Hierarchy of First Principles
Why do dictators and various unsavory characters hold power in many countries?
In some ways, this has always been the case historically. These countries simply have not politically matured yet. However, there are places that have experienced periods of enlightenment and progress. Or even when the same oppressor was not so viciously greedy, only to be followed by someone worse.
The persistence of dictatorship is due in part to flaws in the ideas of liberalism, openness and progress. There are gaps in these ideologies. And exploiting those gaps, even a once decent society can slide back into a mire of lies, corruption and unfreedom. Like a leaky boat taking on water, cracks in the liberal, progressive systems allow the seepage of bad, regressive ideas and behaviors. To future generations, these ideological flaws will seem obvious. Some are even evident today, but remain unaddressed as other deep-rooted problems obscure the solutions.
Improving the world, advancing progress, liberating the oppressed - these goals become more achievable when there is first "order at home", with priority for moral principles over, say, mass arrests of idlers and fringe groups. Are we talking again about first principles? Yes, first principles do matter. Tell me, is it acceptable to kill innocents, and if so, for what higher purpose?
In fact, my yesterday's post about "self-sufficiency first" concerned building a hierarchy of such first principles, as well as practical direction. One without the other is impossible. With this understanding, it becomes more comprehensible how to put ideals into practice.
An important aspect is that self-sufficiency is not an end itself, but rather a mechanism for increasing independence and security. This is not a return to subsistence living. Without extensive global cooperation, progress would halt.
In the tech industry, for example, they refer to this idea as "controlling key technologies." There the struggle for dominance is constant. As we've seen, Apple created their own maps, not to spurn Google, but because they were forced into a situation where Google sought to twist their arm. So Apple took the difficult step of developing and launching a rival home-grown product. Initially inferior, And now in many parts of the world, they're just as good. That gave Apple the opportunity to not be dependent on Google for that.
