Discussing differences in order to make one

I have decided that a discussion that started from the post on The New Machiavellian State deserved to be continued here in the main blog spot. This discussion has great relevance to the topic of positive progression within society, an underlying theme within all of the E² postings. I encourage any one reading this to check out the comments under the original posting to see exactly how this discussion arose. I also encourage anyone to jump right into this. Determining which would be more effective; a complete overhaul of society starting from the bottom or a gradual reworking of the structures of society and mindsets of the people is essential for E² to step forward. I will now continue that discussion.

Franchise my friend; I would like to start by welcoming you to this blog. It is excellent to hear from you, as it was Mizzike earlier. I agree whole-heartedly with you that the chance to “wipe the slate clean” is currently at hand. In fact, I would argue that it is always there. Your views, although they would be considered anarchist in nature have great merit. They are indeed very reminiscent of the views adopted by many of those who were involved with the French Revolution. To throw away the current structure of society would be in my view a drastic yet effective way of eliminating the heavily institutionalized vices of society. I believe your view coincides with mine that there is a strong base from which our problems arise. However, we must discuss in further the implications of a total reorganization of society starting with the society in its natural state. I suppose the key questions that would arise are these: what is the true natural state of human beings when institutionalized order is removed? What would prevent us from returning to a similar state of affairs as today? What historical examples do we have to improve on?

Through further discussion of these questions I believe we can determine exactly how a possible reworking of society from scratch would occur and whether or not it is practical. Before I continue however, I would like to point out that I understand you most likely are only commenting that you would believe starting from “scratch” would possibly be positive and not necessarily practical. This would be my point of view. Historically speaking, we find that those societies that threw off their old institutions in order to get a fresh start ran into many problems. Two prime examples are France and it’s 1789 revolution and the 1917 Communist revolution within Russia. Both revolutions were based on what I would consider great progressive ideals. They both also produced a state of anarchy, which led subsequently to great bloodshed but also great reform. In hindsight, we can all agree that the French revolution based on the fantastic writings of the enlightenment period did not produce an ideal enlightened state. Nor, did the communist revolution of 1917 produce an ideal Marxist state. In fact, we find great examples of history repeating itself. Robes Pierre and Stalin both sprang out of these revolutions seizing power and are testaments to the corruption that power creates.

The next questions arise logically. What is it that causes society to revert to its former self? Why is it that we find such an evident cyclical pattern throughout history? Most importantly, how can we truly progress??? Let me clear up one thing. I do not propose that progression has never been made. In a multitude of areas we have progressed greatly as a human race. Technologically, we have made leaps and bounds. In fact the structure of society has made excellent progress too. However, this has almost always been due to the work of those with views that differ from the mainstream. The discussion and implication of our ideas will produce change if it is pursued with enough heart. As Franchise has proposed, the suffering of today’s generation would indeed be worth it if we make a step towards a better life for the next. For me, I would say that the only “suffering” that we truly need to endure in order to progress is to refrain from being apathetic. To fight the idea that the current structure of society is “just the way things are”. We need only to push forward with our ideas. We need to spread them to others and more importantly to encourage them to develop and contribute their own. Sacrifice your mundane daily routines to incorporate a progressive lifestyle. Franchise has the right idea here. We must “suffer” for the cause. If all we need to do is “suffer” by changing the way we think and act slightly in order to prevent future people of the world from suffering from war, famine, hate and ignorance, then what have we all been doing? This discussion is only the beginning. The more this happens, the more people you talk to the closer we all get to making a difference.

Practical Progressivism

Well, I believe it is time we clarify what we think is a serious and practical mode for progression. I believe we have danced around this subject long enough with our “do-gooder” rhetoric and preacher style propositions. It is a cold hard fact that this for many people is a cold hard world. Words alone will not invoke change. Especially not ones lost way out here in the depths of cyber space. Instead, it is going to take a well-developed plan of action.

