The Future is a Choice of Fresh Ideas
Ideas that we can take seriously without turning them into "answers."
I’ve come upon several ideas recently that deserve being passed on. Each deserves commentary, as they are all more complex than a simple description. But that may be the value of this conversation. Give me an idea of what you think about any of these. I’ll use that as a part of a column ASAP.
The first is the suggestion that we need to be less sure we know what the chief political divisions in this society are. Right and Left? Rich and poor? White collar, blue collar. Black and White. Christian and non-Christian. One idea that I heard recently is: trust or lack of trust in the nation’s institutions. Loss of deference to the elites that appear to control our primary structures of influence and/or power in government and non-profit institutions.
Another insight that I think is worth examining: Are we in more agreement than we realize as to our goals for America, but seriously and appropriately divided on means, such that Democrats have the advantage when considering how a Trump administration has a low approval rating in the way they are carrying out their policies: confused, incompetent, corrupt, inhumane, unconstitutional, etc. Should politics be more about means to the ends since fundamentally we do not disagree on ends (when expressed with a decent regard for clarity and level of abstraction). Don’t let either side, that is, identify itself as the sole guardian of the “ends,” and then get away with bad execution.
As well, in understanding the influence of social media shouldn’t we focus more than we do on the underlying algorithms that direct social media users to repeated sites that support their previously discovered passions and irrational fears? Isn’t this the primary reason why social media have proved to be a hostile element in politics these days
And, finally, whether or not strong national boundaries and effective immigration restrictions are actually necessary for a society if we expect people to make sacrifices for others in their country, who they will then see as part of a national entity, worthy, for that reason, of our care and support.
Now I could go into more detail for anyone of these. And they are not the only new or partially new ideas that are “out there.” My point today is simply that such ideas exist and that they suggest new pathways and new destinations, on the roadmap of dead ends.
As long as we do not tie ourselves into knots looking for the one solution. There are many useful ways to approach a world of multiple threats and many desirable outcomes, ways forward and that they are only loosely connected to each other if even that.
No one grand solution. No one “noble cause.” No one human savior. We seem to agree there is work to do, but are too often leaving it to others. Turn the pages of history: “Great Leaders” have marched their followers into great folly.
As long as we avoid fantasy theories and otherworldly assignments of evil to key players, or believe in magical weapons, we are on solid ground.
This world is not the Marvel Universe. It is not some intricate war game. Nor is it a final battle between good and evil.
It is simply a place where people like us can together consider the questions I raise above, and more. And take on the future, not with false faiths, but fresh hope.