Scrupulously Truthful

Our culture seems less influenced by critical thinkers than by opportunistic hucksters. Many of today's cultural icons have an aversion to critical thinking, a distrust of science, and a lack of humanistic compassion.

Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) is an antidote for our times. Here are unassailable rules-of-thumb for a healthy democracy written by Russell for the New York Times in 1951:

1. Do not feel absolutely certain of anything.
2. Do not think it worthwhile to produce belief by concealing evidence, for the evidence is sure to come to light.
3. Never try to discourage thinking, for you are sure to succeed.
4. When you meet with opposition, even if it should be from your husband or your children, endeavor to overcome it by argument and not by authority, for a victory dependent upon authority is unreal and illusory.
5. Have no respect for the authority of others, for there are always contrary authorities to be found.
6. Do not use power to suppress opinions you think pernicious, for if you do the opinions will suppress you.
7. Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.
8. Find more pleasure in intelligent dissent than in passive agreement, for, if you value intelligence as you should, the former implies a deeper agreement than the latter.
9. Be scrupulously truthful, even when truth is inconvenient, for it is more inconvenient when you try to conceal it.
10. Do not feel envious of the happiness of those who live in a fool’s paradise, for only a fool will think that it is happiness.

REFERENCE

• Bertrand Russell’s Ten Commandments for Living in a Healthy Democracy, Open Culture, March 14, 2013.

A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats

Bay of Fundy, tide out

I find myself espousing a form of capitalism that doesn't seem to exist -- one based in fairness and driven by merit.

I have trouble with the naked "liberty" espoused laissez-faire capitalists. I believe a society is better served by legislation and regulation that serves the common good (e.g., a minimum wage that is a sustainable, above poverty wage, strong consumer protections, world-class public education, and a public safety net).

I am from the "rising tide lifts all boats" view of capitalism. A society has the potential to do great things with abundant wealth. I am too much of an idealist to ever abandon that ideal.

Bertrand Russell captures the essence capitalism that serves the few:

"Advocates of capitalism are very apt to appeal to the sacred principles of liberty, which are embodied in one maxim: The fortunate must not be restrained in the exercise of tyranny over the unfortunate." ― Bertrand Russell

The tide is out. The boats are beached.