First and foremost I will lay out what it is we believe will be key to invoking a new method for positive change throughout society. Put quite simply, we propose the creation of a broad based organization that appeals directly to the masses. Its structure is somewhat grass roots and yet interconnected on only the level that the Internet could provide. This will subsequently create an organization that is both highly organized and accessible while remaining non-hierarchical in nature. I will go into further detail of the benefits of this type of organization later on.

Right now I will explain briefly the inspiration for this idea. As explained in earlier writings by Eric, during our high school years we embarked upon performing a type of sociological experiment. Through this experiment of creating an organization within the confines of the small suburban high school, that was essentially purposeless in nature, we discovered in inherent need or appeal that many people had to belong. This is by no means cutting edge research. This is a tried and tested theory that is exploited by every corporate brand name, fringe music group, cult and criminal organization that is in existence. It has not however, been taken and used for positive and practical political or social movements. We find our youth pressured and provoked into believing that in order to belong and in order to fit in to society they must pledge allegiance to many meaningless corporate logos. Why have those who wish to invoke positive change within society not taken a note from those who we are so often apposed to? It would be in a sense taking their own weapon and using it against them. Jamming progressive, world aware, humanitarian views into mainstream or “pop” culture would invoke a change in mindset that would reverberate throughout the world in many forms of change.

It is this day in age that we find ourselves with the tools at our disposal for serious change. In no other age before us was this type of thing truly possible and sadly the window of opportunity may be shrinking. We believe one of the greatest tools at our disposal is the Internet. Today’s media is more then controlled and filtered in order to provide conservative and capitalist messages. That control of the media places a restriction on how easily a positive message of change can be spread. However, the extent that the control reaches stops just short of the Internet. As of now there are very few formal restrictions on our access of the Internet and its broad content. This is not to say it will necessarily be that way forever. China has proven that it is possible to create firewalls, which prevent certain “radical” ideas from being accessed. To put it bluntly, now is a better time then ever.

I am going to sum this up with the point that the world is full of coercive forces jockeying for position at the forefront of our minds. Corporations, governments, media conglomerates, advertisers and many more have been using many tried and tested means to grab our attention and shape the way we think. I have yet to see or hear of a non-profit positively focused organization that has used these methods to their full potential. I believe there is a lot of potential in those methods for the greater good. I end by asking if anyone has any suggestions as to how to further this idea please share. Likewise, if you have any criticism, it’s more then welcome.

The New Machiavellian State

In 1513 Nicolo Machiavelli wrote his most famous work, The Prince. Contained in this document was a recommendation on how to rule a people and maintain that power. In The Prince, he concludes that some "virtues" will lead to a prince's destruction, whereas some "vices" allow him to survive. Much of what Machiavelli wrote has influenced many who aspire to retain or obtain power. The most famous advice found in this book is that it is, “better to be feared then loved”. The rational behind this can be simplified by saying that those who are in fear obey unconditionally out of the instinct for self-preservation. Whereas, those who obey out of love do so when whatever it is coincides with their needs. These principles for ruling have been applied extensively throughout history. Today, I would propose that Machiavelli would find his political work applied to a new and elevated level. What once would control a badly educated, uninformed, poor population has been transformed to control a moderately educated, misinformed, middle-class population, among others. The difference that has been made is to the basic advice, that “it is better to be feared then loved”. The new Machiavellian principle would be that it is “better to be loved out of the fear of others.” The transformation to the concept, although ever so slight, has made all the difference over these past few years.

