,anarchyandtyrannycommence.Property mustbesacredorlibertycannotexist

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JohnAdams Theincometaxineffectmakesusvassalstothegovernmentthepoliticiansdecidehowmuch incomewecankeep.Nomerereformofthisslavetax,suchasflatteningtherate,cancorrectits fundamentaldenialofcontroloverourownmoney.Onlytheabolitionoftheincometaxitselfwill restorethebasicAmericanprinciplethatourincomeisbothourownmoneyandourownprivate businessnotthegovernments. AlanKeyes,U.S.PresidentialCandidate,2000 Ifwerunintosuchdebts,asthatwemustbetaxedinourmeatandinourdrink,inournecessaries andourcomforts,inourlaborsandouramusements,forourcallingsandourcreeds,asthepeople inEnglandare,ourpeople,likethem,mustcometolaborsixteenhoursinthetwentyfour,give theearningsoffifteenofthesetothegovernmentfortheirdebtsanddailyexpenses;andthe sixteenthbeinginsufficienttoaffordusbread,wemustlive,astheynowdo,onoatmealand potatoes;havenotimetothink,nomeansofcallingthemismanagerstoaccount;butbegladto obtainsubsistencebyhiringourselvestorivettheirchainsonthenecksofourfellowsufferers. ThomasJefferson IfPatrickHenrythoughttaxationwithoutrepresentationwasbad,heshouldseehowbaditiswith representation. OldFarmer'sAlmanac Nogovernmentoughttoexistforthepurposeofcheckingtheprosperityofitspeopleortoallow suchaprincipleinitspolicy. EdmundBurke Thewaragainstillegalplunderhasbeenfoughtsincethebeginningoftheworld.Buthowis legalplundertobeidentified?Quitesimply.Seeifthelawtakesfromsomepersonswhatbelongs tothem,andgivesittootherpersonstowhomitdoesnotbelong.Seeifthelawbenefitsone citizenattheexpenseofanotherbydoingwhatthecitizenhimselfcannotdowithoutcommittinga crime.ThenabolishthislawwithoutdelayIfsuchalawisnotabolishedimmediatelyitwill spread,multiply,anddevelopintoasystem. Whenplunderhasbecomeawayoflifeforagroupofpeoplelivingtogetherinsociety,theycreate forthemselvesinthecourseoftimealegalsystemthatauthorizesit,andamoralcodethat glorifiesit. FredericBastiat,TheLaw,1848

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...Lustofconquesthadlongagodoneitswork;tramplingonthehelplesshadtaught[thecountry], byanaturalprocess,toendurewithapathythelikeathome;multitudeswhohadapplaudedthe crushingofotherpeoplesliberties,livedtosufferfortheirmistakeintheirownpersons.The governmentwasirrevocablyinthehandsoftheprodigiouslyrichandtheirhangerson;the suffragehadbecomeameremachine,whichtheyusedastheychose.Therewasnoprinciplebut commercialism,nopatriotismbutofthepocket. MarkTwain,OutlinesofHistory(suppressed),inMarkTwainsFablesofMan,UCPress, 1972 Itisalsointheinterestsofatyranttokeephispeoplepoor,sothattheymaynotbeabletoafford thecostofprotectingthemselvesbyarmsandbesooccupiedwiththeirdailytasksthattheyhave notimeforrebellion. Aristotle,Politics(J.Sinclairtranslation,1962,page226) Itisdangeroustoberightwhenthegovernmentiswrong. Voltaire(apocryphal) Hethatwouldmakehisownlibertysecuremustguardevenhisownenemyfromoppression;for ifheviolatesthisdutyheestablishesaprecedentthatwillreachtohimself. ThomasPaine Thepeoplecannotdelegatetogovernmentthepowertodoanythingwhichwouldbeunlawfulfor themtodothemselves....whenevertheLegislatorsendeavortotakeaway,anddestroythe PropertyofthePeople,ortoreducethemtoSlaveryunderArbitraryPower,theyputthemselves intoastateofWarwiththePeople,whoarethereuponabsolvedfromanyfartherObedience,and arelefttothecommonRefuge,whichGodhathprovidedforallMen,againstForceandViolence. WhensoeverthereforetheLegislativeshalltransgressthisfundamentalRuleofSociety,andeither byAmbition,Fear,FollyorCorruption,endeavortograspthemselves,orputintothehandsofany otheranAbsolutePowerovertheLives,Liberties,andEstatesofthePeople;Bythisbreachof TrusttheyforfeitthePowerthePeoplehadputintotheirhands,forquitecontraryends,andit devolvestothePeople,whohaveaRighttoresumetheiroriginalLiberty. JohnLocke,SecondTreatiseonCivilGovernment Anunbrokenhorseerectshismane,pawsthegroundandstartsbackimpetuouslyatthesightof thebridle;whileonewhichisproperlytrainedsufferspatientlyevenwhipandspur:sosavage manwillnotbendhisnecktotheyoketowhichcivilisedmansubmitswithoutamurmur,but prefersthemostturbulentstateoflibertytothemostpeacefulslavery.Wecannottherefore,from

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theservilityofnationsalreadyenslaved,judgeofthenaturaldispositionofmankindfororagainst slavery;weshouldgobytheprodigiouseffortsofeveryfreepeopletosaveitselffromoppression. Iknowthattheformerareforeverholdingforthinpraiseofthetranquillitytheyenjoyintheir chains,andthattheycallastateofwretchedservitudeastateofpeace:miserrimamservitutempacem appellant.ButwhenIobservethelattersacrificingpleasure,peace,wealth,powerandlifeitselfto thepreservationofthatonetreasure,whichissodisdainedbythosewhohavelostit;whenIsee freebornanimalsdashtheirbrainsoutagainstthebarsoftheircage,fromaninnateimpatienceof captivity;whenIbeholdnumbersofnakedsavages,thatdespiseEuropeanpleasures,braving hunger,fire,theswordanddeath,topreservenothingbuttheirindependence,Ifeelthatitisnot forslavestoargueaboutliberty. JeanJacquesRousseau(17121778),OnTheOriginAndFoundationOfTheInequalityOf Mankind,1758 AllowthePresidenttoinvadeaneighboringnation,wheneverheshalldeemitnecessarytorepel aninvasion,andyouallowhimtodoso,wheneverhemaychoosetosayhedeemsitnecessaryfor suchapurposeandyouallowhimtomakewaratpleasure.Studytoseeifyoucanfixanylimit tohispowerinthisrespect,afteryouhavegivenhimsomuchasyoupropose.If,today,he shouldchoosetosayhethinksitnecessarytoinvadeCanada,topreventtheBritishfrominvading us,howcouldyoustophim?Youmaysaytohim,IseenoprobabilityoftheBritishinvadingus buthewillsaytoyou,Besilent;Iseeit,ifyoudon't. AbrahamLincoln(apocryphal) Thegreatestthreattoourworldanditspeacecomesfromthosewhowantwar,whoprepareforit, andwho,byholdingoutvaguepromisesoffuturepeaceorbyinstillingfearofforeignaggression, trytomakeusaccomplicestotheirplans. HermannHesse(18771962) Idonotbelievethatmanwillbebetterinthefuture;Idonotbelievethatmaniseverbetteror worse;heisalwaysthesame.Butatcertaintimesthedemoniceruptsintomankindnotonly secretly,amongcriminalsandpsychopaths,butopenlyandonalargescale;ittakesonapolitical lifeandsweepswholenationsofftheirfeet. HermannHesse(18771962) Ofalltheenemiesofpublicliberty,warisperhapsthemosttobedreaded,becauseitcomprises anddevelopsthegermofeveryother. JamesMadison Libertymeansresponsibility.Thatiswhymostmendreadit.

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GeorgeBernardShaw,FabianSocialist(18561950) Thefactisthattheaverageman'sloveoflibertyisninetenthsimaginary,exactlylikehisloveof sense,justice,andtruth.Heisnotactuallyhappywhenfree;heisuncomfortable,abitalarmed, andintolerablylonely.Libertyisnotathingforthegreatmassesofmen.Itistheexclusive possessionofasmallanddisreputableminority,likeknowledge,courage,andhonor.Ittakesa specialsortofmantounderstandandenjoylibertyandheisusuallyanoutlawindemocratic societies. H.L.Mencken,BaltimoreEveningSun,12February1923 TheconditionuponwhichGodhathgivenlibertytomaniseternalvigilance;whichconditionifhe break,servitudeisatoncetheconsequenceofhiscrimeandthepunishmentofhisguilt. JohnPhilpotCurran(17501817),speechinDublin,10July1790 IthinktheterrormostpeopleareconcernedwithistheI.R.S. MalcolmForbes,whenaskedifhewasafraidofterrorism Theywhowouldgiveupessentiallibertytopurchasealittletemporarysafetydeserveneither libertynorsafety. RichardJackson,AnHistoricalreviewoftheConstitutionandGovernmentofPennsylvania, publishedbyBenjaminFranklin,1759 Onthedaywhenyouagainallowabominablementoconfiscateyourfreedom,yourmoney,your lives,yourprivateproperty,yourmanhoodandyoursacredhonor,inthenameofsecurityor nationalemergencyyouwilldie,andneveragainshallyoubefree.Ifplottersagaindestroyyour Republic,theywilldoitbyyourgreedyandignorantassent,byyourdisregardofyourneighbors rights,byyourapathyandyourstupidity.Wewerebroughttothebrinkofuniversaldeathand darknessbecausewehadbecomethatmostcontemptibleofpeopleanangerlessone.Keepalive andvividallyourrighteousangeragainsttraitors,againstthosewhowouldabrogateyour Constitution,againstthosewhowouldleadyoutowarswithfalseslogansandcunningappealsto yourpatriotism. TaylorCaldwell,TheDevilsAdvocate,1952,pages332338 Guardwithjealousattentionthepublicliberty.Suspecteveryonewhoapproachesthatjewel. Unfortunately,nothingwillpreserveitbutdownrightforce.Wheneveryougiveupthatforce,you areinevitablyruined.

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Islifesodearorpeacesosweetastobepurchasedatthepriceofchainsandslavery?Forbidit, AlmightyGod!Iknownotwhatcourseothersmaytake,butasforme,givemeliberty,orgiveme death! PatrickHenry ThehighofficeofthePresidenthasbeenusedtofomentaplottodestroytheAmericansfreedom andbeforeIleaveoffice,Imustinformthecitizenofthisplight. PresidentJohnFitzgeraldKennedy,inaspeechmadetoColumbiaUniversityonNov. 12,1963,tendaysbeforehisassassination.(apocryphal) Theverywordsecrecyisrepugnantinafreeandopensociety;andweareasapeopleinherently andhistoricallyopposedtosecretsocieties,tosecretoathsandtosecretproceedings.Wedecided longagothatthedangersofexcessiveandunwarrantedconcealmentofpertinentfactsfar outweighedthedangerswhicharecitedtojustifyit.Eventoday,thereislittlevalueinopposing thethreatofaclosedsocietybyimitatingitsarbitraryrestrictions.Eventoday,thereislittlevalue ininsuringthesurvivalofournationifourtraditionsdonotsurvivewithit.Andthereisvery gravedangerthatanannouncedneedforincreasedsecuritywillbeseizeduponbythoseanxious toexpanditsmeaningtotheverylimitsofofficialcensorshipandconcealment.ThatIdonot intendtopermittotheextentthatitisinmycontrol. JohnF.Kennedy,totheAmericanNewspaperPublishersAssociation,27April1961 TheWorldisruledbyverydifferentpersonagesfromwhatisimaginedbythosewhoarenot behindthescenes. BenjaminDisraili Thelibertiesofapeopleneverwere,noreverwillbe,secure,whenthetransactionsoftheirrulers maybeconcealedfromthem. PatrickHenry Nofreemanshalleverbedebaredtheuseofarms.Thestrongestreasonforthepeopletoretainthe righttokeepandbeararmsis,asalastresort,toprotectthemselvesagainsttyrannyin government. ThomasJefferson,ProposedVirginiaConstitution,June1776 (1ThomasJeffersonPapers,page334,C.J.Boyd,Editor) Knowledgeisthefountainbothofloveandtheprinciplesofhumanliberty.

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DanielWebster(17821852) IfwedonotmaintainJustice,Justicewillnotmaintainus. FrancisBacon(15611626). Theshallowconsiderlibertyareleasefromalllaw,fromeveryconstraint.Thewisemanseesinit, onthecontrary,thepotentLawofLaws. WaltWhitman(18191892) Thereisnothingwithwhichitissodangeroustotakelibertiesaslibertyitself. AndrBreton(18961966) Weareasgreatasourbeliefinhumanlibertynogreater.Andourbeliefinhumanlibertyis onlyourswhenitislargerthanourselves. ArchibaldMacLeish(18921982) Amongapeoplegenerallycorrupt,libertycannotlongexist. EdmundBurke(17291797) Freedomofmenundergovernmentistohaveastandingruletoliveby,commontoeveryoneof thatsociety,andmadebythelegislativepowervestedinit;alibertytofollowmyownwillinall things,whentheruleprescribesnot,andnottobesubjecttotheinconstant,unknown,arbitrary willofanotherman. Wheneverthelegislatorsendeavortotakeawayanddestroythepropertyofthepeople,orto reducethemtoslaveryunderarbitrarypower,theyputthemselvesintoastateofwarwiththe peoplewhoarethereuponabsolvedfromanyfurtherobedience. JohnLocke(16321704) Whencomplaintsarefreelyheard,deeplyconsideredandspeedilyreformed,thenistheutmost boundofcivillibertyattainedthatwisemenlookfor. JohnMilton(16081674) Iknowofnosafedepositoryoftheultimatepowersofsocietybutthepeoplethemselves;andifwe thinkthemnotenlightenedenoughtoexercisetheircontrolwithawholesomediscretion,the remedyisnottotakeitfromthem,buttoinformtheirdiscretion.

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ThomasJefferson Thepowertotaxinvolvesthepowertodestroy. U.S.SupremeCourtJusticeJohnMarshall,1819 Thosewhoprofesstofavorfreedom,andyetdepreciateagitation,aremenwhowantcrops withoutplowinguptheground.Theywantrainwithoutthunderandlightning....Powerconcedes nothingwithoutademand.Itneverdidanditneverwill....Findoutjustwhatpeoplewillsubmit to,andyouhavefoundtheexactamountofinjusticeandwrongwhichwillbeimposedupon them;andthesewillcontinueuntiltheyareresistedwitheitherwordsorblows,orwithboth.The limitsoftyrantsareprescribedbytheenduranceofthosewhomtheyoppress. FrederickDouglass,1849 Decency,security,andlibertyalikedemandthatgovernmentofficialsshallbesubjectedtothe samerulesofconductthatarecommandstothecitizen.Inagovernmentoflaws,existenceofthe governmentwillbeimperiledifitfailstoobservethelawscrupulously.OurGovernmentisthe potent,theomnipresentteacher.Forgoodorforill,itteachesthewholepeoplebyitsexample. Crimeiscontagious.IftheGovernmentbecomesalawbreaker,itbreedscontemptforlaw;it inviteseverymantobecomealawuntohimself;itinvitesanarchy.Todeclarethat,inthe administrationofthecriminallaw,theendjustifiesthemeanstodeclarethattheGovernment maycommitcrimesinordertosecuretheconvictionofaprivatecriminalwouldbringterrible retribution.AgainstthatperniciousdoctrinethisCourtshouldresolutelysetitsface. U.S.SupremeCourtJusticeLouisBrandeis,Olmsteadv.UnitedStates,1928 Experienceshouldteachustobemostonourguardtoprotectlibertywhenthegovernments purposesarebeneficial.Menborntofreedomarenaturallyalerttorepelinvasionoftheirliberty byevilmindedrulers.Thegreatestdangerstolibertylurkininsidiousencroachmentbymenof zeal,wellmeaningbutwithoutunderstanding. U.S.SupremeCourtJusticeLouisD.Brandeis(18561941),Olmstead,1928 Apopulargovernment,withoutpopularinformation,orthemeansofacquiringit,isbuta ProloguetoaFarceoraTragedy;or,perhaps,both.Knowledgewillforevergovernignorance:and aPeoplewhomeantobetheirownGovernours,mustarmthemselveswiththepowerthat knowledgegives. JamesMadison,lettertoW.T.Barry,4August1822 Thiscountry,withitsinstitutions,belongstothepeoplewhoinhabitit.Whenevertheyshallgrow

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wearyoftheexistinggovernment,theycanexercisetheirconstitutionalrightofamendingit,or theirrevolutionaryrighttodismemberoroverthrowit. AbrahamLincoln,FirstInauguralAddress,4March1861 ItisfundamentalthatthegreatpowersofCongresstoconductwarandtoregulatetheNations foreignrelationsaresubjecttotheconstitutionalrequirementsofdueprocess.Theimperative necessityforsafeguardingtheserightstoproceduraldueprocessunderthegravestofemergencies hasexistedthroughoutourconstitutionalhistory,foritisthen,underthepressingexigenciesof crisis,thatthereisthegreatesttemptationtodispensewithfundamentalconstitutionalguarantees which,itisfeared,willinhibitgovernmentalaction. SupremeCourtJusticeArthurGoldberg,Kennedyv.MendozaMartinez,1963 Whysuspendthehabeascorpusininsurrectionsandrebellions?ExaminethehistoryofEngland. Seehowfewofthecasesofthesuspensionofthehabeascorpuslawhavebeenworthyofthat suspension.Theyhavebeeneitherrealtreasons,whereinthepartiesmightaswellhavebeen chargedatonce,orshamplots,whereitwasshamefultheyshouldeverhavebeensuspected.Yet forthefewcaseswhereinthesuspensionofthehabeascorpushasdonerealgood,thatoperationis nowbecomehabitualandthemindsofthenationalmostpreparedtoliveunderitsconstant suspension. ThomasJefferson,lettertoJamesMadison,1788 Toignorethepivotalroleplayedbyparticularindividualswhoareinpositionsofpoweristodo violencetohistoricalaccuracy.Arecognitionthatthecourseofeconomiceventscanbeinfluenced byindividualswhohavetheimaginationandthepowertotakeadvantageofprevailingconditions doesnotconstituteacceptanceofaconspiracytheoryofhistory. JohnBlair,formerchiefeconomistfortheU.S.SenateSubcommitteeon AntiTrustandMonopoly,citedbyA.V.Krebs Inparanoidthinkingapersonbelieveshehasdetectedaconspiracythatis,ahidden(and malevolent)patterninthebehavioroffriends,associatesorgovernmentswhereinfactnosuch patternexists.Ifthereissuchaconspiracy,thesubjectmaybeprofoundlyanxious,buthis thinkingisnotnecessarilyparanoid.AfamouscaseinvolvesJamesForrestal,thefirstU.S. SecretaryofDefense.AttheendofWorldWarII,ForrestalwasconvincedthatIsraelisecretagents werefollowinghimeverywhere.Hisphysicians,equallyconvincedofhisideefixe,diagnosedhim asparanoidandconfinedhimtoanupperstoreyofWalterReedArmyHospital,fromwhichhe plungedtohisdeath,partlybecauseofinadequatesupervisionbyhospitalpersonnel,overly deferentialtooneofhisexaltedrank.LateritwasdiscoveredthatForrestalwasindeedbeing followedbyIsraeliagentswhowereworriedthathemightreachasecretunderstandingwith representativesofArabnations.Forrestalhadotherproblems,buthavinghisvalidperception

