In general I don't trust politicians, corporate spokespersons, religious authoritarians, anyone in the business of persuasion, or people that can't look me in the eye when they talk to me. Even among people who, for whatever reason, have earned a degree of my trust, I am considered hyper-vigilant with regards to truthfulness.
That being said, I have a strong belief in the existence of my eternal soul, I am optimistic that we can influence our government to remain by, for, and of the people ... that greed and corruption will be flushed out but usually after the corrupt have met with some degree of benefit ... that it is more productive to work with the system than against it (unless you have a practical alternative)...that regardless of which political camp gains power, you will find the usual mix of nobility and corruption.
The World is a tricky place and no one is served by it who serves one of its illusory forms and Cockaignish ideals. I recommend keeping one's honor at all costs and not selling out to some agenda...not always easy or fun but worth it in the long run.
Its a tough world all over, and in every circumstance we are tested. Do you give up (line em up and nuke em) or do you use your head to struggle against injustice and stand for what is good and fair in life. The best we can do is treat each other with compassion as we witness the suffering, death and destruction that is innevitable...and to take a strong and principle stand against corruption and brutal abuse...until they die and until we die...anyway.
The human experience is one of pursuing self-interests. There are no sane exceptions. However, it depends on how you fundamentally view things as being in your own best interests. The continuum is made up of two extremes. On the one end is materialistic gain and comfort. On the other end is a principled life of concern for the well being of all. It is impossible to distinguish the motive of an individual since in a social culture they play out virtually the same.
Materialist: A materialist is about gaining material wealth, comfort, and pleasure. This can only be accomplished via operating within the social mores of the culture. So the materialist values the societal order that supports their pursuits. They are less likely to believe their rewards are the result of some cosmic scheme since their strategy involves strictly temporal cause and effect.
Principled life: A person living a principled life figures that rewards and punishments are the result of living a life of consideration for the well being of self and others. They expect to enjoy comfort and joy as a result of their purposeful endeavors. They are more likely to attribute a higher order of reward and punishment since their strategy involves divine and eternal reconciliation.
In both cases people are ultimately seeking what they believe is best for themselves. |
