Here, Socrates reminds us of the problems associated with being what is essentially a tribal species. We tend to look for differences between us, rather than similarities. Then we use these perceived differences as motivation for hatred and, often, violence.
In my email signature I quote explorer and writer Freya Stark: “Few are the giants of the soul who actually feel that the human race is their family circle.” Socrates was certainly among them.
One wonders if some global event, e.g., environmental collapse, could change all this. It’s definitely a possibility.
At left is a good example of what I mean by: “The last 150 years hasn’t been good for philosophers.”
In the late 19th Century, a question like this was the purview of philosophy. Now it’s the domain for neuroscientists.
Similarly, the question: “what are the ultimate building blocks of the universe” was fodder for everyone from the ancient Greek philosophers up to the far more recent metaphysicians. Now we ask particle physicists.
This is funny, but in actuality, sane people don’t physically attack the MAGA crowd; in fact, we don’t even make snide comments.
We keep our thoughts to ourselves. We may feel sorry for these people’s moral depravity and/or stupidity. We may be angry that the country that was once the envy of the world is now viewed with ridicule and disdain in its path to become irrelevant in global affairs.
But messing with hateful morons in red hats isn’t helping anyone.
Here’s the latest on Trump’s efforts to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, while waging an aggressive war in Iran, executing people he suspects of carrying drug off the coast of Venezuela, pledging to take over Cuba, and annexing Greenland from a (former) ally.
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Climate Change9 months ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
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Greenhouse Gases9 months ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
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Greenhouse Gases2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
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Climate Change2 years ago
Bill Discounting Climate Change in Florida’s Energy Policy Awaits DeSantis’ Approval
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Climate Change2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
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Renewable Energy6 months agoSending Progressive Philanthropist George Soros to Prison?
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Carbon Footprint2 years agoUS SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rules Spur Renewed Interest in Carbon Credits
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Greenhouse Gases10 months ago
嘉宾来稿：探究火山喷发如何影响气候预测