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labeledparanoiddidnothelphiscondition. Intimesofrapidsocialchangethereareboundtobeconspiracies,bothbythoseinfavorofchange andbythosedefendingthestatusquo,thelattermorethantheformerinrecentAmericanpolitical history.Detectingconspiracieswhentherearenoconspiraciesisasymptomofparanoia;detecting themwhentheyexistisasignofmentalhealth.Anacquaintanceofminesays,InAmericatoday, ifyou'renotalittleparanoidyoureoutofyourmind.Theremarkhowever,hasglobal applicability. CarlSagan,TheDragonsofEden,page190 ConspiracyintheCommons Conspiracyhasalwaysbeensomethingyouallegeofyouropposition,notsomethingyouyourself takepartin.Since911,ithasbeenmadeouttobeanevenmoredirtywordbythemassmedia,it hasbeenmadetoconjureimagesofterrorismandarmedmeninacaveplottingtooverthrow governments.Yettheuseofconspiracybynationstateshasbeenextensivelydocumentedbyany numberofhistorians,andshowntohaveledtowars,insurrectionsandlandandresource acquisitionsacrossnationalboundariesformillennia(see,forexample,conspiraciestoclaim MiddleEastoilreserves(Engdahl,2004)).Largecorporationsduringthe21stcenturynow commandfinancial,legal,communications,information,manpowerandotherphysicalresources exceedingthatofallbutthelargeststates;itisthusinconceivablethattheyshouldnotformally conspiretofurthertheirgoalofgreaterprofits.Conspiracyinthetobaccoindustryisnowwell documented,withalargepublicresearchbaseonthecomplicityofthelargercigarettecompanies misleadingthepublicandresponsibleformanydeathsandwideranginghealthproblems.Itis unlikelythatthetobaccoindustrybreedsacertainamoralkindofcorporatepersonandthatsuch behaviorisnotabnormalinthecorporateworld. BobLloyd,TheCommonsRevisited:TheTragedyContinues,2007 http://www.warsocialism.com/The_Commons_revisited_The_tragedy_continues.pdf Aconspiracyisnothingbutasecretagreementofanumberofmenforthepursuanceofpolicies whichtheydarenotadmitinpublic. Itiseasiertofoolpeoplethantoconvincethemthattheyhavebeenfooled. MarkTwain Itisenoughthatthepeopleknowtherewasanelection.Thepeoplewhocastthevotesdont decideanelection,thepeoplewhocountthevotesdo.or Itisenoughthatthepeopleknowtherewasanelection.Thosewhocastthevotesdecidenothing. Thosewhocountthevotesdecideeverything.

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JosephStalin [11Definitions In1967theSupremeCourtofFloridaadoptedRule1.040oftheRulesofCivilProcedure.It establishedoneformofactionincivillitigationanddesignateditascivilaction.Itmeansa judicialproceedingforthedeterminationofacontroversy.Acauseofactionistherightto instituteajudicialproceeding.OneFloridadecisionsaidthereisaremedyforeverywrong,but thisisnothistoricallyorlegallycorrect.Atcommonlawtherewasnowrongifnoremedy existed.Thisisbecausethecommonlawgrewfromtheoriginalwritsystem. TrawicksFLORIDAPRACTICEANDPROCEDURE] THESEarethetimesthattrymenssouls.Thesummersoldierandthesunshinepatriotwill,inthis crisis,shrinkfromtheserviceoftheircountry;buthethatstandsbyitnow,deservestheloveand thanksofmanandwoman.Tyranny,likehell,isnoteasilyconquered;yetwehavethisconsolation withus,thatthehardertheconflict,themoregloriousthetriumph.Whatweobtaintoocheap,we esteemtoolightly:itisdearnessonlythatgiveseverythingitsvalue. ThomasPaine,TheCrisis,23December1776 Iseektotracethenovelfeaturesunderwhichdespotismmayappearintheworld.Thefirstthing thatstrikestheobservationisaninnumerablemultitudeofmenallequalandalike,incessantly endeavoringtoprocurethepettyandpaltrypleasureswithwhichtheygluttheirlives.Eachof them,livingapart,isasastrangertothefateofalltheresthischildrenandhisprivatefriends constitutetohimthewholeofmankind;asfortherestofhisfellowcitizens,heisclosetothem, butheseesthemnot;hetouchesthem,buthefeelsthemnot;heexistsbutinhimselfandfor himselfalone;andifhiskindredstillremaintohim,hemaybesaidatanyratetohavelosthis country.Abovethisraceofmenstandsanimmenseandtutelarypower,whichtakesuponitself alonetosecuretheirgratifications,andtowatchovertheirfate.Thatpowerisabsolute,minute, regular,provident,andmild.Itwouldbeliketheauthorityofaparent,if,likethatauthority,its objectwastopreparemenformanhood;butitseeksonthecontrarytokeeptheminperpetual childhood:itiswellcontentthatthepeopleshouldrejoice,providedtheythinkofnothingbut rejoicing.Fortheirhappinesssuchagovernmentwillinglylabors,butitchoosestobethesole agentandtheonlyarbiterofthathappiness:itprovidesfortheirsecurity,foreseesandsupplies theirnecessities,facilitatestheirpleasures,managestheirprincipalconcerns,directstheirindustry, regulatesthedescentofproperty,andsubdividestheirinheritanceswhatremains,buttospare themallthecareofthinkingandallthetroubleofliving?Thusiteverydayrenderstheexerciseof thefreeagencyofmanlessusefulandlessfrequent;itcircumscribesthewillwithinanarrower range,andgraduallyrobsamanofalltheusesofhimself.Theprincipleofequalityhasprepared menforthesethings:ithaspredisposedmentoendurethem,andoftentimestolookonthemas benefits.

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Afterhavingthussuccessivelytakeneachmemberofthecommunityinitspowerfulgrasp,and fashionedthematwill,thesupremepowerthenextendsitsarmoverthewholecommunity.It coversthesurfaceofsocietywithanetworkofsmallcomplicatedrules,minuteanduniform, throughwhichthemostoriginalmindsandthemostenergeticcharacterscannotpenetrate,torise abovethecrowd.Thewillofmanisnotshattered,butsoftened,bent,andguided:menareseldom forcedbyittoact,buttheyareconstantlyrestrainedfromacting:suchapowerdoesnotdestroy, butitpreventsexistence;itdoesnottyrannize,butitcompresses,enervates,extinguishes,and stupefiesapeople,tilleachnationisreducedtobenothingbetterthanaflockoftimidand industriousanimals,ofwhichthegovernmentistheshepherd.Ihavealwaysthoughtthat servitudeoftheregular,quiet,andgentlekindwhichIhavejustdescribed,mightbecombined moreeasilythaniscommonlybelievedwithsomeoftheoutwardformsoffreedom;andthatit mightevenestablishitselfunderthewingofthesovereigntyofthepeople.Ourcontemporariesare constantlyexcitedbytwoconflictingpassions;theywanttobeled,andtheywishtoremainfree: astheycannotdestroyeitheroneortheotherofthesecontrarypropensities,theystrivetosatisfy thembothatonce.Theydeviseasole,tutelary,andallpowerfulformofgovernment,butelected bythepeople.Theycombinetheprincipleofcentralizationandthatofpopularsovereignty;this givesthemarespite;theyconsolethemselvesforbeingintutelagebythereflectionthattheyhave chosentheirownguardians.Everymanallowshimselftobeputinleadingstrings,becausehesees thatitisnotapersonoraclassofpersons,butthepeopleatlargethatholdstheendofhischain. Bythissystemthepeopleshakeofftheirstateofdependencejustlongenoughtoselecttheir master,andthenrelapseintoitagain.Agreatmanypersonsatthepresentdayarequitecontented withthissortofcompromisebetweenadministrativedespotismandthesovereigntyofthepeople; andtheythinktheyhavedoneenoughfortheprotectionofindividualfreedomwhentheyhave surrenderedittothepowerofthenationatlarge.Thisdoesnotsatisfyme:thenatureofhimIam toobeysignifieslesstomethanthefactofextortedobedience. AlexisdeTocqueville,DemocracyinAmerica(1832),book2,translatedbyHenryReeve Aslongasmencanspeakinliberty,youcanbettheywontact. CharlesJaredIngersoll,toAlexisDeToqueville,circa1830 Whenstudyingthefundamentalcharacteristicsofacrowdwestatedthatitisguidedalmost exclusivelybyunconsciousmotives.Itsactsarefarmoreundertheinfluenceofthespinalcord thanofthebrain.Inthisrespectacrowdiscloselyakintoquiteprimitivebeings.Theacts performedmaybeperfectsofarastheirexecutionisconcerned,butastheyarenotdirectedbythe brain,theindividualconductshimselfaccordingastheexcitingcausestowhichheissubmitted mayhappentodecide.Acrowdisatthemercyofallexternalexcitingcauses,andreflectstheir incessantvariations.Itistheslavetotheimpulseswhichitreceives.Theisolatedindividualmay besubmittedtothesameexcitingcausesasthemaninacrowd,butashisbrainshowshimthein advisabilityofyieldingtothem,herefrainsfromyielding.Thistruthmaybephysiologically expressedbysayingthattheisolatedindividualpossessesthecapacityofdominatinghisreflex actions,whileacrowdisdevoidofthiscapacity.

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GustavLeBon,TheCrowd,ChapterTwo,pages3132 TheideaofasupineCongress,thebestthatcorporatemoneycanbuy,putsmeinmindofmy favoriteEmperor,Tiberius,whowasaverybrilliantman,andapatriotinhisway.Whenhe becameEmperor,theSenatepassedabill,assuringhimthatanylegislationthathesentthem wouldbeautomaticallyaccepted,andbecomelaw.Hesentbackwordandhesaid,Yourecrazy. SupposetheEmperorismad,supposehesill,supposetheresapalacecoupandsomebodyelseis sendingthingsinhisname?Howcanyoubesocertainthatwhatyourepassingisreallyhis,or shouldbepassed?Theysentitback:AnythingyourImperialMajestysendsusislawforus. AndTiberiussaid,Howeagertheyaretobeslaves. GoreVidal,interviewedbyDougHenwood,6May2002 Thesacredrightsofpropertyaretobeguardedateverypoint.Icallthemsacred,because,ifthey areunprotected,allotherrightsbecomeworthlessorvisionary.Whatispersonalliberty,ifitdoes notdrawafterittherighttoenjoythefruitsofourownindustry?Whatispoliticalliberty,ifit impartsonlyperpetualpovertytousandallourposterity?Whatistheprivilegeofavote,ifthe majorityofthehourmaysweepawaytheearningsofourwholelives,togratifytherapacityofthe indolent,thecunning,ortheprofligate,whoareborneintopoweruponthetideofatemporary popularity? JudgeJosephStory,1852 [Government]hasalwaysbeenandshouldalwayscontinuetobe,ofproperty,byproperty,andfor property. OliverCromwell Toannouncethattheremustbenocriticismofthepresident,orthatwearetostandbythe presidentrightorwrong,isnotonlyunpatrioticandservile,butismorallytreasonabletothe Americanpublic. TheodoreRoosevelt Nazismgaveussomedreadful,fundamentalthingstothinkabout...andkeptussobusywith continuouschangesandcrisesandsofascinated...bythemachinationsofthenationalenemies, withoutandwithin,thatwehadnotimetothinkaboutthesedreadfulthingsthatweregrowing, littlebylittleallaroundus...Eachstepwassosmall,soinconsequential,sowellexplainedor,on occasion,regretted,that...unlessoneunderstoodwhatthewholethingwasinprinciple,whatall theselittlemeasures...mustsomedayleadto,onenomoresawitdevelopingthanafarmerinhis fieldseescorngrowing...Eachact...isworsethanthelast,butonlyalittleworse.Youwaitforthe nextandthenext.Youwaitforonegreatshockingoccasion,thinkingthatothers,whensuchshock

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comes,willjoinyouinresistingsomehow.Youdontwanttoact,oreventalk,alone;youdont wanttogooutofyourwaytomaketroubleAnditisnotjustfear...thatrestrainsyou;itisalso genuineuncertainty...Andyouareanalarmist.Youaresayingthatthismustleadtothis,andyou cantproveit...Buttheonegreatshockingoccasion,whentensorhundredsorthousandswilljoin withyou,nevercomes.Thatsthedifficulty...Theformsareallthere,alluntouched,allreassuring, thehouses,theshops,thejobs,themealtimes,thevisits,theconcerts,thecinema,theholidays.But thespirit,whichyounevernoticedbecauseyoumadethelifelongmistakeofidentifyingitwith theforms,ischanged.Nowyouliveinaworldofhateandfear,andthepeoplewhohateandfear donotevenknowitthemselves;wheneveryoneistransformed,nooneistransformed...Youhave acceptedthingsyouwouldnothaveacceptedfiveyearsago,ayearago,thingsyourfather...could neverhaveimagined. MiltonMayer,TheyThoughtTheyWereFree;TheGermans,193845,1955 Whatnooneseemedtonotice,saidacolleagueofmine,aphilologist,wastheeverwidening gap,after1933,betweenthegovernmentandthepeople.Justthinkhowverywidethisgapwas tobeginwith,hereinGermany.Anditbecamealwayswider.Youknow,itdoesntmakepeople closetotheirgovernmenttobetoldthatthisisapeoplesgovernment,atruedemocracy,ortobe enrolledinciviliandefense,oreventovote.Allthishaslittle,reallynothing,todowithknowing oneisgoverning. Whathappenedherewasthegradualhabituationofthepeople,littlebylittle,tobeinggoverned bysurprise;toreceivingdecisionsdeliberatedinsecret;tobelievingthatthesituationwasso complicatedthatthegovernmenthadtoactoninformationwhichthepeoplecouldnot understand,orsodangerousthat,evenifthepeoplecouldnotunderstandit,itcouldnotbe releasedbecauseofnationalsecurity.AndtheirsenseofidentificationwithHitler,theirtrustin him,madeiteasiertowidenthisgapandreassuredthosewhowouldotherwisehaveworried aboutit. Thisseparationofgovernmentfrompeople,thiswideningofthegap,tookplacesograduallyand soinsensibly,eachstepdisguised(perhapsnotevenintentionally)asatemporaryemergency measureorassociatedwithtruepatrioticallegianceorwithrealsocialpurposes.Andallthecrises andreforms(realreforms,too)sooccupiedthepeoplethattheydidnotseetheslowmotion underneath,ofthewholeprocessofgovernmentgrowingremoterandremoter. Toliveinthisprocessisabsolutelynottobeabletonoticeitpleasetrytobelieveme unlessonehasamuchgreaterdegreeofpoliticalawareness,acuity,thanmostofushadeverhad occasiontodevelop.Eachstepwassosmall,soinconsequential,sowellexplainedor,onoccasion, regretted,that,unlessoneweredetachedfromthewholeprocessfromthebeginning,unlessone understoodwhatthewholethingwasinprinciple,whatalltheselittlemeasuresthatnopatriotic Germancouldresentmustsomedayleadto,onenomoresawitdevelopingfromdaytodaythan afarmerinhisfieldseesthecorngrowing.Onedayitisoverhishead.

