Friday, December 5, 2014
Welcome
Let's get started on the psychology of history. What do you think is the most important, most fundamental principle of our culture? Some would say it is the list of "Truths" that we hold as self evident. The first listed by Thomas Jefferson was, "All men are created equal." Right now our country is once more testing that proposition. It turns out quite a few Americans still think there are exceptions to Jefferson's words. (Along the lines that some might judge him, himself, a hypocrite.)
What do you think?
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Seems to me it starts with one's views on the existence of God...
ReplyDeleteIf we were indeed "created" equal, it would have been incumbent on the creator to bestow the equality. And, then, apparently, for us to enforce it, as he(?) doesn't seem to want to interfere. Other than telling a select few people in private conversations what to tell the rest of us about what is true and right. So, Jefferson seems to derive his views from established religious principles. Though it's debatable whether Jefferson was a true believer.
On the other hand, we may find a stronger base for equality by acknowledging it as a man made principle. This would allow us to take responsibility for our own actions and how we treat others. Rather than absolving our higher level "sins" by kicking our bad deeds upstairs! And if we really do have separation between church and state, these disclaimers should be made before statements about self-evidence.
Mike
All people are equal in that they try to control the experiences that are important to them. David
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