A wonderful example from which so much political criticism is derived is that ever so hated Bush administration. That administration has through its eloquent manipulation of public opinion perpetuated a cycle of fear and hate that has given it the love and admiration of so many seemingly sensible and decent human beings. As so many of us do as we sit back and analyze the perplexing situation, we ask ourselves, “why would anyone vote for such a blatant detriment to the human species?” It would seem that it has a lot to do with the manipulation of fear and hate. Fear, hate, mistrust expended in every direction outward leaving only love and respect for your beloved protecting leader. Down in the polls? Alert status red, so all the people are too busy duct taping their windows to realize you haven’t done a positive thing for the American working class since you were elected. At this point I would refer you back to the posting I made about the tiger repelling rock. We should all fear and assume the worst and when that doesn’t come, we should all thank whoever is in control no matter what they have done to cause that threat. This new manipulation of Machiavelli’s political philosophy is without doubt a highly intelligent and well orchestrated plan. Whether it was something that has been developed or stumbled upon accidentally it doesn’t matter. The fact of the matter remains that this is now a political tactic, which we can be aware of. We now have the hindsight to realize that if we are not aware and informed we can be manipulated. As long as we continue to be aware we remain ahead of the “game”. Now, all we need to do is inform our neighbours and our friends so we have a chance to actually make a true difference when need be.

Enlightened Pessimism

Simply passing through existence like so many before us is nothing to be ashamed of. However, I am a believer in the possible. I believe that because it is possible to make a change that I am obligated in one sense or another to make things just a little bit better for the future generations anyway I can. For someone to even question my motivation frustrates me. Not only because it reveals to me the inherent apathetic nature of modern society but, also it is a question with which I struggle. Why try and improve things? Why advance? I was born into a middle class family and experience an innumerable amount of opportunity that which my children will undoubtedly experience as well. Why then should I even "waste" what little precious time I have on this world with the aid of others, let alone those who have not yet come into existence? To those types of questions I can only provide subjective answers. For starters, I do not wish to be what I so often refer to as simply a placeholder within the grand calculated scheme of things. For me, to live a life that’s purpose is to simply live is absurd. This reminds me of something a close friend once said, “when we are trapped on the ‘merry-go-round’ of our lives we too often mistake motion for progression.” I believe society faces this very same problem. This is a problem, which in fact almost all people face at one point in their life. For us to go through life simply moving does not necessarily get us anywhere.

Where is it that I seek to go? What is the ultimate goal that seems to perpetually elude us “idealists”? I would propose that it is the creation of a world in which human beings throughout the world enjoy a life of comfort and prosperity. The unnecessary evils of war, disease, famine and hatred become merely words that describe some time in the distant past. Idealistic enough for you? Far enough “out there” for you? I would suppose it would be for even the most optimistic of those out there. However, this is simply the ultimate goal. To which there are many, many smaller very achievable steps.

There are countless statistics that I could throw in here to fill you with guilt. Statistics about the concentration of wealth in absurd numbers, or ones about the feasibility of feeding every human being, are far too common. Instead of hitting us over the head with these statistics (which I draw nearer to doing everyday) I would rather simply point out that every one of us is part of the problem if not part of the solution. As clichéd as that may be, it is the truth. Individuals make change. Masses force revolution. Together, we find the possibility of unthinkable positive change within our life times. There is no clear guideline for this change but there is evidence that education, information, unification, motivation and imagination are the keys.

A meal for your mind

I have come across some interesting quotes which I think will get you thinking about the whole state of affairs in which we live in. Some people see the world as it is and say ‘why.' We need to see the world as it could be and say ‘why not’...

You're obliged to pretend respect for people and institutions you think absurd. You live attached in a cowardly fashion to moral and social conventions you despise, condemn, and know lack all foundation. It is that permanent contradiction between your ideas and desires and all the dead formalities and vain pretenses of your civilization which makes you sad, troubled and unbalanced. In that intolerable conflict you lose all joy of life and all feeling of personality, because at every moment they suppress and restrain and check the free play of your powers. That's the poisoned and mortal wound of the civilized world.

~Octave Mirbeau

Most people are willing to pay more to be amused than to be educated.

~Robert C. Savage

The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat.

~Lily Tomlin

It'll be a great day when education gets all the money it wants and the Air Force has to hold a bake sale to buy bombers.

~Anonymous

All of these quotes caught my attention as more then applicable to what we are discussing. Although they may seem pessimistic to most people, I find the discovery of a problem more liberating then deterring. The more clearly we define the flaws within society the more efficiently we can fix them.