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MiltonMayer,TheyThoughtTheyWereFree;TheGermans,193845,1955 Therehasneverbeenajustone,neveranhonorableoneonthepartoftheinstigatorofthewar. Icanseeamillionyearsahead,andthisrulewillneverchangeinsomanyashalfadozen instances.Theloudlittlehandfulasusualwillshoutforthewar.Thepulpitwillwarily andcautiouslyobject...atfirst.Thegreat,big,dullbulkofthenationwillrubitssleepyeyesand trytomakeoutwhythereshouldbeawar,andwillsay,earnestlyandindignantly,Itisunjust anddishonorable,andthereisnonecessityforit. Thenthehandfulwillshoutlouder.Afewfairmenontheothersidewillargueandreasonagainst thewarwithspeechandpen,andatfirstwillhaveahearingandbeapplauded,butitwillnotlast long;thoseotherswilloutshoutthem,andpresentlytheantiwaraudienceswillthinoutandlose popularity. Beforelong,youwillseethiscuriousthing:thespeakersstonedfromtheplatform,andfreespeech strangledbyhordesoffuriousmen... Nextthestatesmenwillinventcheaplies,puttingtheblameuponthenationthatisattacked,and everymanwillbegladofthoseconsciencesoothingfalsities,andwilldiligentlystudythem,and refusetoexamineanyrefutationsofthem;andthushewillbyandbyconvincehimselfthatthe warisjust,andwillthankGodforthebettersleepheenjoysafterthisprocessofgrotesqueself deception. MarkTwain,TheMysteriousStranger,1910 ThelasttwoyearsofthedecadewhileEuropeenjoyedarichfatafternoon,werethequietest. Nineteentenwaspeacefulandprosperous;withthesecondroundofMoroccancrisesandBalkan warsstilltocome.Anewbook,TheGreatIllusionbyNormanAngell,hadjustbeenpublished, whichprovedthatwarwasimpossible.Byimpressiveexamplesandincontrovertibleargument Angellshowedthatinthepresentfinancialandeconomicinterdependenceofnations,thevictor wouldsufferequallywiththevanquished;thereforewarhadbecomeunprofitable;thereforeno nationwouldbesofoolishastostartone.Alreadytranslatedintoelevenlanguages,TheGreat Illusionhadbecomeacult.Attheuniversities,inManchester,Glasgow,andotherindustrialcities, morethanfortystudygroupsoftruebelievershadformed,devotedtopropagatingitsdogma. Angell'smostearnestdisciplewasamanofgreatinfluenceonmilitarypolicy,theKing'sfriend andadviser,ViscountEsher,chairmanoftheWarCommitteeassignedtoremakingtheBritish ArmyaftertheshockofitsperformanceintheBoorWar.LordEsherdeliveredlecturesonthe lessonofTheGreatIllusionatCambridgeandtheSorbonnewhereinheshowedhownew economicfactorsclearlyprovetheinsanityofaggressivewars.Atwentiethcenturywarwouldbe onsuchascale,hesaid,thatitsinevitableconsequencesofcommercialdisaster,financialruinand individualsufferingwouldbesopregnantwithrestraininginfluencesastomakewar unthinkable.HetoldanaudienceofofficersattheUnitedServiceClub,withtheChiefofGeneral Staff,SirJohnFrench,inthechair,thatbecauseoftheinterlacingofnationsWarbecomesevery

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daymoredifficultandimprobable. Germany,LordEsherfeltsure,isasreceptiveasGreatBritaintothedoctrineofNormanAngell. HowreceptiveweretheKaiserandtheCrownPrincetowhomhegave,orcausedtobegiven, copiesofTheGreatIllusionisnotreported.ThereisnoevidencethathegaveonetoGeneralVon Bernhardi,whowasengagedin1910inwritingabookcalledGermanyandtheNextWar,published inthefollowingyear,whichwastobeasinfluentialasAngellsbutfromtheoppositepointof view.Threeofitschaptertitles,TheRighttoMakeWar,TheDutytoMakeWar,andWorld PowerorDownfallsumupitsthesis. BarbaraTuchman,TheGunsofAugust,pages2445 ThegovernmentoftheWesternnations,whethermonarchicalorrepublican,hadpassedintothe invisiblehandsofaplutocracy,internationalinpowerandgrasp.Itwas,Iventuretosuggest,this semioccultpowerwhich...pushedthemassoftheAmericanpeopleintothecauldronofWorld WarI. MajorGeneralJ.F.C.Fuller,Britishmilitaryhistorian,1941 Thelibertiesofapeopleneverwere,noreverwillbe,secure,whenthetransactionsoftheirrulers maybeconcealedfromthem. PatrickHenry Thenotionthataradicalisonewhohateshiscountryisnaiveandusuallyidiotic.Heis,more likely,onewholikeshiscountrymorethantherestofus,andisthusmoredisturbedthantherest ofuswhenheseesitdebauched.Heisnotabadcitizenturningtocrime;heisagoodcitizen driventodespair. H.L.Mencken Ofalltyrannies,atyrannysincerelyexercisedforthegoodofitsvictimsmaybethemost oppressive.Itmaybebettertoliveunderrobberbaronsthanunderomnipotentmoralbusybodies. Therobberbaronscrueltymaysometimessleep,hiscupiditymayatsomepointbesatiated:but thosewhotormentusforourowngoodwilltormentuswithoutend,fortheydosowiththe approvaloftheirownconscience. C.S.Lewis Theaccumulationofallpowers,legislative,executive,andjudiciary,inthesamehands...may justlybepronouncedtheverydefinitionoftyranny. JamesMadison,FederalistPapers,47

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Allcommunitiesdividethemselvesintothefewandthemany.Thefirstaretherichandwellborn, theotherthemassofthepeople.ThevoiceofthepeoplehasbeensaidtobethevoiceofGod;and howevergenerallythismaximhasbeenquotedandbelieved,itisnottrueinfact.Thepeopleare turbulentandchanging;theyseldomjudgeordetermineright.Givethereforetothefirstclassa distinct,permanentshareinthegovernment.TheywillchecktheunsteadinessoftheSecond...Can ademocraticassemblywhoannuallyrevolveinthemassofthepeople,besupposedsteadilyto pursuethepublicgood?Nothingbutapermanentbodycanchecktheimprudenceofdemocracy... Itisadmittedthatyoucannothaveagoodexecutiveuponademocraticplan. AlexanderHamilton,quotedinTheRecordsoftheFederalConventionof1787 (MaxFarrand,editor,Yale,1966,page288) Theaimofeverypoliticalconstitutionis,oroughttobe,firsttoobtainforrulersmenwhopossess mostwisdomtodiscern,andmostvirtuetopursue,thecommongoodofthesociety;andinthe nextplace,totakethemosteffectualprecautionsforkeepingthemvirtuouswhilsttheycontinueto holdtheirpublictrust. JamesMadison,FederalistPapers,57(1787) Benotintimidated,therefore,byanyterrors,frompublishingwiththeutmostfreedomwhatever canbewarrantedbythelawsofyourcountry;norsufferyourselvestobewheedledoutofyour libertybypretensesofpoliteness,delicacy,ordecency.These,astheyareoftenused,arebutthree differentnamesforhypocrisy,chicanery,andcowardice. JohnAdams Thebiggestgovernmentconspiracyofallistheclaimthattherearenogovernmentconspiracies. MichaelRivero,WhatReallyHappened,June2003 Whenpartyrules,thepeopledonotrule,butmerelysuchaportionofthepeopleascanmanageto getcontrolofparty. JamesFenimoreCooper,TheAmericanDemocrat(PenguinBooks,1969,page227) Incommonwiththepossessorsofwealthandpowerofeveryage,[theFounders]consideredthe maintenanceoftheirprivilegestobeanintegralpartofanypoliticalorganizationestablishedin thenameofliberty. TheRevolutionaryleaders,therefore,werepresentedwithtwobasicproblemsattheoutsetofthe Revolutiontheprotectionofrightsagainstthearbitraryuseofpower,andthemaintenanceof theirownsuperiorpositioninthenewstategovernments.Theobvioussolutionwastoestablish

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constitutionswhichwouldincludeasmanyofthesafeguardsaspossibleutilizedincolonial government.Arevivalofanysemblanceoftheprerogativepowerwasofcourseoutofthe question,butpropertyqualificationsforvotingandofficeholdingandtheprincipleof bicameralismhadnotbeendiscreditedbyidentificationwithBritishtyranny.Thesedefenses againstmobsanddespotshadbeensanctionedbycolonialexperienceandhadbecomeanintegral partoftheprovincialgovernments;prudencedictatedthattheybeincludedinthenewstate governments. Apoliticalsciencedevotedinparttofrustratingmajoritywillmightatfirstglanceseem inconsistentwiththepoliticalphilosophyoftheRevolutionaryleaders.Fromamodernpointof view,propertyqualificationsseemincompatiblewiththedoctrineofgovernmentbyconsent;the popularsovereigntyemblazonedupontheDeclarationofIndependenceappearsinsomemeasure tobequalifiedbythechecksandbalancesofthefirststateconstitutions.Themenof76didnot feelanyconflictbetweentheirguidingprinciplesandtheirpoliticalpractice,however,because theirprinciplescontainedmanyconservativeassumptionswhichareoftenoverlookedtoday.The rightstheyproclaimedwerewhattheybelievedtobethetraditionalrightsofEnglishmen,notnew andunprecedentedprivileges.ThevocabularyofnaturalrightsusedintheDeclarationof Independencedidnotindicateasuddenchangetoamoreradicalphilosophybutwasrather,as CarlBeckerhasindicated,anattempttorephraseEnglishrightsinsuchawaythattheywould appealtocontemporaryEuropeanintellectuals.Theassertionofequalitywasnotintendedasa protestagainstthesocialdistinctions,politicalprivilege,andunequaldistributionofwealthinthe coloniesbutwasratherarepudiationofhereditarystatusandtheprivilegederivedfromitin BritainandontheContinent. ElishaP.Douglas,RebelsandDemocrats,1955,pages6&7 ThePartyclaimed,ofcourse,tohaveliberatedtheprolesfrombondage....Inrealityverylittlewas knownabouttheproles.Itwasnotnecessarytoknowmuch.Solongastheycontinuedtowork andbreed,theirotheractivitieswerewithoutimportance.Lefttothemselves,likecattleturned looseupontheplainsofArgentina,theyhadrevertedtoastyleoflifethatappearedtobenatural tothem,asortofancestralpattern.Theywereborn,theygrewupinthegutters,theywenttowork attwelve,theypassedthroughabriefblossomingperiodofbeautyandsexualdesire,theymarried attwenty,theyweremiddleagedatthirty,theydied,forthemostpart,atsixty.Heavyphysical work,thecareofhomeandchildren,pettyquarrelswithneighbors,films,football,beer,and, aboveall,gamblingfilledupthehorizonoftheirminds.Tokeepthemincontrolwasnotdifficult. GeorgeOrwell,NineteenEightyfour,1949 Theempiricalmethodofthought,onwhichallthescientificachievementsofthepastwere founded,isopposedtothemostfundamentalprinciplesofsociety.Andeventechnological progressonlyhappenswhenitsproductscaninsomewaybeusedforthediminutionofhuman liberty.Inalltheusefulartstheworldiseitherstandingstillorgoingbackwards.Butinmattersof vitalimportancemeaning,ineffect,warandpoliceespionagetheempiricalapproachisstill

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encouraged,oratleasttolerated.ThetwoaimsofthePartyaretoconquerthewholesurfaceofthe earthandtoextinguishonceandforallthepossibilityofindependentthought.Therearetherefore twogreatproblemswhichthePartyisconcernedtosolve.Oneishowtodiscover,againsthiswill, whatanotherhumanbeingisthinking,andtheotherishowtokillseveralhundredmillionpeople inafewsecondswithoutgivingwarningbeforehand.Insofarasscientificresearchstillcontinues, thisisitssubjectmatter. GeorgeOrwell Asdemocracyisperfected,theofficeofpresidentrepresents,moreandmoreclosely,theinnersoul ofthepeople.Onsomegreatandgloriousdaytheplainfolksofthelandwillreachtheirhearts desireatlastandtheWhiteHousewillbeadornedbyadownrightmoron. Civilization,infact,growsmoreandmoremaudlinandhysterical;especiallyunderdemocracyit tendstodegenerateintoamerecombatofcrazes;thewholeaimofpracticalpoliticsistokeepthe populacealarmed(andhenceclamoroustobeledtosafety)byanendlessseriesofhobgoblins, mostofthemimaginary. H.L.Mencken ThetwogreatestobstaclestodemocracyintheUnitedStatesare,first,thewidespreaddelusion amongthepoorthatwehaveademocracy,andsecond,thechronicterroramongtherich,lestwe getit. EdwardDowling Theaimofeverypoliticalconstitutionis,oroughttobe,firsttoobtainforrulersmenwhopossess mostwisdomtodiscern,andmostvirtuetopursue,thecommongoodofthesociety;andinthe nextplace,totakethemosteffectualprecautionsforkeepingthemvirtuouswhilsttheycontinueto holdtheirpublictrust. JamesMadison,FederalistPaperNumber57(1787) Thetruedistinction[betweenancientregimesandtheproposedexperimentingovernment]liesin thetotalexclusionofthepeopleintheircollectivecapacity. JamesMadison Popularrevoltagainstaruthless,experiencedmoderndictatorship,whichenjoysamonopolyover weaponsandcommunications,...issimplynotapossibilityinthemodernage. GeorgeF.Kennan

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Inthearrangementsofnature,freedomisrelegatedtoanoperationalpositionthatissecondaryin importancetosurvival.Inacompetitiveworldoflimitedresources,totalfreedomofindividualactionis intolerable. GarrettHardin,TheOstrichFactor,page140 Justicewithoutforceisimpotent,forcewithoutjusticeistyranny. Unabletomakewhatisjuststrong,wehavemadewhatisstrongjust. BlaisePascal Iflibertymeansanythingatall,itmeanstherighttotellpeoplewhattheydonotwanttohear. GeorgeOrwell Lethimsaywhatthegovernmentis,ifitbenotatyranny,whichthemenofourchoicehave conferredonourPresident,andthePresidentofourchoicehasassentedto,andacceptedoverthe friendlystrangerstowhomthemildspiritofourcountryanditslawshavepledgedhospitality andprotection:thatthemenofourchoicehavemorerespectedthebaresuspicionsofthe President,thanthesolidrightofinnocence,theclaimsofjustification,thesacredforceoftruth,and theformsandsubstanceoflawandjustice.Inquestionsofpower,then,letnomorebeheardof confidenceinman,butbindhimdownfrommischiefbythechainsoftheConstitution. ThomasJefferson,8thKentuckyResolution(Oct.1798),protestingtheAlienand SeditionActs,andparticularlytheeffortstocriminalizejournalistsundertakenby Adamspursuanttothoseacts. Itisnotthefunctionofourgovernmenttokeepthecitizenfromfallingintoerror;itisthefunction ofthecitizentokeepthegovernmentfromfallingintoerror. U.S.SupremeCourtJusticeRobertH.Jackson,inAmericaCommunicatorsAssociationvs Douds,339U.S.382,442(1950) Peoplewhoselivesarebarrenandinsecureseemtoshowagreaterwillingnesstoobeythanpeople whoareselfsufficientandselfconfident.Tothefrustrated,freedomfromresponsibilityismore attractivethanfreedomfromrestraint.Theyareeagertobartertheirindependenceforreliefofthe burdensofwilling,decidingandbeingresponsibleforinevitablefailure.Theywillinglyabdicate thedirectingoftheirlivestothosewhowanttoplan,command,andshoulderallresponsibility. EricHoffer,TheTrueBeliever TobeGOVERNEDistobewatched,inspected,spiedupon,directed,lawdriven,numbered, regulated,enrolled,indoctrinated,preachedat,controlled,checked,estimated,valued,censured,

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commanded,bycreatureswhohaveneithertherightnorthewisdomnorthevirtuetodoso.Tobe GOVERNEDistobeateveryoperation,ateverytransactionnoted,registered,counted,taxed, stamped,measured,numbered,assessed,licensed,authorized,admonished,prevented,forbidden, reformed,corrected,punished.Itis,underpretextofpublicutility,andinthenameofthegeneral interest,tobeplacedundercontribution,drilled,fleeced,exploited,monopolized,extortedfrom, squeezed,hoaxed,robbed;then,attheslightestresistance,thefirstwordofcomplaint,tobe repressed,fined,vilified,harassed,hunteddown,abused,clubbed,disarmed,bound,choked, imprisoned,judged,condemned,shot,deported,sacrificed,sold,betrayed;andtocrownall, mocked,ridiculed,derided,outraged,dishonored.Thatisgovernment;thatisitsjustice;thatisits morality. PierreJosephProudhon,GeneralIdeaoftheRevolutionintheNineteenthCentury Taxesarenotraisedtocarryonwars;warsareraisedtocarryontaxes. ThomasPaine(apocryphal) Ifyouwantgovernmenttointervenedomestically,yourealiberal.Ifyouwantgovernmentto interveneoverseas,youreaconservative.Ifyouwantgovernmenttointerveneeverywhere,youre amoderate.Ifyoudontwantgovernmenttointerveneanywhere,youreanextremist. JosephSobran,EditoroftheNationalReview,1995 Thefastestwaytobringdownadictatorshipistoforceittoactlikeonewhereeverybodycansee it. MichaelRivero,WhatReallyHappened(.com) WhereisitwrittenintheConstitution,inwhatarticleorsectionisitcontained,thatyoumaytake childrenfromtheirparentsandparentsfromtheirchildren,andcompelthemtofightthebattlesof anywarinwhichthefollyandwickednessofthegovernmentmayengageitself?Underwhat concealmenthasthispowerlainhidden,whichnowforthefirsttimecomesforth,witha tremendousandbalefulaspect,totrampledownanddestroythedearestrightofpersonalliberty? WhowillshowmeanyConstitutionalinjunctionwhichmakesitthedutyoftheAmericanpeople tosurrendereverythingvaluableinlife,andevenlife,itself,wheneverthepurposesofan ambitiousandmischievousgovernmentmayrequireit?...Afreegovernmentwithan uncontrolledpowerofmilitaryconscriptionisthemostridiculousandabominablecontradiction andnonsensethateverenteredintotheheadsofmen. DanielWebster(17821852),USSenator,speechintheHouseofRepresentatives,14 January1814 Theordinarymanwithextraordinarypoweristhechiefdangerformankindnotthefiendorthe

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sadist. Aslongaseverybodywantstohavemore,theremustbeformationsofclasses,theremustbeclass war,andinglobalterms,theremustbeinternationalwar.Greedandpeaceprecludeeachother. Forthefirsttimeinhistorythephysicalsurvivalofthehumanracedependsonaradicalchangeof thehumanheart. ErichFromm Americaistodaytheleaderofaworldwideantirevolutionarymovementinthedefenseofvested interests.ShenowstandsforwhatRomestoodfor.Romeconsistentlysupportedtherichagainst thepoorinallforeigncommunitiesthatfellunderhersway;and,sincethepoor,sofar,have alwaysandeverywherebeenfarmorenumerousthantherich,Rome'spolicymadeforinequality, forinjustice,andfortheleasthappinessofthegreatestnumber. ArnoldToynbee,1961 Americansthinkfreedommeansnorestraint.SoImfreetostartabigcompanyandruleten thousandwagelaborers,andiftheydontlikeittheyrefreetogoonstrike,andImfreetohire thugstocracktheirheads,andtheyrefreetoquit,andImfreetobuypoliticianstocutoffsupport fortheunemployed,sonowtheyrefreetoeitherstarveanddie,oracceptthejobonmytermsand usetheirfreedomofspeechtoimpotentlycomplain. RanPrieur,athttp://ranprieur.com/essays/beyondciv.html IcametoAmericabecauseofthegreat,greatfreedomwhichIheardexistedinthiscountry.Imade amistakeinselectingAmericaasalandoffreedom,amistakeIcannotrepairinthebalanceofmy lifetime. AlbertEinstein,1947 Andhowweburnedinthecampslater,thinking:Whatwouldthingshavebeenlikeifevery Securityoperative,whenhewentoutatnighttomakeanarrest,hadbeenuncertainwhetherhe wouldreturnaliveandhadtosaygoodbyetohisfamily?Orif,duringperiodsofmassarrests,as forexampleinLeningrad,whentheyarrestedaquarteroftheentirecity,peoplehadnotsimply satthereintheirlairs,palingwithterrorateverybangofthedownstairsdoorandateverystepon thestaircase,buthadunderstoodtheyhadnothinglefttoloseandhadboldlysetupinthe downstairshallanambushofhalfadozenpeoplewithaxes,hammers,pokers,orwhateverelse wasathand?...TheOrganswouldveryquicklyhavesufferedashortageofofficersandtransport and,notwithstandingallofStalinsthirst,thecursedmachinewouldhavegroundtoahalt! If...if...Wedidntlovefreedomenough.Andevenmorewehadnoawarenessofthereal situation....Wepurelyandsimplydeservedeverythingthathappenedafterward.

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AleksandrI.Solzhenitsyn,TheGulagArchipelago Thepowerofmoneyinelections,theincreasedconcentrationandconservativebiasofthemedia, theresurgentstrengthandaggressivenessofcapitalandfinanceinaglobalizingeconomy,andthe weakeningoflabor,providethestructuralbackground...fortheabandonmentoftherudimentsof socialdemocracy[inAmerica]. EdwardS.Herman,ZMagazine,November1999,page44 ThepropagandasystemallowstheU.S.leadershiptocommitcrimeswithoutlimitandwithno suggestionofmisbehaviororcriminality;infact,majorwarcriminalslikeHenryKissingerappear regularlyonTVtocommentonthecrimesofthederivativebutchers.TheloyalU.S.alliesneither contestthisvisionofcriminalitynorseriouslyimpedetheglobalroguesbehavior. BecauseofitspowerandglobalinterestsU.S.leadershavecommittedcrimesasamatterofcourse andstructuralnecessity.Astrictapplicationofinternationallawwould...havegiveneveryU.S. presidentofthepast50years[the]Nurembergtreatment.[cf.GeneralCurtisE.LeMay] EdwardS.Herman,ZMagazine,December1999,page38 There'snowaytoruleinnocentmen.Theonlypoweranygovernmenthasisthepowertocrack downoncriminals.Whentherearen'tenoughcriminals,onemakesthemdeclaressomany thingstobeacrimeitbecomesimpossibletolivewithoutbreakinglaws. AynRand,AtlasShrugged Theverywordsecrecyisrepugnantinafreeandopensociety;andweareasapeopleinherently andhistoricallyopposedtosecretsocieties,tosecretoathsandsecretproceedings.Wedecided longagothatthedangersofexcessiveandunwarrantedconcealmentofpertinentfactsfar outweighedthedangerswhicharecitedtojustifyit.Eventoday,thereislittlevalueinopposing thethreatofaclosedsocietybyimitatingitsarbitraryrestrictions.Eventoday,thereislittlevalue ininsuringthesurvivalofournationifourtraditionsdonotsurvivewithit.Andthereisvery gravedangerthatanannouncedneedforincreasedsecuritywillbeseizeduponthoseanxiousto expanditsmeaningtotheverylimitsofofficialcensorshipandconcealment.ThatIdonotintend topermittotheextentthatitisinmycontrol.AndnoofficialofmyAdministration,whetherhis rankishighorlow,civilianormilitary,shouldinterpretmywordsheretonightasanexcuseto censorthenews,tostifledissent,tocoverupourmistakesortowithholdfromthepressandthe publicthefactstheydeservetoknow. PresidentJohnF.Kennedy,ThePresidentandthePress,attheWaldorfAstoriaHotel on27April1961,beforetheAmericanNewspaperPublishersAssociation.

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Thisisthebasiccredoofliberation:Inolongercareifthepowercentersofoursocietythedistant, fortifiedcastlesofourfinancialfeudalsystemarechangedbymyactions,forIamliberatedbytheactof resistance.Iamnolongercomplicitinperpetuatingfraudulentfeudalismandthepathologyofconcentrated power.InolongercovetsignifiersofmembershipintheUpperCastethatservestheplutocracy.Iam liberatedfromselfdestructiveconsumeristStatefinancializationandthedelusionthatdebtservitudeand obediencetosociopathologicalElitesservemyselfinterests. Asanexample,nothingismoreapoliticalthanfood,accordingtotheStatusQuo.Yetthisis entirelybackward;nothingismorepoliticalthanfood,foriteithersustainsusandourfreedomor itindenturesustodiseaseanddependenceontheSaviorStatesimmenselyprofitablesickcare system,i.e.theabominationknownashealthcarethatprofitsfromchronicdisease,nothealth. FromtheStatusQuoperspective,thecitizenwhobicyclestoworkiseitherahealthnutorsome outlierwhoperverselyrefusestheobviousconvenienceandcomfortoftheauto.Fromthepointof viewofonewhohasexperiencedaninnerrevolutionofunderstanding,thenthesimplemachinery ofthebicyclehasfreedthecitizenfromdependenceontheoilcomplexanditsenforcer,theState, andalsofromthesickcaresystemanditsenforcer,theState. Intheconsumeristmindset,ridingabicycletoworkisanapoliticalpersonalchoicethatis meaninglessonthelargerstage.Tothecitizenwitharevolutionaryunderstanding,everybicycle rideisanovertlypoliticalactofresistanceagainsttheconcentrationsofcapitalthatmaintaintheir powerovertheStateviadependenceonoil,autocentricity,andsickcare. Totheunawarecitizenburdenedwithmultiplechronicdiseasesbroughtonbyacorporate supplieddietofpackagedfoodandfastfoodandasedentarylifebasedontheworshipof convenience,thenbuyingfrozenpizzaandfastfoodareapolitical,personalchoiceactions.To thecitizenwitharevolutionaryunderstanding,thenthesearetheactionsoftheindentured,and therefusaltoconsumepackagedfoodthatnocaringconsumerwouldfeedtheirdoglestit sickenanddieisadeeplyandovertlypoliticalactofresistance. Therearenoapoliticalpersonalchoiceacts;thereareonlyprofoundlypoliticalactsofresistance orcomplicity. CharlesHughSmith,Resistance,Revolution,Liberation;AModelforPositiveChange,April 2012,pages2056

THE GOLDEN RULE

[Closelyconnectingtotheabovesectiononliberty Libertyistheonlythingyoucannothaveunlessyouarewillingtogiveittoothers.

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WilliamAllenWhite] Soineverything,dotootherswhatyouwouldhavethemdotoyou,forthissumsuptheLawand theProphets. NewInternationalVersion(NIV) Thereforeallthingswhatsoeveryewouldthatmenshoulddotoyou,doyeevensotothem:for thatisthelawandtheprophets. KingJamesVersion Christianity.Bible,Matthew7:12 Dotoothersasyouwouldhavethemdotoyou. NewInternationalVersion(NIV) KingJamesVersion

Andasyewouldthatmenshouldtoyou,doyealsotothemlikewise. Christianity.Bible,Luke6:31

Teacher,whichisthegreatcommandmentinthelaw?Jesussaidtohim,Youshalllovethe LordyourGodwithallyourheart,andwithallyoursoul,andwithallyourmind.Thisisthegreat andfirstcommandment.Andasecondislikeit:Youshallloveyourneighborasyourself.Onthese twocommandmentsdependallthelawandtheprophets. Christianity.Bible,Matthew22:3640 Youshallloveyourneighborasyourself. Judaism&Christianity.Bible,Leviticus19:18 AcertainheathencametoShammaiandsaidtohim,Makemeaproselyte,onconditionthatyou teachmethewholeTorahwhileIstandononefoot.Thereuponherepulsedhimwiththerod whichwasinhishand.WhenhewenttoHillel,hesaidtohim,Whatishatefultoyou,donotdo toyourneighbor:thatisthewholeTorah;alltherestofitiscommentary;goandlearn. Judaism.Talmud,Shabbat31a Notoneofyouisabelieveruntilhelovesforhisbrotherwhathelovesforhimself. Islam.FortyHadithofanNawawi,13 Amanshouldwanderabouttreatingallcreaturesashehimselfwouldbetreated. Jainism.Sutrakritanga1.11.33 Tryyourbesttotreatothersasyouwouldwishtobetreatedyourself,andyouwillfindthatthisis

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theshortestwaytobenevolence. Confucianism.MenciusVII.A.4 Oneshouldnotbehavetowardsothersinawaywhichisdisagreeabletooneself.Thisisthe essenceofmorality.Allotheractivitiesareduetoselfishdesire. Hinduism.Mahabharata,AnusasanaParva113.8 Tsekungasked,Isthereonewordthatcanserveasaprincipleofconductforlife?"Confucius replied,Itisthewordshureciprocity:Donotdotootherswhatyoudonotwantthemtodoto you. Confucianism.Analects15.23 ComparingoneselftoothersinsuchtermsasJustasIamsoarethey,justastheyaresoamI,he shouldneitherkillnorcauseotherstokill. Buddhism.SuttaNipata705 Onegoingtotakeapointedsticktopinchababybirdshouldfirsttryitonhimselftofeelhowit hurts. AfricanTraditionalReligion.YorubaProverb(Nigeria) Onewhoyouthinkshouldbehitisnoneelsebutyou.Onewhoyouthinkshouldbegovernedis noneelsebutyou.Onewhoyouthinkshouldbetorturedisnoneelsebutyou.Onewhoyouthink shouldbeenslavedisnoneelsebutyou.Onewhoyouthinkshouldbekilledisnoneelsebutyou. Asageisingenuousandleadshislifeaftercomprehendingtheparityofthekilledandthekiller. Therefore,neitherdoeshecauseviolencetoothersnordoeshemakeothersdoso. Jainism.Acarangasutra5.1012 TheAriyandisciplethusreflects,HereamI,fondofmylife,notwantingtodie,fondofpleasure andaversefrompain.Supposesomeoneshouldrobmeofmylife...itwouldnotbeathing pleasinganddelightfultome.IfI,inmyturn,shouldrobofhislifeonefondofhislife,not wantingtodie,onefondofpleasureandaversefrompain,itwouldnotbeathingpleasingor delightfultohim.Forastatethatisnotpleasantordelightfultomemustalsobetohimalso;anda statethatisnotpleasingordelightfultome,howcouldIinflictthatuponanother? Asaresultofsuchreflectionhehimselfabstainsfromtakingthelifeofcreaturesandhe encouragesotherssotoabstain,andspeaksinpraiseofsoabstaining.

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Buddhism.SamyuttaNikayav.353 Andifthineeyesbeturnedtowardsjustice,choosethouforthyneighbourthatwhichthou choosestforthyself. Bahai.EpistletotheSonoftheWolf,30 Whateverisdisagreeabletoyourselfdonotdountoothers. Zoroastrianism.ShayastnaShayast13:29 Donotdountootherswhatangersyouifdonetoyoubyothers. Isocrates(436338B.C.) Anitharmnone,dowhatthouwilt. WiccanRede(alsoafundamentaltenetoftheEnglishCommonLaw) Refrainingfromdoingwhatweblameinothers. Thales,inDiogenesLaertius,VolumeI,page39 Acreationisethicalindirectproportiontoitsvaluetothosewhomitmostaffects. HarryPalmer,Avatar Allvirtueissummedupindealingjustly. Aristotle,NicomacheanEthics,onjustice,4thCenturyB.C. Donotdountoothersasyouwouldthattheyshoulddountoyou.Theirtastesmaynotbethe same. GeorgeBernardShaw Ifwedontbelieveinfreedomofexpressionforpeoplewedespise,wedontbelieveinitatall. NoamChomsky

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ITS LIKE
Andfinally,NewRule:Ifyoudontthinkyourdaughtergettingcancerisworsethanyour daughterhavingsex,youredoingitwrong.Lastyear,modernmedicinecameupwithawayto greatlyreducecervicalcancerinyoungwomen.Itsavaccinethatcanvirtuallywipeoutthe sexuallytransmitteddiseasecalledHPV,whichleadstothecancer. Butnoteveryoneispleasedwiththisvaccine.ThereareChristianvaluesgroupsandchurches nationwidewhoarefightingit.BrigetMahernorelationandnoneplannedformerlyofthe FamilyResearchCouncilsaysgivinggirlsthevaccineisbadbecausethegirlsmayseeitasa licensetoengageinpremaritalsex. Hey,Mrs.Maher,letmetellyousomething.YourdaughterisalreadyontheInternetexchanging bondagefantasieswithaGermanboyshemetonMySpace.ForgetHPV.ShesontoS&M.And Mrs.Maher,ImsureIdonthavetotellyoutheresonlyonefoolproofmethodtomakeawoman abstinent:marryher. So,letsreviewhere.HPVisanewSTDthattheCDCwantsteensvaccinatedforPDQ.Andthats notsittingwellwiththeHarperValleyPTA.Theythinkifateenagegirlfeelsalittleprick,shes goingtowanttofeelawholelotmore. But,HPVshotsdontcausepromiscuity.Tequilashotsdo.AndMTV.Andhavingmoronparents youwanttoescapefrom.Hey,whenyoure15yearsold,breathingencouragessexualactivity. But,letsbefrank.ThesevaluesgroupsarentjustagainsttheHPVshot.Theyreagainstfamily planningandcondomsandmorningafterpills.Theywanttomakesuresexisasdangerousas possible,sothatkidsknowiftheysleeparoundandgetanSTD,thatsGodteachingthemalesson. Andthatlessonis:YoushouldneverhavetriedoutforAmericanIdolinthefirstplace! Now,Iknowourkidsaredumb.IjustreaditinaNewRule.But,willtheyreallyhavesexwith anythingthatmovesjustbecausetheyknowtheresavaccine?Peopledontgetthevaccinefor typhoidandsay,Great,nowIcandrinkthesewerwaterinBombay!Itslikebeingagainstacure forblindnessbecauseitllencouragemasturbation! Itslikebeingforthesalmonellapoisoninginpeanutbutterbecauseitwilldiscourageweirdos fromspreadingitontheirassandcallingthedog! Ifthisisthenonsenseyoureteachingyourkids,theyrealreadyscrewed. BillMaher,RealTime,3March2007 Infact,tellingprimates(humanorotherwise)thattheirreasoningarchitecturesevolvedinlarge

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parttosolveproblemsofdominanceisalittleliketellingfishthattheirgillsevolvedinlargepart tosolvetheproblemofoxygenintakefromwater. DeniseDellarosaCummins Thesocialintelligencehypothesispositsthatthelargebrainsdistinctivecognitiveabilitiesof primates(inparticular,anthropoidprimates)evolvedviaaspiralingarmsraceinwhichsocial competitorsdevelopedincreasingMachiavellianstrategies. MachiavellianIntelligenceII,AndrewWhiten&RichardW.Byrne,Eds.,199,page240 Wheneverastateorindividualcitedinsufficientfundsasanexcuseforneglectingthisimportant thingorthat,itwasindicativeoftheextenttowhichrealityhadbeendistortedbytheabstractlens ofwealth.Duringperiodsofsocalledeconomicdepression,forexample,societiessufferedfor wantofallmannerofessentialgoods,yetinvestigationalmostinvariablydisclosedthattherewere plentyofgoodsavailable.Plentyofcoalintheground,corninthefields,woolonthesheep.What wasmissingwasnotmaterialsbutanabstractunitofmeasurementcalledmoney.Itwasakinto astarvingwomanwithasweettoothlamentingthatshecouldntbakeacakebecauseshedidnt haveanyounces.Shehadbutter,flour,eggs,milk,andsugar;shejustdidnthaveanyounces,any pinches,anypints.Theloonylegacyofmoneywasthatthearithmeticbywhichthingswere measuredhadbecomemorevaluablethanthethingsthemselves. TomRobbins,SkinnyLegsandAll,1990,page408 F.ScottFitzgerald:Thericharedifferentfromyouandme. EarnestHemmingway:Yes,theyhavemoremoney. Fitzgerald:No,thericharedifferent. (Anapocryphalconversation) Givingmoneyandpowertogovernmentislikegivingwhiskeyandcarkeystoteenageboys. P.J.ORourke,ParliamentofWhores Thinkingmankindwillrunoutofmoneyislikethinkingwe'llrunoutofinchesorfeet. Various,includingJayHanson(seeTomRobbins,SkinnyLegs,above) BecomingaScientistbecauseyoucravefactualcertaintyandthirstforameaningfulvisionof humanlifeislikebecominganArchbishopsoyoucanmeetgirls. Anonymous,throughDavidDelTorto

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Claimingthatgunscausecrimehasalltheprobityofclaimingthatpencilscausemisspellings. Banningassaultweaponstofightcrimeisasstupidasbanningcondomstopreventrape. Asking"Howarewegoingtofindenoughfoodtofeedourgrowingpopulation?"islikeasking "Howarewegoingtofindenoughfueltofeedthisgrowingfire?" Buildingmoreprisonsasananswertocrimeislikediggingmoregravestocureadisease. Unattributed Teachingpeopletolivemoresustainabilityisliketellingteenagegirlstodressuglier. JayHanson,personalcommunication,July2011 DeflectingcriticismofIsraelbyscreamingantiSemitismmakesasmuchsenseasdeflecting criticismoftheNazisbyscreamingantiGermanism! MichaelRivero TheserotonintheoryofdepressioniscomparabletotheMasturbatoryTheoryofInsanity. Dr.DavidHealyMD,2005 Theclassicdefinitionofchutzpahiswhensomeonemurdershisparentsandasksforleniency becauseheisanorphan.Inthedigitalworldchutzpahiswhenacomputerjournalistgetsflamed forillinformedreportingandclaimsheisthevictimofdemagoguery. Letthedigitalageofaccountablejournalismtakeroots.Getoffyourloftyperch,allyoureporters, andpreparetodefendyourselvesinfairargument.Ifyoucanttaketheheat,becomeaventure capitalistandrejectbusinessplansallday. GuyKawasaki,MacintoshEvangelist Andfinally,NewRule:Traitorsdontgettoquestionmypatriotism.Whatcouldbelesspatriotic thanconstantlyscrewingthingsupforAmerica?Youknow,itsliterallyhardtokeepupwiththe sheervolumeofscandalsintheBushAdministration.WhichiswhyIliketodownloadthelatest scandalrightontomyiPod.Thatway,Icancatchuponthisweeksgiantfuckuponmydrivein towork. Youknow,nottogeneralize,butthe29%ofpeoplewhostillsupportPresidentBusharetheones wholovetopronouncethemselvesmorepatrioticthantherestofus.Butjustsayingyoure patrioticislikesayingyouhaveabigcock.Ifyouhavetosayit,chancesareitsnottrue.

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And,indeed,thepartythatflattersitselfthattheyprotectAmericabetteristhepartythathas exhaustedthemilitary,lefttheportswideopenandpurposefullyoutedaCIAagent,Valerie Plame. Thatsnottreasonanymore?Outingaspy?DidImentionitwasoneofourspies?Andhow despicablethatBushslackeysattemptedtodiminishthiscrimebybelittlingherservice,likeshe wasjustsomechickwhohungaroundtheCIA.Anintern,really.Groupie,ifyouwanttobemean aboutit. No.Biglie.ValeriePlamewastheCIAsoperationalofficerinchargeofcounterproliferation. Whichmeansshetrackedloosenukes.So,whenBushsaid,asheoncedid,thathisabsolute, numberoneprioritywaspreventingterroristsfromgettingloosenukes,okay,thatswhatshe workedon.Thatswhatshedevotedherlifeto,stayingundercoverfor20years,maintainingtwo identitieseverygoddamnday.Thisisextraordinaryservicetoyourcountry. ValeriePlamewasthekindofreallifesecretagentGeorgeBushdreamsofbeingwhenhesnottoo busypretendingtobeacowboyorafighterpilot. CIAagentsaretroops.Thiswasamilitaryassassinationofoneofourown,donethroughthepress, orderedbyKarlRove.Hesaid,ofValeriePlame,quote,Shefairgame.AndthenCheneyshot her. GeorgeBushlikestoclaimthathedoesntquestionhiscriticspatriotism,justtheirjudgment. Well,letmebethefirstofyourcritics,Mr.President,toquestionyourjudgmentandyour patriotism.Because,letsnotforgetwhytheydidittoher.BecauseValeriePlamewasmarriedto thisguy,JoeWilson,whotheBushpeoplehatedbecausehebustedthemononeoftheirbullshit reasonsforinvadingIraq. HewassenttotheAfricancountryofNigertoseeifNigerwassellingnuclearfueltoIraq.They werent.Itwasbullshit,andhesaidso.Infact,hisreportwascalled,Niger,Please! ValeriePlameshusbandtoldthetruthabouttheirlie,sotheywerewillingtojeopardizeanentire networkofspiestoruinherlife.Wow,eventhemobdoesntgoafteryourfamily. MarkTwainsaid,Patriotismissupportingyourcountryallthetime,andyourgovernmentwhen itdeservesit.AndIsayValeriePlameisapatriotbecauseshespentherlifeservinghercountry. ScooterLibbyisnot,becausehespenthislifeservingDickCheney. ValeriePlamekepthersecrets.TheBushAdministrationleakedliketheplumbingatWalterReed. BillMaher,RealTime,23March2007

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NewRule:Justbecauseacountryelectsasmartpresidentdoesntmakeitasmartcountry.Afew weeksagoIwasaskedbyWolfBlitzerifIthoughtSarahPalincouldgetelectedpresident,andI saidIhopenot,butIwouldntputanythingpastthisstupidcountry.Itwasamazinginthe minuteorsobetweenmycallingAmericastupidandtheendoftheCialiscommercial,CNNwas floodedwithfuriousemailsandthetwitshitthefan.Andyoucouldtellthatthesepeoplewere reallymadbecausetheywroteentirelyinCAPITALLETTERS!!!Itshowtheygettheblood circulatingwhentheCialiswearsoff.Worstofall,BillOReillyrefutedmycontentionthatthisisa stupidcountrybycallingmeapinhead,whichA)provesmypoint,andB)isreallyfunnycoming fromadoodyfacelikehim. Now,thehatemailallseemedtohavearunningtheme:thatImayliveinastupidcountry,but theylivedinthegreatestcountryonearth,andthatperhapsIshouldmovetoanothercountry,like Somalia.Well,thejokesonthembecauseIhappentohaveasummerhomeinSomalia...andnoI cantshowyouanoriginalcopyofmybirthcertificatebecauseWoodyHarrelsonspilledbong wateronit. AndbeforeIgoaboutdemonstratinghow,sadly,easyitistoprovethedumbnessdraggingdown ourcountry,letmejustsaythatignorancehaslifeanddeathconsequences.OntheeveoftheIraq War,69%ofAmericansthoughtSaddamHusseinwaspersonallyinvolvedin9/11.Fouryears later,34%stilldid.Ortakethehealthcaredebatewerepresentlyhaving:membersofCongress haverecessednowsotheycangohomeandlistentotheirconstituents.Anurgetheyshould resistbecausetheirconstituentsdontknowanything.AtarecenttownhallmeetinginSouth Carolina,amanstoodupandtoldhisCongressmantokeepyourgovernmenthandsoffmy Medicare,whichiskindoflikedrivingcrosscountrytoprotesthighways. Imthebadguyforsayingitsastupidcountry,yetpollsshowthatamajorityofAmericanscannot nameasinglebranchofgovernment,orexplainwhattheBillofRightsis.24%couldnotnamethe countryAmericafoughtintheRevolutionaryWar.MorethantwothirdsofAmericansdontknow whatsinRoev.Wade.TwothirdsdontknowwhattheFoodandDrugAdministrationdoes. Someofthisstuffyoushouldbeabletopickupsimplybybeingalive.Youknow,likethewaythe Slumdogkidknewaboutcricket. Nothere.NearlyhalfofAmericansdontknowthatstateshavetwosenatorsandmorethanhalf cantnametheircongressman.AndamongRepublicangovernors,only30%gottheirwifesname rightonthefirsttry. SarahPalinsaysshewouldneverapologizeforAmerica.EventhoughaGalluppollsays18%of Americansthinkthesunrevolvesaroundtheearth.No,theyrenotstupid.Theyreinterplanetary mavericks.AthirdofRepublicansbelieveObamaisnotacitizen,andathirdofDemocratsbelieve thatGeorgeBushhadpriorknowledgeofthe9/11attacks,whichisanabsurdsentencebecauseit containsthewordsBushandknowledge. Peoplebitchandmoanabouttaxesandspending,buttheyhavenoideawhattheirgovernment

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spendsmoneyon.Theaveragevoterthinksforeignaidconsumes24%ofourfederalbudget.Its actuallylessthan1%.Anddontevenaskaboutcabinetmembers:sevenintenthinkNapolitanois akindofthreeflavoredicecream.Andlastelection,afullonethirdofvotersforgotwhythey wereinthebooth,handedouttheirpants,andasked,Doyouhavetheseinarelaxedfit? AndIhaventevenbroughtupAmerica'sreligiousbeliefs.Buthere'sonefunfactyoucantake away:didyouknowonlyabouthalfofAmericansareawarethatJudaismisanolderreligionthan Christianity?That'sright,halfofAmericalooksatbookscalledtheOldTestamentandtheNew Testamentandcannotfigureoutwhichonecamefirst. Andthesearetheidiotswewanttoweighinontheminutiaofhealthcarepolicy?Please,this countryislikeacollegechickaftertwoLongIslandIcedTeas:wecanbetalkedintoanything,like wars,andwecanbetalkedoutofanything,likehealthcare.Weshouldforgettownhalls,and replacethemwithstudyhalls.There'salotofpopulistangerdirectedtowardsWashington,but youknowwhoconcernedcitizensshouldbemostangryat?Theirfellowcitizens.Insidethe beltwaythinkingmaybewrong,butatleastitsthinking,whichismorethanyoucansayfor whatsgoingonoutsidethebeltway. Andifyouwanttocallmeanelitistforthis,Isaythankyou.Yes,Iwantdecisionsmadebyanelite groupofpeoplewhoknowwhattheyretalkingabout.ThatmeansObamabudgetdirectorPeter Orszag,notSarahPalin. Whichisthewayourfoundingfatherswantedit.JamesMadisonwrotethatpuredemocracy doesntworkbecausethereisnothingtocheck...anobnoxiousindividual.Then,inthemargins, hedoodledapictureofJoethePlumber. Untilweadmittherearethingswedontknow,wecantevenstartaskingthequestionstofind out.UntilweadmitthatAmericacanmakeamistake,wecantstopthenextone.Asmartguy namedChestertononcesaid:Mycountry,rightorwrongisathingnopatriotwouldeverthinkof saying...ItislikesayingMymother,drunkorsober.TowhichmostAmericanswouldrespond: Areyoucallingmymotheradrunk? BillMaher,RealTime,7August2009 Thethingaboutsmartpeopleisthattheyseemlikecrazypeopletodumbpeople. Unattributed Mycountry,rightorwrong:Whichisyourchoice? Z.B.F.A. Callmeskeptical.Butifyoulookcarefullyattheeconomicdatathatshowsimprovement,and

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correctfortheimpactofgovernmentoutlays,itisdifficulttofindanythingbutcontinued deteriorationinprivatedemandandinvestment.Whatwedoseeisagovernmentthathasrun whatisnowatrilliondollardeficityeartodate,representingsome7%ofGDP.Thatsortoftab willundoubtedlybuysomeamountofCoolAid,butithasbeensomethingofadisappointmentto watchhoweagerlyinvestorshaveguzzleditdown.Itisnotatallclearthatshortterm,deficit financedimprovementnecessarilyimpliessustainedgrowthinthecontextofadeleveragingcycle. ThisislikesomebodyborrowingmoneyfromtheirUncleandthencelebratingthattheirincome hasgoneup. JohnP.Hussman,PostCrashDynamics,10August2009 http://www.hussman.net/wmc/wmc090810.htm BelievinginAnthropogenicGlobalWarming(AGW)islikeobservinganautomobilemoving downthehighwayandnoticingthattherearegasescomingoutofthetailpipe,takingmeasure mentsoftheirvolume,pressure,andtemperature,andthenbuildingamodelthatpurportsto demonstratethisiswhatismovingthevehicledownthehighway. Unattributed

POLITY LISTS
TheTruthsofTyranny 1. Anylawtheelectorateseesasbeingopentobeingpervertedfromitsoriginalintentwillbe pervertedinamannerthatisworsethanthemannerofperversionforeseenatthetime. 2. Anylawthatissodifficulttopassitrequiresthecitizensbeassureditwillnotbea steppingstonetoworselawswillinfactbeasteppingstonetoworselaws. 3. Anylawthatrequiresthecitizensbeassuredthelawdoesnotmeanwhatthecitizensfear, meansexactlywhatthecitizensfear. 4. Anylawpassedinagoodcausewillbeinterpretedtoapplytocausesagainstthewishesof thepeople. 5. Anylawenactedtohelpanyonegroupwillbeappliedtoharmpeoplenotinthatgroup. 6. Everythingthegovernmentsayswillneverhappenwillhappen. 7. Whatthegovernmentsaysitcouldnotforesee,thegovernmenthasplannedfor. 8. Whenthereisabudgetshortfalltocovernonessentialgovernmentservicesthecitizens willbegiventhechoicebetweenhighertaxesorthelossofessentialgovernmentservices. 9. Shouldthecitizensmountasuccessfulefforttostopapieceoflegislationthesame legislationwillbepassedunderadifferentname. 10. Alldeprivationsoffreedomandchoicewillbeincreasedratherthanreversed.

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11. Anygovernmentthathastobuildsafeguardsintoalawsothatitwillnotbeabusedis providingguidelinesforabusingthelawwithoutviolatingit. 12. Anyactorstatuteofgovernmentissubjecttoalterationortocompletedisregardby government(includingcourts&judges)byitsusingtheeverpresentnotwithstandingclause ofanyRomancivilstylelegalsystemwhenitisdeemeddesirabletomaintainthestatusquo howeverunlawfulthestatusquoactivitymaybe.(addedbyDetaxCanadablogger) Agovernmentisatyranny whenitsetsitselfabovethewillandjudgmentofthepeopleandrefusestocomplywiththe wishesofthepeople. whenitliestothepeopletogetwhatitwants. whenthetraditionalrightsofthepeoplearetreatedasobstaclestotheobjectivesof government. whenitcreatesanimositiesamongthepeople. whenitblamesthepeoplefornotstoppingitfromactingagainstthewishesofthepeople.

whenitmanipulatespublicopinionsuchthatthepeoplevoteagainsttheirownpersonal, s social,andeconomicbestinterests.(addedbyAlexander) MattGiwer,circa1994,expanded2009 TheTenTruthsofTyranny 1. Thelargergovernmentgrows,themorecorruptitbecomes. 2. Theeasieralawistopass,theharderitistorescind. 3. Anylawthatclaimstoprotectrightsthatalreadyexistwillactuallydiminishthoserights. 4. Allnewlawspassed"forthecommongood"areactuallyfortheempowermentand enrichmentofpoliticians. 5. Lawsenactedtohelponegroupalwaysharmeveryoneelse. 6. Allgoodthingsthegovernmentsayshappenedthankstoregulationofcommerce happenedforotherreasons. 7. Anydevelopmentinscienceorindustrythatthegovernmentclaimstohaveplannedwas goingtohappenanyway. 8. Whenpoliticianscallindustriesorexecutivesgreedy,itmeansthepoliticianswantabigger pieceoftheaction. 9. Citizenswhoopposenewlegislationarealwaysportrayedasvillains. 10. Governmentsdonotgrantfreedoms;theyonlytakethemaway. IdaBrodsky,2009 IgiveyouthetwoprimaryrulesofAmericanpoliticallifeinthe21stcentury: 1.Theamountofpoliticalbullshityouaresubjectedtoisdirectlyproportionaltotheflagrant

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insanityandabjectcorruptionwhichneedstobeconcealed. 2.Theamountofpoliticalbullshityouaresubjectedtoisinverselyproportionaltotheimportance oftheelectionresult. [3.Ifyoudontknowwhothemarkisinwhatevergameyoureplaying,thenyourethemark. (addedbyAlexander)] DaveCohen,DeclineoftheEmpire,2012 ISAMERICACRAZY?TENREASONSITMIGHTBE Everycountryhas,alongwithitscorecivilitiesandtraditions,somekindofinnermadness,a beliefsoirrationalthatevendeathanddestructioncannotalterit. ThatwasmycolleagueAdamGopnikcommentingtheotherdayonAmericasattitudetoward gunlaws.HavingreadsomeofthecommentsonmyownpostaboutPresidentObamasfailureto pursuemorerestrictionsonthesaleoffirearms,IcanonlyagreewithAdam.WhenBillMoyers, KeithOlbermann,MayorBloomberg,andRupertMurdochareallinfavorofsomethinginthis case,toughergunlawsandtheresstillnochanceofitbeingenacted,youcanrestassuredthat forcesotherthanreasonandpartisanpoliticsareinvolved. MyonlyquibblewithAdamishisuseofthesingularform:abelief.Arefirearmstheonly subjectonwhichAmericansare,letussay,alittlebatty?Imnotsosure.Havinglivedherefor almostthirtyyears,andhavingbeenaU.S.citizenforthepastfive,Iamgreatlyattachedtothis countryandadmiremanyaspectsofitenormously.Butthedoggedpersistenceofcertain Americanshibbolethshasalwaysstruckmeassomewhatcurious. Whatarethesesharedconvictions?Icouldgoonallday,buthere,forargumentssake,areten. NotallAmericanssubscribetothem,ofcourse.Insomeinstances,thetruebelieversmayamount toasmallbutvocalminority.Still,thepopularsentimentunderlyingthesestatementsissostrong thatpoliticiansdefyitattheirperil. 1. Gunlawsandgundeathsareunconnected. 2. Privateenterpriseisgood;publicenterpriseisbad. 3. GodcreatedAmericaandgaveitaspecialpurpose. 4. Ourhealthcaresystemisthebestthereis. 5. TheFoundingFathersweresaintlyfigureswhoestablishedlibertyanddemocracyfor everyone. 6. Americaisthegreatestcountryintheworld. 7. Taxratesaretoohigh. 8. Americaisapeacelovingnation:thereasonitgetsinvolvedinsomanywarsisthat foreignerskeepattackingus. 9. Cheapenergy,gasolineespecially,isourbirthright. 10. EverybodyelsewishestheywereAmerican.

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Someofthesestatementsmaybetrue.Buttruthorfalsehoodisntthepointhere:itiswhetheror notcertainbeliefsareamenabletoreason.Idontthinktheseare,whichiswhatputstheminthe categoryofirrationality,flakiness,nonsense,nuttiness,absurdity,craziness. Callitwhatyouwant,theupshotisthesame:afailuretolookrealityintheeyeanddealwithiton asensible,empiricalbasis.Which,ifyouthinkaboutit,prettymuchdefinesWashingtonpolitics overthepasttwentyorthirtyyears. JohnCassidy,NewYorkerMagazineBlog,24July2012 Youveheardsomeofthesebefore.Forexample,#3,#6,#9and#10arelongstandingAmerican delusions.ButIbelievewecandobetterthanthis.Mylistmaydisappoint;remember,weare talkingabouttheMagicKingdomhere.NosuchlistcancapturethecrazySpiritoftheAge,the AmericanZeitgeist. 11. Americans,includingnaturalizedcitizenJohnCassidy,thinktheyliveinademocracy.This delusionrepresentsthetriumphofformoversubstance,asdoallthingsAmerican.Itis sufficientthatweappeartoliveinademocracy.SeemypostDemocraciesAlwaysFail. 12. Americansthinktheyallhaveanequalopportunitytogetrich,i.e.theythinktheycan becomeslaveowners,andnothavetoliveaslowlyslavestoilingawayonthisvastplantation calledtheUnitedStates. 13. AmericansthinktheTVrealityshowSurvivor(anditsendlessspinoffs)areatrue reflectionofhowlifeworks.Andforthem,itis!Theirsacredrighttodefraudorotherwise fuckotherAmericansoverisviewedasacentralculturalvirtue.Thatswhywehavefarmore lawyerspercapitathananyothercountry.See#12. 14. Americansthinktheireconomicfortunesebb&flowwithups&downsintheriggedstock market.Theyalsothinkitisacceptablewheneconomistsandmediatypesrefertothemas consumers. 15. Americansthinkallproblemscanbesolvedbyfreemarketsanddazzlingtechnology (iPhones,Twitter,orfracking/horizontaldrilling). 16. SomeAmericans(progressives)thinkyoucanpreservetheenvironmentandhave endlesseconomicgrowthtoo. 17. SomeAmericans(conservatives)thinkwe'llneverrunoutofanythingcrudeoil,fish, lemurs,rareearthelements,phosphorus,younameit.Well,OK,theydontcareaboutthe lemurs.They,too,believeinendlessgrowth. 18. AmericansthinknewsonTVisnews. 19. Americansthinktheiropinionsaboutscientificmatterstheyknownothingaboutcountfor something,e.g.globalwarming,andsee#11. 20. Andlast,butcertainlynotleastAmericansaregenerallytooignorantorstupidtorealize justhowignorantorstupidtheytrulyare. AndweaddthismetaobservationaboutAmericanentitlement

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 AmericansthinkLunchis,andhasalwaysbeen,Free(forexample,readanythingPaul Krugmanhaseverwritten). So,areAmericanscrazy?Youbetcha!Doesabearshitinthewoods?Isafishthelastonetofigure outthatthewateritswimsinispolluted?Theonlywayyouaregoingtopreservewhateveris leftofyoursanityistounderstandjusthowcrazyAmericahasbecome. DavidCohen,DeclineoftheEmpireblog,29July2012 PrinciplesusedintheCreationofVisa,aTrillionDollarOrganization Itmustbeequitablyownedbyallparticipants.Nomembershouldhaveintrinsic preferentialposition.Alladvantagemustresultfromindividualabilityandinitiative. Powerandfunctionmustbedistributivetothemaximumdegree.Nofunctionshouldbe performedbyanypartofthewholethatcouldreasonablybedonebyanymoreperipheral part,andnopowervestedinanypartthatmightreasonablybeexercisedbyanylesser part. Governancemustbedistributive.Noindividual,institution,andnocombinationofeither orbothshouldbeabletodominatedeliberationsorcontroldecisions. Itmustbeinfinitelymalleableyetextremelydurable.Itshouldbecapableofconstant,self generated,modificationofformorfunctionwithoutsacrificingitsessentialnatureor embodiedprinciple. Itmustembracediversityandchange.Itmustattractpeopleandinstitutionscomfortable withsuchconditionsandprovideanenvironmentinwhichtheycouldflourish. DeeHock,foundingCEOofVisa Howtopromoteyourinventiononthewebinafeweasysteps ThistextdescribesthepatternIhaveobservedinseveralcasesofscientifichoaxes.TheWebhasbecome enormousandpeopleareliterallydrowningininformation.Inthischaoticbombardment,sometimesitis hardtoseparatescamsfromrealscience.So,discerningasuspiciouspatternmayhelpyoutojudge.Iamnot explicitlynaminganyspecificscamhere,mainlytoavoidgivingscammersaresonancetheydontdeserve. However,ifyoufollowsubjectssuchasfreeenergy,coldfusion,miraclecures,instantrichesfinancial schemes,andthelike,youllhavenoproblemsinlinkingthistexttoreallifeexamples. Step1.Identifyasuitablescientificfield.Youknowthatsciencecandoalotofthingsbut,sofar,it hasnotbeenabletocurecancer,producefreeenergy,predictearthquakes,makeeveryonerich, andthingslikethat.Itisherethatfrustrationisbuildingupwiththepublicanditisherethat you'llfindyourchance.Youmustplanyourinventionassomethingthatwillsolveone(oreven morethanone!)ofthesegreatproblems. Step2.Prepareyourinventioninsuchawaythatitwilllookascloseaspossibletothewaythe publicperceivesscience.Ifitisadevice,itwillhavewiresandpipesattached.Ifitisacureof something,itwillbeoperatedbypeoplewearingawhitelabcoats.Ifitissoftwareorafinancial scheme,itwillbeembeddedinaslickwebsite.Youdon'tneedtobeascientistoranengineerto

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dothat,butifyoulooklikeone,itwillhelpalot.Also,buyingatitlefromadiplomafactorymay turnouttobeawiseinvestment. Step3.Gopublicontheweb,anddothatwithabang.That'sastepwhichwillcostyousome moneybecauseyoullhavetohirePRprofessionalstopromoteyoursite,yourpressreleases,as wellasyourperson.Butitismoneywellspent.ThePRfirmwilladviseyouonhowtopromote yourinventiononthewebusingSEO(searchengineoptimization).Theywilltellyouhowto createfakespontaneouswebsitesdiscussingyourinvention.Theywillalsotellyouthatyou shouldntshyawayfromthemostfarfetchedclaimsyoucanthinkof:cancercures,rejuvenation, spacetravel,energyatzerocost;thesearejustexamples.Themoreoutlandishyourclaimswillbe, themorelikelyitisthattheywillspread. Step4.Findyourtestimonials.Journalistsareyourprimaryobjective.Theyarealwaysdesperately seekingfornewstopublishandittakesverylittletogetthemtoplaytoyourtune:bestofallisto invitethemtoademonstration,payingtheirexpensesandofferingthemdinner.Someofthemwill remainskeptical,buttheywillspeakofyourinventionandthatswhatcounts.Youmayevenbe abletocooptuniversityprofessorsandotherprofessionalsastestimonialstopromoteyour invention.Manyofthemarestrappedforcashanddesperatelyinsearchofnotoriety.Then,of course,ifyourinventionhassomethingtodowithmedicine,youlllineuppatientsextollingthe meritsofyourmiraclecure.Here,you'llfindthattheplaceboeffectworkswondersinyourfavor anditwillbeeasytofindpeoplewhowillgenuinelybelievetohavebeencuredbyyouandwho willdeclarethatinpublicatnocostforyou.Finally,ifyouhintthatyourinventionhasbeen sponsoredbytheCIA,theFBIorwhatevershadyagencyyoucantellof,thatwillhelpandit doesntneedtohaveanyfactualbasis:itisaquestionofsecrecy,youknow? Step5.Managethereaction.Nowagoodnumberofseriousprofessionalsinthefieldyouhave chosen,willfeelthatitistheirdutytodemonstratethatyourinventioncannotworkandtheywill endeavortoexplainwhy.Theyareplayinginyourhands:journalistsandbloggerslove controversyandthedebatewillmaketheinterestinyourinventionskyrocket.Atthispoint,you'll usethecriticismyoureceivedasproofthatyouarethevictimofaconspiracyfromthepowersthat bewhoareattemptingtodenytohumankindthebenefitsofyourinvention.Youllreacttoall criticismyoureceiveassumingthatitisgeneratedbypersonalhateagainstyouandbythevilestof venalmotivesandthat,ofcourse,justifiesyourreactionagainstthem.Threatsoflawsuitsturnout tobeveryeffectiveinintimidatingyourcritics.Butitischeaperandmoreeffectivetousepersonal insultandthreats.Havenofear!Whatcanyoulose?Doyoureallythinkthatuniversityprofessors willsueyoubecauseyousaidthattheyareincompetentidiots? Step6.Createyourgroupoffaithfulfollowers.Atthispoint,youractionshouldhavegeneratedso muchinterestthatagroupofpeoplesufficientlydeludedanddesperatewillhavebeenturnedinto truebelievers.Someofthemwillbesofaithfulthattheywillcreatewebsites,mailinglists, discussionforumsandmore.Theywillbedoingforfreethejobyouhavebeenpaying professionalstodo,sofarandthatwillincludetheworkofinsultinganddenigratingyourcritics. Isntthatgreat? Step7.Proceedtoreapthemonetarybenefitsofyourinvention.Atthisstage,manyofyourcritics willhavebeenintimidatedorsimplywillhavelostinterestinthewholestory.Nowyoulooklike thewinnerofthedebateandyoucansellyourpatent,ormaybeyou'llselllicensesormaybeyou'll

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haveplentyofpatientsforyourmiraclecure;whatever.Youonlyhavetoavoidmakingany verifiableclaimaboutyourinvention(youmayhintitisbecauseoftheneedofsecrecy)andmake surethatitdoesntactuallyharmpeople.Ifyouarecarefulenough,thatwillmakeitextremely unlikelythatanyonewillsueyoutogettheirmoneyback,lateron.Besides,nobodywantstolet thewholeworldknowthattheyhavebeenconnedbyyou. Step8.Repeat.Despitethegreatbrouhahageneratedbyyouractionofpromotion,youlldiscover that,ifyouletsomeyearspass,thepublicwillhavecompletelyforgottenaboutyouandyour invention.So,youcanrestartwithadifferentinventionorwiththesameone,justwithminor modifications.Gobacktostep1. UgoBardi,CassandrasLegacyblog,August2012

UNPLACED
Preciselywhatwebelieveisimmaterial;whatmattersisthekindofbehavioritgenerates.Thisis whyhumanityischaracterizedbysuchastonishingdiversityinitsbeliefsystems.Asfarasour genesareconcerned,wecanbelievethattheuniverseisdrivenbyanoverweightfairyonagreen cheesebicycleprovidedthatsuchbeliefeffectivelycoercesusintoadoptinggenetically advantageousbehaviorinallmattersofevolutionaryconsequence,suchasfeeding,mating, nurturing,bonding,andprotectingfamily,tribe,andterritory. RegMorrison,LynnMargulis,TheSpiritintheGene:Humanity'sProudIllusionandthe LawsofNature,1999,page186 WhatIrelateisthehistoryofthenexttwocenturies.Idescribewhatiscoming,whatcannolonger comedifferently:theadventofnihilism.Thisfuturespeaksevennowinahundredsigns;this announcesitselfeverywhere...Forsometimenow,ourwholeEuropeanculturehasbeenmoving astowardacatastrophe,withatorturedtensionthatisgrowingfromdecadetodecade:restlessly, violently,headlonglikeariverthatwantstoreachtheend,thatnolongerreflects,thatisafraidto reflect. FrederickNietzsche,1888 Thefirstthingamanwilldoforhisidealsislie. JosephSchumpeter,1942 Icontendthatwearebothatheists.Ijustbelieveinonefewergodthanyoudo.Whenyou understandwhyyoudismissalltheotherpossiblegods,youwillunderstandwhyIdismissyours. StephenRoberts,Australianhistorian,died1971

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Iputforthegenerallinclinationofallmankind,aperpetuallandrestlessedesireofpowerafter power,thatceasethonelyinDeath. ThomasHobbes,Leviathan,1660,Chapter11 Wherevermenholdunequalpowerinsociety,theywillstrivetomaintainit.Theywilluse whatevermeansareconvenienttothatendandwillseektojustifythembythemostplausible argumentstheyareabletodevise. ReinholdNeibuhr Ihavebutonelampbywhichmyfeetareguided,andthatisthelampofexperience.Iknowno wayofjudgingofthefuturebutbythepast. EdwardGibbon Thefutureisrationalonlyinhindsight. MGTayloraxiom Idontknowthekeytosuccess,butthekeytofailureistryingtopleaseeverybody. BillCosby Evenaproverbisnoproverbtoyouuntilyourlifehasillustratedit. Keats Ifyouwanttoknowwherethepowerlies...askwhomyoucantcriticize. Unattributed Youwillnevergetaheadtryingtogeteven. ArabianProverb(apocryphal) Enlightenmentmeanstakingfullresponsibilityforyourlife. WilliamBlake(apocryphal) Thereisonethingstrongerthanallthearmiesintheworld,andthatisanideawhosetimehas come.

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Voltaire Aninvasionofarmiescanberesisted,butnotanideawhosetimehascome. VictorHugo,Histoired'unCrime,1852 Everythingpasses.Whatremainsofformertimes,whatremainsoflife,isthespiritual. PaulKlee Thegreatuseoflifeistospenditforsomethingthatwilloutlastit. WilliamJames IspeakPollisthebelovedsonofAsopitos,havingnotdiedacoward,butfightinginthelineof battle. BurialRelief,inMegaranScript,ca.480B.C.E.,duringthewaragainsttheinvading Persianarmy,andthereforepossiblynotoriginallylocatedinMegara.Theportrayalis ofaHoplitecladonlyincrestedhelmetwithnosepieceandtempleflaps,swordinone hand,roundshieldandspearintheother(emphasisadded). Ifyouareagod,youwillnothurtthosewhohaveneverinjuredyou.Ifyouareaman,advance andyouwillfindmenequaltoyourself. ResponsebythedefendersofSpartatotheCommanderofthebesiegingRomanarmy Whenyourbellysemptyandthehungerssoreal Andyouretooproudtobegandtoodumbtosteal Sting,ItsProbablyme,inTenSummonersTales,1995 Dembellyfull,butmehungry Ahungrymanisahungryman. Ahbellyfull,butwehungry Ahungrymobisahungrymob. BobMarley,NattyDread,1974 ThereforeIsayuntoyou,Takenothoughtforyourlife,whatyeshalleat,orwhatyeshalldrink; noryetforyourbody,whatyeshallputon.Isnotthelifemorethanmeat,andthebodymorethan raiment?Beholdthefowlsoftheair:fortheysownot,neitherdotheyreap,norgatherintobarns;

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yetyourheavenlyFatherfeedeththem.Areyenotmuchbetterthanthey? Whichofyoubytakingthoughtcanaddonecubituntohisstature?Andwhytakeyethoughtfor raiment?Considertheliliesofthefield,howtheygrow;theytoilnot,neitherdotheyspin:Andyet Isayuntoyou,ThatevenSolomoninallhisglorywasnotarrayedlikeoneofthese. Wherefore,ifGodsoclothethegrassofthefield,whichtodayis,andtomorrowiscastintothe oven,shallhenotmuchmoreclotheyou,Oyeoflittlefaith?Thereforetakenothought,saying, Whatshallweeat?or,Whatshallwedrink?or,Wherewithalshallwebeclothed?(Forafterall thesethingsdotheGentilesseek:)foryourheavenlyFatherknoweththatyehaveneedofallthese things. ButseekyefirstthekingdomofGod,andhisrighteousness;andallthesethingsshallbeadded untoyou.Takethereforenothoughtforthemorrow:forthemorrowshalltakethoughtforthe thingsofitself.Sufficientuntothedayistheevilthereof. Bible,Matthew6:2534 HaveyounoticedthatnaturehasrecentlybeguntolooklikeCorotslandscapes? OscarWilde Whetheryouthinkyoucanorthinkyoucanteitherwayyoureright. HenryFord,AmericanIndustrialist Sometimesthereisonlyonesideofastory. EdwardR.Murrow,CBSNews Wemustbecomethechangewewishtoseeintheworld. MahatmaMohandasKaramchandGandhi Ifyouarehereunfaithfullywithus,yourecausingterribledamage. JalaludinRumi GambleeverythingforLove,ifyoureatruehumanbeing. Ifnot,leavethisgathering. Halfheartednessdoesntreachintomajesty. YousetouttofindGod,

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butthenyoukeepstoppingforlongperiods atmeanspiritedroadhouses. Dontwaitanylonger. DiveintheOcean,leave&lettheSeabeyou. Silent,absent,walkinganemptyroad,allpraise. JalaludinRumi,translationbyColemanBarks Theultimateweaknessofviolenceisthatitisadescendingspiral,begettingtheverythingitseeks todestroy.Insteadofdiminishingevil,itmultipliesit...Throughviolenceyoumaymurderthe hater,butyoudonotmurderhate.Infact,violencemerelyincreaseshate....Returningviolencefor violencemultipliesviolence,addingdeeperdarknesstoanightalreadydevoidofstars.Darkness cannotdriveouthate;onlylovecandothat. Rev.Dr.MartinLutherKing,Jr. Thereis,deepdownwithinallofus,aninstinct.Itsakindofdrummajorinstinctadesiretobe first...Weallwanttobeimportant,tosurpassothers,toachievedistinction,toleadtheparade... Dontgiveitup...Keepfeelingtheneedforbeingfirst.ButIwantyoutobefirstinlove.Iwant youtobefirstinmoralexcellence.Iwantyoutobefirstingenerosity.ThatswhatIwantyouto do...IwantyoutosaythatItriedtoloveandservehumanity...saythatIwasadrummajorfor justice;saythatIwasadrummajorforpeace;Iwasadrummajorforrighteousness...Ijustwantto leaveacommittedlifebehind. Rev.Dr.MartinLutherKing,Jr. Tohaveingeneralbutlittlefeeling,seemstobetheonlysecurityagainstfeelingtoomuchonany particularoccasion. MaryAnnEvans(GeorgeEliot),Middlemarch Thisisapresentfromasmalldistantworld,atokenofoursounds,ourscience,ourimages,our music,ourthoughtsandfeelings.Weareattemptingtosurviveourtimesowemayliveintoyours. Wehopesomeday,havingsolvedtheproblemsweface,tojoinacommunityofgalactic civilizations.Thisrecordrepresentsourhopeandourdetermination,andourgoodwillinavast andawesomeuniverse. AttributedtoPresidentJimmyCarter;inscriptiononVoyager2Spacecraft ElSueodelaraznproducemonstruos. (Thedreamofreasonproducesmonsters)

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Goya,Caprichos Weareunconcernedbutnotindifferent. InscriptiononManRaysgravestone ThePeaceofWildThings Whendespairfortheworldgrowsinme andIwakeinthenightattheleastsound infearofwhatmylifeandmychildren'slivesmaybe, Igoandliedownwherethewooddrake restsinhisbeautyonthewater,andthegreatheronfeeds. Icomeintothepeaceofwildthings whodonottaxtheirliveswithforethoughtofgrief. Icomeintothepresenceofstillwater. AndIfeelabovemetheday blindstarswaitingwiththeirlight. ForatimeIrestinthegraceoftheworld,andamfree. WendellBerry InscriptionforaGravestone Iamnotdead,Ihaveonlybecomeinhuman: Thatistosay, Undressedmyselfoflaughablepridesandinfirmities, Butnotasaman Undressestocreepintobed,butlikeanathlete Strippingfortherace. Thedelicateravelofnervesthatmademeameasurer Ofcertainfictions Calledgoodandevil;thatmademecontractwithpain Andexpandwithpleasure; Fussilyadjustedlikealittleelectroscope: That'sgone,itistrue; (Inevermissit;iftheuniversedoes, Howeasilyreplaced!) Butalltherestisheightened,widened,setfree. Iadmiredthebeauty WhileIwashuman,nowIampartofthebeauty. Iwanderintheair,

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Beingmostlygasandwaterandflowintheocean; TouchyouandAsia Atthesamemoment;haveahandinthesunrises Andtheglowofthisgrass. Ileftthelightprecipitateofashestoearth Foralovetoken. RobinsonJeffers IknowGodwillnotgivemeanythingIcanthandle. IjustwishthatHedidnttrustmesomuch. MotherTeresa Werethefirstgenerationtohavelostthecertaintythattherewillbeafuture. JoannaMacy PraynotthatGodisonourside,butthatweareonGodsside. AbrahamLincoln,SecondInauguralSpeech Writersdontgiveprescriptions.Theygiveheadaches! ChinuaAchebe,thepoetIkeminAnthillsoftheSavannah Thereisnoonemorefoolishthanthefoolishbeliever,exceptforthefoolishunbeliever. NaguibMahfouz,NobelPrizewinningEgyptiannovelist Beliefconsistsinacceptingtheaffirmationsofthesoul;unbeliefindenyingthem. RalphWaldoEmerson Peoplesometimessaytome:Becareful!Youwillhavetwentyyearsofguerillawarfareonyour hands!IamdelightedattheprospectGermanywillremaininastateofperpetualalertness. AdolfHitler,29August1942 Perhapsloveistheprocessofmyleadingyougentlybacktoyourself. AntoineDeSaintExupery

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Freedomofthepressbelongstothosewhoownone. A.J.Liebling Informationisthecurrencyofdemocracy. ThomasJefferson Donotundertakeaprogramunlessthegoalismanifestlyimportantandtheachievementnearly impossible. EdwinLand,ofPolaroidCorporation Thechallengesweidentifyareeitherdauntinglyimpossibleorfrustratinglyeasy. Anonymous Thegreatestdangerformostofusisnotthatouraimistoohighandwemissit,butthatitistoo lowandwereachit. Michelangelo(apocryphal) Inthebeginnersmind,therearemanypossibilities.Intheexpertsmind,therearefew. SuzukiRoshi Anexpertisapersonwhohasmadeallthemistakesthatcanbemadeinaverynarrowfield. NielsBohr Scienceisthebeliefintheignoranceoftheexperts. RichardFeynman Experienceisthatmarvelousthingthatenablesyoutorecognizeamistakewhenyoumakeit again. F.P.Jones Ifwewereabletolearnfrompasterrorstheworldwouldlookverydifferentandhumanitywould probablybeinacompletelydifferentsituationthanitis. MichaelHaneke,AustrianFilmmaker,TheCanberraTimes,8May2010

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Differentisntalwaysbetter.Butbetterisalwaysdifferent. MarshallThurber Itsnotenoughtogettothefuturefirst;onemustalsogetthereforless. GaryHamelandC.K.Prahadad,CompetingfortheFuture Poorplanningonyourpartdoesnotconstituteanemergencyonmine. Anonymous Pityistodisdainasfearistohate. Yourignoranceandfearareyouronlyjustificationtocallmeacrackpot;andcallingmeacrackpot ispoorshelterfromallyoudontknow. Itsnotenoughtohavedancingelectrons;yougottahavedancingprotonsaswell. Z.B.F.Alexander Nonearemorehopelesslyenslavedthanthosewhofalselybelievetheyarefree. Thetruthhasbeenkeptfromthedepthoftheirmindsbymasterswhorulethemwithlies. Theyfeedthemonfalsehoodstillwronglookslikerightintheireyes. JohannWolfgangvonGoethe(17491832) Whathappenedherewasthegradualhabituationofthepeople,littlebylittle,tobeinggoverned bysurprise;toreceivingdecisionsdeliberatedinsecret;tobelievingthatthesituationwasso complicatedthatthegovernmenthadtoactoninformationwhichthepeoplecouldnot understand,orsodangerousthat,evenifthepeoplecouldunderstandit,itcouldnotbereleased becauseofnationalsecurity. MiltonMayer,TheyThoughtTheyWereFree:TheGermans,19331945,1955,page166 Thereissomethingaboutthisquestforabsolutesecuritythatisselfdefeating.Itisanexercise which,likeeveryformofperfectionism,underminesanddestroysitsownbasicpurpose.The Frenchhavetheirwonderfulproverb:Lemieuxestlennemidubientheabsolutebestisthe enemyofthegood.Nothingtruerhaseverbeensaid.Aforeignpolicyaimedattheachievementof totalsecurityistheonethingIcanthinkofthatisentirelycapableofbringingthiscountrytoa pointwhereitwillhavenosecurityatall.Andaruthless,recklessinsistenceonattemptingto stampouteverythingthatcouldconceivablyconstituteareflectionofimproperforeign

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influenceinournationallife,regardlessoftheactualdamageitisdoingtothecostofeliminating it,intermsofotherAmericanvalues,istheonethingIcanthinkofthatshouldreduceusalltoa pointwheretheveryindependenceweareseekingtodefendwouldbemeaningless,forwewould bedoingthingstoourselvesasviciousandtyrannicalasanythatmightbebroughttousfrom outside. Thissortofextremismseemstometoholdparticulardangerforademocracy,becauseitcreatesa curiousareabetweenwhatisheldtobepossibleandwhatisreallypossibleanareawithin whichgovernmentcanalwaysbeplausiblyshowntohavebeenmostdangerouslydelinquentin theperformanceofitstasks.Andthisarea,wheregovernmentisalwaysdeficient,providesthe idealfieldofopportunityforeverysortofdemagogueryandmischiefmaking.Itconstitutesa terriblebreachinthedikeofournationalmorale,throughwhichforcesofdoubtandsuspicion neverceasetofindentry.Theheartofourproblem,here,liesinourassessmentoftherelative importanceofthevariousdangersamongwhichwemove;anduntilmanyofourpeoplecanbe broughttounderstandthewhatwehavetodoisnottosecureatotalabsenceofdangerbutto balanceperilagainstperilandtofindthetolerabledegreeofeach,weshallnotwhollyemerge fromtheseconfusions. GeorgeF.Kennan,TheIllusionofSecurity,1954 Eversincethecontinentsstartedinteractingpolitically,somefivehundredyearsago,Eurasiahas beenthecenterofworldpower.(pagexiii) ItisimperativethatnoEurasianchallengeremergescapableofdominatingEurasiaandthusof alsochallengingAmerica.TheformulationofacomprehensiveandintegratedEurasian geostrategyisthereforethepurposeofthisbook.(pagexiv) HowAmericamanagesEurasiaiscritical.ApowerthatdominatesEurasiawouldcontroltwoof theworldsthreemostadvancedandeconomicallyproductiveregions.Amereglanceatthemap alsosuggeststhatcontroloverEurasiawouldalmostautomaticallyentailAfricassubordination, renderingtheWesternHemisphereandOceaniageopoliticallyperipheraltotheworld'scentral continent.About75percentoftheworldspeopleliveinEurasia,andmostoftheworldsphysical wealthisthereaswell,bothinitsenterprisesandunderneathitssoil.Eurasiaaccountsforabout threefourthsoftheworldsknownenergyresources.(page31) Neverbeforehasapopulistdemocracyattainedinternationalsupremacy.Butthepursuitofpower isnotagoalthatcommandspopularpassion,exceptinconditionsofasuddenthreatorchallenge tothepublic'ssenseofdomesticwellbeing.Theeconomicselfdenial(thatis,defensespending) andthehumansacrifice(casualties,evenamongprofessionalsoldiers)requiredintheeffortare uncongenialtodemocraticinstincts.Democracyisinimicaltoimperialmobilization.(page35) ThemomentumofAsiaseconomicdevelopmentisalreadygeneratingmassivepressuresforthe explorationandexploitationofnewsourcesofenergyandtheCentralAsianregionandthe

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CaspianSeabasinareknowntocontainreservesofnaturalgasandoilthatdwarfthoseofKuwait, theGulfofMexico,ortheNorthSea.Theworldsenergyconsumptionisboundtovastly increaseoverthenexttwoorthreedecades.EstimatesbytheU.S.Departmentofenergyanticipate thatworlddemandwillrisebymorethan50percentbetween1993and2015,withthemost significantincreaseinconsumptionoccurringintheFarEast.ThemomentumofAsiaseconomic developmentisalreadygeneratingmassivepressuresfortheexplorationandexploitationofnew sourcesofenergyandtheCentralAsianregionandtheCaspianSeabasinareknowntocontain reservesofnaturalgasandoilthatdwarfthoseofKuwait,theGulfofMexico,ortheNorthSea. (page125) Inthelongrun,globalpoliticsareboundtobecomeincreasinglyuncongenialtotheconcentration ofhegemonicpowerinthehandsofasinglestate.Hence,Americaisnotonlythefirst,aswellas theonly,trulyglobalsuperpower,butitisalsolikelytobetheverylast.(page209) China'sgrowingeconomicpresenceintheregionanditspoliticalstakeintheareasindependence arealsocongruentwithAmerica'sinterests.(page149) Americaisnowtheonlyglobalsuperpower,andEurasiaistheglobescentralarena.Hence,what happenstothedistributionofpowerontheEurasiancontinentwillbeofdecisiveimportanceto AmericasglobalprimacyandtoAmericashistoricallegacy.Withoutsustainedanddirected Americaninvolvement,beforelongtheforcesofglobaldisordercouldcometodominatetheworld scene.Andthepossibilityofsuchafragmentationisinherentinthegeopoliticaltensionsnotonly oftodaysEurasiabutoftheworldmoregenerally.(page194) WithwarningsignsonthehorizonacrossEuropeandAsia,anysuccessfulAmericanpolicymust focusonEurasiaasawholeandbeguidedbyageostrategicdesign.(page197) ZbigniewBrzezinksi,TheGrandChessboard:AmericanPrimacyandItsGeostrategic Imperatives,1998 Thepuppetmastersnolongercareifweseethestrings. JamesHowardKunstler,ASnakeEatingItsownTailblogpost,22June2009 KeepyoudopedwithreligionandsexandTV, Andyouthinkyouresocleverandclasslessandfree, ButyourestillfuckingpeasantsasfarasIcansee. JohnLennon Themostpotentweaponinthehandsoftheoppressoristhemindoftheoppressed. SteveBiko

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Nobodycanputyoupsychologicallyintoprison;youarealreadythere. J.Krishnamurti Theidealtyrannyisthatwhichisignorantlyselfadministeredbyitsvictims.Themostperfect slavesare,therefore,thosewhichblissfullyandunawaredlyenslavethemselves. AttributedtoDresdenJames Intheolddayswebroughttheslavestothework,butnowwe'rebringingtheworktotheslave. CanadianParliamentarianEugeneWhelan,regardingNAFTAandGlobalization Ofalltyrannies,atyrannyexercisedforthegoodofitsvictimsmaybethemostoppressive.Itmay bebettertoliveunderrobberbaronsthanunderomnipotentmoralbusybodies.Therobberbarons crueltymaysometimessleep,hiscupiditymayatsomepointbesatiated;butthosewhotorment usforourowngoodwilltormentuswithoutend,fortheydosowiththeapprovaloftheir consciences. C.S.Lewis Everytyrannymustnecessarilybegroundedupongeneralpopularacceptance.Inshort,thebulk ofthepeoplethemselves,forwhateverreason,acquiesceintheirownsubjection. Thecentralproblemofpoliticaltheory:whyintheworlddopeopleconsenttotheirown enslavement?Themysteryofcivilobedience:whydopeople,inalltimesandplaces,obeythe commandsofgovernment,whichalwaysconstitutesasmallminorityofthesociety. Ishouldlikemerelytounderstandhowithappens,thatsomanymen,somanyvillages,somany cities,somanynations,sufferunderasingletyrantwhohasnootherpowerthanthepowerthey givehimwhocoulddothemabsolutelynoinjuryunlesstheypreferredtoputupwithhim ratherthancontradicthim. EtiennedelaBoetie,ThePoliticsofObedience,1550 Thereisnothingmoredifficulttoplan,moredoubtfulofsuccess,normoredangeroustomanage thanthecreationofanewsystem.Fortheinitiatorhastheenmityofallwhowouldprofitbythe preservationoftheoldsystemandmerelylukewarmdefendersinthosewhowouldgainbythe newone. NiccoloMachiavelli,ThePrince,1513

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Humanreasonsodelightsinconstructions,thatithasseveraltimesbuiltupatower,andthen razedittoexaminethenatureofthefoundation.Itisnevertoolatetobecomewise;butifthe changecomestoolate,thereisalwaysmoredifficultyinstartingareform. Thequestionwhetherasciencebepossible,presupposesadoubtastoitsactuality.Butsucha doubtoffendsthemenwhosewholepossessionsconsistofthissupposedjewel;hencehewho raisesthedoubtmustexpectoppositionfromallsides. ImmanuelKant,ProlegomenatoanyFutureMetaphysics,Introduction,1783 Youneverchangethingsbyfightingtheexistingreality.Tochangesomething,buildanewmodel thatmakestheexistingmodelobsolete. BuckminsterFuller Manisthemissinglinkbetweenapesandhumanbeings. KonradLorenz,NobelLaureate IteachyoutheSuperman.Manissomethingthatshouldbeovercome.Whathaveyoudoneto overcomehim?Allcreatureshithertohavecreatedsomethingbeyondthemselves:anddoyou wanttobetheebbofthegreattide,andreturntotheanimalsratherthanovercomeman?Whatis theapetomen?Alaughingstockorapainfulembarrassment.Andjustsoshallmanbetothe Superman:alaughingstockorapainfulembarrassment. FriedrichNietzsche,AlsoSprachZarathustra,18831892 Idonotchargethejudgeswithwillfulandillintentionederror;buthonesterrormustbearrested whereitstolerationleadstopublicruin.Asforthesafetyofsociety,wecommithonestmaniacsto Bedlam;sojudgesshouldbewithdrawnfromtheirbenchwhoseerroneousbiasesareleadingusto dissolution.Itmay,indeed,injuretheminfameorinfortune;butitsavestherepublic,whichisthe firstandsupremelaw. ThomasJefferson,Autobiography,1821 TheCompetitiveExclusionPrinciple:Iffertilityvariesinapopulationthatisofferedoptionsin fertility,thenasthegenerationssucceedoneanother,thepronatalistelementsinthepopulation will,intime,displacetheoneswhoconscientiouslylimittheirfertility. GarrettHardin,TheOstrichFactor Dontspeaktomeofshortage. Myworldisvast

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Andhasmorethanenoughfornomorethanenough. Thereisashortageofnothing,savewillandwisdom; Butthereisalongageofpeople. GarrettHardin Bewaretheleaderwhobangsthedrumsofwartowhipthecitizenryintoapatrioticfervor,for patriotismisindeedadoubleedgedsword.Itbothemboldenstheblood,justasitnarrowsthe mind.Andwhenthedrumsofwarhavereachedafeverpitchandthebloodboilswithhateand themindhasclosed,theleaderwillhavenoneedinseizingtherightsofthecitizenry.Rather,the citizenry,infusedwithfearandblindedbypatriotism,willofferupalloftheirrightsuntothe leaderandgladlyso.HowdoIknow?ThisiswhatIhavedone.AndIamCaesar. AttributedtoGaiusJuliusCaesar[however,itismodernpost2001; somedramatist?somepropagandist?] Allmendream:butnotequally.Thosewhodreambynightinthedustyrecessesoftheirminds wakeinthedaytofindthatitwasvanity:butthedreamersofthedayaredangerousmen,forthey mayacttheirdreamwithopeneyes,tomakeitpossible. T.E.Lawrence EnergymaybeliketheEasternmagicians,ofwhomwereadthattheyhadthepowerforchanging themselvesintoavarietyofforms,butwereneverthelessverycarefulnottodisappear altogetherItisnecessarytopenetratethevariousdisguisesthatourmagicianassumesbeforewe canpretendtoexplaintheprinciplesthatactuatehiminhistransformations. BalfourStewart,TheConservationofEnergy,6thEdition,1883 Weseethatwhereas(toourpresentknowledge,atleast)matterisalwaysthesame,thoughitmay bemaskedinvariouscombinations,energyisconstantlychangingtheforminwhichitpresents itself.Theoneisliketheeternal,unchangeableFateorNecessitasoftheancients;theotheris Proteushimselfinthevarietyandrapidityofitstransformations. BalfourStewart&P.G.Tait,TheUnseenUniverse Theremaybenothingnewunderthesun,butpermutationoftheoldwithincomplexsystemscan dowonders. StephenJayGould,OntogenyandPhylogeny,1977 Wehavebecome,bythepowerofagloriousevolutionaryaccidentcalledintelligence,thestewards oflifescontinuityonearth.Wedidnotaskforthisrole,butwecannotabjureit.Wemaynotbe

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suitedtoit,buthereweare. StephenJayGould,NaturalHistory,1984 Thosewhoseconceitsareseatedinpopularopinions,needonlybuttoproveordispute;butthose whoseconceitsarebeyondpopularopinions,haveadoublelabor:theonetomakethemselves conceived,andtheothertoproveanddemonstrate.Sothatitisofnecessitywiththemtohave recoursetosimilitudesandtranslations[metaphors]toexpressthemselves. FrancisBacon Thefoundationofallmentalillnessistheunwillingnesstoexperiencelegitimatesuffering. CarlJung Thetruevalueofahumanbeingisdeterminedprimarilybythemeasureandthesenseinwhichhe hasattainedliberationfromtheself. AlbertEinstein Waristhecontinuationofpoliticsbyothermeans. KarlvonClausewitz Youcangetmorewithasmile,akindword,andagunthanwithasmileandakindword. AlCapone Thereisaprinciplewhichisabaragainstallinformation,whichisproofagainstallargumentsand whichcannotfailtokeepamanineverlastingignorancethatprincipleiscontemptpriorto investigation. HerbertSpencer Thetheoryofafreepressisthattruthwillemergefromfreediscussion,notthatitwillbe presentedperfectlyandinstantlyinanyoneaccount. WalterLippman TheRepublicanformofgovernmentisthehighestformofgovernment:butbecauseofthisit requiresthehighesttypeofhumannature,atypenowhereatpresentexisting. HerbertSpencer

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Thebiggestpartofreportingthetruthisthenewsagendaitself.Whatwechoosetoputontheair, whatwethinkisapageonestory,whatourprioritiesare.Iwouldnotbefooledbytheoldmyth thatreportingisaboutobjectivity.Decidingwhatisnewsisthemostsubjectiveofactsanditis probablythemostimportantthingthatwedo. CarlBernstein Wefallshortofpresentingall,orevenagoodlypart,ofthenewseachdaythatacitizenwould needtointelligentlyexercisehisfranchiseinthisdemocracy.Soashedependsmoreandmoreon us,presumablythedepthofknowledgeoftheaveragemanisdiminished.Thisclearlycanleadto adisasterindemocracy. WalterCronkite Thereisnosuchthing,atthisdateoftheworld'shistory,inAmerica,asanindependentpress.You knowitandIknowit. Thereisnotoneofyouwhodarestowriteyourhonestopinions,andifyoudid,youknow beforehandthatitwouldneverappearinprint.Iampaidweeklyforkeepingmyhonestopinion outofthepaperIamconnectedwith.Othersofyouarepaidsimilarsalariesforsimilarthings,and anyofyouwhowouldbesofoolishastowritehonestopinionswouldbeoutonthestreets lookingforanotherjob.IfIallowedmyhonestopinionstoappearinoneissueofmypaper,before twentyfourhoursmyoccupationwouldbegone. Thebusinessofthejournalistsistodestroythetruth,tolieoutright,topervert,tovilify,tofawnat thefeetofmammon,andtosellhiscountryandhisraceforhisdailybread.YouknowitandI knowit,andwhatfollyisthistoastinganindependentpress? Wearethetoolsandvassalsofrichmenbehindthescenes.Wearethejumpingjacks,theypullthe stringsandwedance.Ourtalents,ourpossibilities,andourlivesareallthepropertyofothermen. Weareintellectualprostitutes. JohnSwinton,formerChiefofStaffofTheNewYorkTimes,circa1880,asguestof honoratabanquetofhispeers,inresponsetoatoastinhonoroftheindependentpress. (apocryphal) Todoevilahumanbeingmustfirstofallbelievethatwhathesdoingisgood...Ideologythatis whatgivesdevildoingitslongsoughtjustificationandgivestheevildoerthenecessary steadfastnessanddetermination.Thatisthesocialtheorywhichhelpstomakehisactsseemgood insteadofbadinhisownandotherseyes,sothathewonthearreproachesandcursesbutwill receivepraiseandhonors.

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AlexanderSolzhenitsyn Thattherearemeninallcountrieswhogettheirlivingbywar,andbykeepingupthequarrelsof nations,isasshockingasitistrue;butwhenthosewhoareconcernedinthegovernmentofa country,makeittheirstudytosowdiscord,andcultivateprejudicesbetweennations,itbecomes themoreunpardonable. ThomasPaine,TheRightsofMan,circa1792 NowIunderstoodforthefirsttimethatalltheseproblemsarecausedbyaraceasleepand thrashingaboutinitspanickednightmares.Therewillbewarsandholocaustsandgenocidesas longasGodisportrayedandthoughtofasatightmindedlegislator,afeudallord,anoffended King,ahypersensitiveArtisanevenifchurchmanagerscondescendinglytackontothat ridiculouslistthenotveryconvincingfootnotethatHeisalsoloving.Aslongaspeopledream thattheyareinsecureandneedyinsomesortofeternaljeopardy,therewillbeatrocities.Butasthe humanracegrowsupspiritually,andasindividualsgainapersonalexperienceoftheGodthey havebeenworshippinginfear,theywillrecognizethatmuchoftheirtheologyandphilosophyis builtonnightmares.Thatwillbethedayofpeace.Isuddenlyfoundmyselfunwillingtosititout inthemountainsofUtah.Iwantedtoplayanactiveroleintheprocessoftheworldsawakening. GeorgeFowler,DanceofaFallenMonk Butwhenalongtrainofabusesandusurpations,pursuinginvariablythesameObjectevincesa designtoreducethemunderabsoluteDespotism,itistheirright,itistheirduty,tothrowoffsuch Government,andtoprovidenewGuardsfortheirfuturesecurity. TheUnitedStatesDeclarationofIndependencefromEngland Itisonlyinfolktales,childrensstories,andthejournalsofintellectualopinionthatpowerisused wiselyandwelltodestroyevil.Therealworldteachesverydifferentlessons,andittakeswillful anddedicatedignorancetofailtoperceivethem. NoamChomsky Relationshipsareallthereis.Everythingintheuniverseonlyexistsbecauseitisinrelationshipto everythingelse.Nothingexistsinisolation.Wehavetostoppretendingweareindividualsthat cangoitalone. MargaretWheatley,TurningtoOneAnother Wholedimensionsofwhatitmeanstobeahumanbeingandtreatedasonearenotincorporated intotheeconomiccalculusofcapitalism.

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PeterDrucker,ManagingintheNextSociety Weveforgottenthatonlyforgeriesoftherealthingareupforsale.Therealthingmustbeearned byinvestingourselvesinlovingrelationships,beinggoodfriendsandneighbors,livingbyethical principles,anddevelopingandengagingourabilitiesinwaysthatcontributetothelifeofthe community. DavidKorten,WhenCorporationsRuletheWorld Theestrangementofanindividualfromhisownexperiencingisthebasisforeverythingweterm evil. Carl(Mister)Rogers[alsoseeM.ScottPeck,PeopleoftheLie:TheHopeforHealing HumanEvil] WegotaroundtothesubjectofwaragainandIsaidthat,contrarytohisattitude,Ididnotthink thatthecommonpeopleareverythankfulforleaderswhobringthemwaranddestruction. Why,ofcourse,thepeopledontwantwar,Goeringshrugged.Whywouldsomepoorslobona farmwanttoriskhislifeinawarwhenthebestthathecangetoutofitistocomebacktohisfarm inonepiece.Naturally,thecommonpeopledontwantwar;neitherinRussianorinEnglandnor inAmerica,norforthatmatterinGermany.Thatisunderstood.But,afterall,itistheleadersofthe countrywhodeterminethepolicyanditisalwaysasimplemattertodragthepeoplealong, whetheritisademocracyorafascistdictatorshiporaParliamentoraCommunistdictatorship. Thereisonedifference,Ipointedout.Inademocracythepeoplehavesomesayinthematter throughtheirelectedrepresentatives,andintheUnitedStatesonlyCongresscandeclarewars. Oh,thatisallwellandgood,but,voiceornovoice,thepeoplecanalwaysbebroughttothe biddingoftheleaders.Thatiseasy.Allyouhavetodoistellthemtheyarebeingattackedand denouncethepacifistsforlackofpatriotismandexposingthecountrytodanger.Itworksthesame wayinanycountry. HermanGoering,inan18April1946conversationwithGustaveM.Gilbert,in NurembergDiary,1947,page278f TodayAmericanswouldbeoutragedifU.N.troopsenteredLosAngelestorestoreorder; tomorrowtheywillbegrateful.Thisisespeciallytrueiftheyweretoldtherewasanoutsidethreat frombeyond,whetherrealorpromulgated,thatthreatenedourveryexistence.Itisthenthatall peoplesoftheworldwillpleadwithworldleaderstodeliverthemfromthisevil.Theonething everymanfearsistheunknown.Whenpresentedwiththisscenario,individualrightswillbe willinglyrelinquishedfortheguaranteeoftheirwellbeinggrantedtothembytheirworld government.

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HenryKissingerspeakingatEvian,France,May21,1992Bilderburgersmeeting. UnbeknownsttoKissinger,hisspeechwastapedbyaSwissdelegatetothemeeting. Whatmankindneedsisateacherwhoknowswhathestalkingabout. AlbertCamus Alltruthpassesthroughthreestages.First,itisridiculed,seconditisviolentlyopposed,andthird,it isacceptedasselfevident. ArthurSchopenhauer(17881860) Firsttheyignoreyou,thentheylaughatyou,thentheyfightyou,thenyouwin. MohandasKaramchandGandhi(apocryphal) Allvirtueissummedupindealingjustly. Aristotle,NicomacheanEthics,onjustice,4thCenturyB.C. Humanbeingsneverthinkforthemselves,theyfindittoouncomfortable(SomeUSpoliticiansand militaryanalystscometomind).Forthemostpart,membersofourspeciessimplyrepeatwhat theyaretoldandbecomeupsetiftheyareexposedtoanydifferentview.Thecharacteristic humantraitisnotawarenessbutconformity...Otheranimalsfightforterritoryorfood,but, uniquelyintheanimalkingdom,humanbeingsfightfortheirbeliefs...Thereasonisthatbeliefs guidebehavior,whichhasevolutionaryimportanceamonghumanbeings.Butatatimewhenour behaviormaywellleadustoourextinction,Iseenoreasontoassumewehaveanyawarenessat all.Wearestubborn,selfdestructiveconformists.Anyotherviewofourspeciesisjustaself congratulatorydelusion. MichaelCrichton,TheLostWorld Thecharacteristicofgenuineheroismisitspersistency.Allmenhavewanderingimpulses,fitsand startsofgenerosity.Butwhenyouhaveresolvedtobegreat,abidebyyourself,anddonottryto reconcileyourselfwiththeworld.Theheroiccannotbecommon,northecommonheroic. RalphWaldoEmerson Thiscountry,withitsinstitutions,belongstothepeoplewhoinhabitit.Whenevertheyshallgrow wearyoftheexistinggovernment,theycanexercisetheirconstitutionalrightofamendingit,or theirrevolutionaryrighttodismemberitoroverthrowit.

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AbrahamLincoln,FirstInauguralAddress,4March1861 ThenatureoftheUniverselovesnothingsomuchastochangethingswhichare,andtomakenew thingslikethem.Foreverythingthatexistsisinamannertheseedofthatwhichwillbe. MarcusAurelius Incivilizationswithlongnows,saysBrianEno,youfeelaverystrongbutflexiblestructure... builttoabsorbshocksandinfactincorporatethem.Onecanimaginehowsuchaprocessevolves: Allcivilizationssuffershocks,yetonlythosethatabsorbtheshockssurvive.Thisstilldoesnot explainthemechanism,however.Inrecentyearsafewscientists(suchasR.V.ONeillandC.S. Holling)havebeenprobingasimilarissueinecologicalsystems:Howdotheymanagechange, andhowdotheyabsorbandincorporateshocks?Theanswerappearstolieintherelationship betweencomponentsinasystemthathavedifferentchangeratesanddifferentscalesofsize. Insteadofbreakingunderstresslikesomethingbrittlethesesystemsyieldasiftheywere malleable.Somepartsrespondquicklytotheshock,allowingslowerpartstoignoretheshockand maintaintheirsteadydutiesofsystemcontinuity.Thecombinationoffastandslowcomponents makesthesystemresilient,alongwiththewaythedifferentlypacedpartsaffecteachother.Fast learns,slowremembers.Fastproposes,slowdisposes.Fastisdiscontinuous,slowiscontinuous. Fastandsmallinstructsslowandbigbyaccruedinnovationandoccasionalrevolution.Slowand bigcontrolssmallandfastbyconstraintandconstancy.Fastgetsallourattention,slowhasallthe power.Alldurabledynamicsystemshavethissortofstructure;itiswhatmakesthemadaptable androbust. StewartBrand,TheClockoftheLongNow:TimeandResponsibility,1999,pages34f Ifthisonlyinvolvedaclashofoppositeswewouldntbesoconfused.Wedjusttakesidesand haveatit.Infact,itinvolvessomanysetsoffundamentaloppositeswhirlingaroundeachotherin somanyfuriousswirls,atsomanypurposesandcrosspurposes,withsomanyconsciousand unconsciousintentions,atsuchspeed,withsuchforce,thatwordslikepoliticaland psychologicalandeconomicandreligiousandscientificandartisticgroweveryday morepitifullyinadequate,moreobviouslylimited,andwegropestaggeringtowardaworldview thatcouldincludeallthewordswithoutbeingclassifiedandconfinedbyanyofthem. MichaelVentura,ShadowDancingintheUSA,1985 Libertycannotbepreservedwithoutageneralknowledgeamongthepeople,whohavearightand adesiretoknow;butbesidesthis,theyhavearight,anindisputable,unalienable,indefeasible, divinerighttoknowthatmostdreadedandenviedkindofknowledge,Imeanofthecharacters andconductoftheirrulers. JohnAdams

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Ifevertimeshouldcome,whenvainandaspiringmenshallpossessthehighestseatsin Government,ourCountrywillstandinneedofitsexperiencedpatriotstopreventitsruin. SamuelAdams,1780 Yousee,whenanationthreatensanothernationthepeopleofthelatterforgettheirfactionalism, theirlocalantagonisms,theirpoliticaldifferences,theirsuspicionsofeachother,theirreligious hostilities,andbandtogetherasoneunit.Leadersknowthat,andthatiswhysomanyofthem whipupwarsduringperiodsofnationalcrisis,orwhenthepeoplebecomediscontentedand angry.Theleadersstigmatizetheenemywitheveryvicetheycanthinkof,everyevilandhuman depravity.Theystimulatetheirpeoplesnaturalfearofallothermenbychannelingitintoa definedfearofjustcertainmen,ornations.Attackinganothernation,then,actsasasortof catharsis,temporarily,onmensfearoftheirimmediateneighbors.Thisistheexplanationofall wars,allracialandreligioushatreds,allmassacres,andallattemptsatgenocide. TaylorCaldwell,TheDevilsAdvocate,1952,page299 Genocideisashumanasartandprayer. JohnGray Statusseekingisashumanasreciprocalaltruism. Z.B.F.A. Ifselfdeceptionincreasespoliticalpower,thenitisimpossibleforarulertounderstandhuman nature. (Henry?William?)James Asforpointingtoourmentalfailureswithscornordismay,wemightaswellprofessdisappoint mentwiththemechanicsofgravityorthelawsofthermodynamics.Inotherwords,thedegreeof disillusionmentwefeelinresponsetoanyparticularhumanbehavioristheprecisemeasureofour ignoranceofitsevolutionaryandgeneticorigins. RegMorrison,TheSpiritintheGene AntiSemitism,asanextremeformofracialchauvinism,isthemostdangerousvestigeof cannibalism. JosephVissarionovichStalin,AntiSemitism:ReplytoanInquiryoftheJewishNewsAgency intheUnitedStates,12January1931

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Bewarethat,whenfightingmonsters,youyourselfdonotbecomeamonster,forwhenyougaze longintotheabyss,theabyssgazesalsointoyou.or Hewhofightswithmonstersshouldlooktoitthathehimselfdoesnotbecomeamonster.And whenyougazelongintoanabysstheabyssalsogazesintoyou. FriedrichNietzsche,BeyondGoodandEvil,Aphorism146(1886) Developmentalpsychologistsarestartingtoreportsomethingthatwouldntexactlybedescribed asmusictotheearsofToysRUsshareholders.Theyreportthatlimitingthenumberoftoysor gamestoaverysmallnumberismuchbetterforourchildren,whilemorechoicemayactually damagetheirdevelopment.Havingtoomanytoys(toomanychoices)canmakeachildmoretimid andunsure,sothattheyplayinshortburstswithdifferenttoysandbecomeunabletostickto,say, oneortwoforanylengthoftime.Andtheydontenjoytheirplayingasmuch,spendinglesstime playingintotalthanthosechildrenwithfewertoy.Italsomeansthattheirimaginationisnot broughtintoplayeither.Thesheernumberofchoicesoverwhelmsandoverstimulateschildren,so theyfindithardtoconcentrateononethinglongenoughtolearnfromit.Insteadtheysimplyshut down. AricSigman,TheSpoiltGeneration,2009,page134 ...[T]heonlywaytofullycomprehendU.S.policiestowardthethirdworldistoposit...thethreat ofagoodexample.InsurgenciesinthethirdworlddonotchallengeU.S.militarysecurityoreven, ultimately,investmentsbyU.S.corporations....Whattheyrepresentisthepossibilitythatemerging nationsmaydemonstratebyexamplethattheUnitedStatesmaynotbethelastwordin democracy,freedom,andopportunity.Thatthreatismuchgreaterifweighedfromtheperspective ofthosewhoseeitintheirinteresttopreserveunchangedthepresentU.S.economicandpolitical order. FrancesMooreLapp,RachelShuman,andKevinDanaher,BetrayingtheNational Interest(?) Whenoldinstitutionsandhabitsbreakdownorconsumethemselves,newexperimentalshoots begintoappear,andpeopleexploreandtestandsharenewandbetterwaystosurvivetogether. Weliveinthedecliningyearsofwhatisstillthebiggesteconomyintheworld,wherealooterelite hasfasteneditselfuponthedecayingcarcassoftheempire. TheU.S.,whichhasalonghistoryofviolentplutocraticruleunknowntothetextbookfed,will standoutasthebestarmedThirdWorldcountry,itspopulationillfed,illhoused,illeducated,ill caredforinhealth,andincreasinglypovertystricken:evenSocialSecuritymaybewhittleddown, impoverishingtensofmillionsoftheelderly.

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Asempiresdecline,theirleadersbecomeincreasinglyincompetentpetulant,ignorant,gifted onlywithPRskillsofposturingandspinning,andpronetotheappointmentofloyalidiotsto importantgovernmentpositions.Comedythrives;indeedwritersarehardlyneededtoinvent outrageousevents. Nofuturistcanforeseethepossibilities.Asempiresdecay,theircivilianleadershipsbecome increasinglycrazed,corrupt,andincompetent,andoftenthemilitary(whichisafterallaparasite ofthewholenation,andhasnoindependentfinancialbaselikethelooterclass)takesover. AnotherpossiblescenarioisthatifthetheocraticredcenterofthecountryprevailsinWashington, therelativelyprogressiveandprosperouscoastalareaswillsecedeinselfdefense. SoIlooktoalongtermprocessofsuccession,asthebiologicalconcepthasit,where disturbanceskilloffanecosystem,butlittlebylittlenewplantscolonizethedevastatedarea, preparethesoilforlargerandmorecomplexplants(andtheotherbeingswhodependonthem), andfinallytheprocessachievesaflourishing,resilient,complexstatenotnecessarilywhatwas therebefore,butdurableandrichlyproductive.Inasimilarway,experimentsunderwaynow,all overtheworld,areexploringhowsustainabilitycaninfactbeachievedlocally.Technically, socially,economicallysinceitisquitetrue,asecologistsknow,thateverythingisconnectedto everythingelse,andyoucanneverjustdoonethingbyitself. Thatisthewayempirescrumble:theyaretakenoverbylooterelites,whosoonerorlatercause collapse.Butthennewgamesbecomepossible,andwithluckEcotopiamightbeamongthem. Allthingsgosomewhere:theyevolve,withorwithoutus,intonewforms.Soasthedecades pass,weshouldtrynotalwaystofutilelyfightthesetransformations.AstheJapaneseknow,there ismuchunnoticedbeautyinwabisabitheold,theworn,thetumbledown,thosethings beginningtheirtransformationintosomethingelse.Wecanembracethisprocessofdevolution: embellishitwhenstrengthavails,learntoloveit. Thereisbeautyinweatheredandunpaintedwood,inorchardsovergrown,eveninabandoned carsbeingincorporatedintotheearth.Letuslearn,liketheForestServicesometimesdoes,toput unwiseorunneededroadstobed,helpalittleinthehealingofthenaturalcontours,there vegetationbynativeplants.Letusembracedecay,foritisthesourceofallnewlifeandgrowth. ErnestChickCallenbach(19292012),authorofEcotopiain1975;excerptsfromEpistle totheEcotopians,adocumentdiscoveredonhiscomputerafterhisdeath Everypoliticalorder,nomatterhowgrand,isdoomedtodecayanddegenerate.Modernitys inceptionanditsdeclinearelikethoseofanyothersetofpoliticalandculturalideals.Initsearly inception,modernitycontainedsomethinggoodandbeguiling.Itwasarevolutionagainstthe authorityoftheChurch,itstaboos,repressions,inquisitions,andwitchburning.Itwasanew dawnofthehumanspiritcelebratinglife,knowledge,individuality,freedom,andhuman rights.Itbequeathedtomanasunnydispositionontheworld,andonhimself.Thenewspirit

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fueledscientificdiscovery,inventiveness,trade,commerce,andanartisticexplosionofgreat splendor.Butaswitheverynewspirit,modernityhasgonefoul.Modernitylostthefreshness andinnocenceofitsearlypromisebecauseitsgoalsbecameinflated,impossible,andeven pernicious.Insteadofbeingthesymboloffreedom,independence,justice,andhumanrights,ithas becomethesignofconquest,colonialism,exploitation,andthedestructionoftheearth. ShadiaDrury,AlexandreKojeve:TheRootsofPostmodernPolitics,1994

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