Progress, Security and the Myth of Forgiveness
I have always marveled at the progress of some countries. Finland, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the US have led the world in the development of technology, a civilized society, freedom of capital and information. And from a starting point that could arguably be called a negative position in some cases as it is easier to construct a new building on a green field then to have to clear away a bombed out shell. One can also point to the dramatic innovations that arose out of the Nazi threat, the space race (albeit faked) in response to Russian claims for global dominance.
Both individual and collective human resolve is bolstered by threats, perceived or real and the resulting output and energy can be quite marvelous. I am reminded of the Russian dachas. Almost every Russian family owned a small shack in the countryside with a little bid of land surrounding it, even just a few square metres. Well, these dacha gardens, representing about 2% of all arable land in Russia produced 60 % of all agricultural production during communist rule. I am also reminded of the Chinese who also, very sustainably, produced huge yields in small spaces so as to maintain very high population densities. In fact, in some parts of China, it is considered extremely rude when invited over for a meal, not to use the toilet before leaving. They take their nutrients very seriously in China.
But in any case, it is threat and fear that provokes an energetic response and results in a better standard of living and a sense of economic freedom, national security notwithstanding.
Man responds strongly to threats and less strongly to greed. It is what drives the individual competitive spirit. People want to win. They want to attain higher status. They compare themselves to their neighbours, ridiculing their pathetic efforts and muttering curses at them behind their backs and from behind windows. Why is it that athletes continue to compete despite having achieved millions of Euros in income? It is not greed. It is because they hate the thought of quitting, of being a loser of seeing someone else occupying their rightful place, of their position of status.
Successful individuals harness this competitive spirit. Successful corporations harness it as do nations and economies.
We are told by self proclaimed experts that when we are wronged, it is healthy to forgive. Unless we forgive, we are told, we are unable to move on with our lives. What absolute nonsense!
It is the sense of feeling wronged that provides the high octane fuel to drive us towards excellence. It nurses our competitive spirit and our desire for revenge and status. I often quote from the movie “Red Dawn” starring Patrick Swayze. There is a scene where a kid’s parents are killed by invading Russians. The kid wants to cry but Patrick says “Don’t cry. Keep it in. Let it make you stronger.” I love that line.
Rather than preaching forgiveness, these fools should preach emotional management, discipline and control. That is the sign of a mature adult and a mature civilization. Forgiveness means surrendering.
Cheers and Good Mental Health
Avenge Hypatia.
I have always marveled at the progress of some countries. Finland, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the US have led the world in the development of technology, a civilized society, freedom of capital and information. And from a starting point that could arguably be called a negative position in some cases as it is easier to construct a new building on a green field then to have to clear away a bombed out shell. One can also point to the dramatic innovations that arose out of the Nazi threat, the space race (albeit faked) in response to Russian claims for global dominance.
Both individual and collective human resolve is bolstered by threats, perceived or real and the resulting output and energy can be quite marvelous. I am reminded of the Russian dachas. Almost every Russian family owned a small shack in the countryside with a little bid of land surrounding it, even just a few square metres. Well, these dacha gardens, representing about 2% of all arable land in Russia produced 60 % of all agricultural production during communist rule. I am also reminded of the Chinese who also, very sustainably, produced huge yields in small spaces so as to maintain very high population densities. In fact, in some parts of China, it is considered extremely rude when invited over for a meal, not to use the toilet before leaving. They take their nutrients very seriously in China.
But in any case, it is threat and fear that provokes an energetic response and results in a better standard of living and a sense of economic freedom, national security notwithstanding.
Man responds strongly to threats and less strongly to greed. It is what drives the individual competitive spirit. People want to win. They want to attain higher status. They compare themselves to their neighbours, ridiculing their pathetic efforts and muttering curses at them behind their backs and from behind windows. Why is it that athletes continue to compete despite having achieved millions of Euros in income? It is not greed. It is because they hate the thought of quitting, of being a loser of seeing someone else occupying their rightful place, of their position of status.
Successful individuals harness this competitive spirit. Successful corporations harness it as do nations and economies.
We are told by self proclaimed experts that when we are wronged, it is healthy to forgive. Unless we forgive, we are told, we are unable to move on with our lives. What absolute nonsense!
It is the sense of feeling wronged that provides the high octane fuel to drive us towards excellence. It nurses our competitive spirit and our desire for revenge and status. I often quote from the movie “Red Dawn” starring Patrick Swayze. There is a scene where a kid’s parents are killed by invading Russians. The kid wants to cry but Patrick says “Don’t cry. Keep it in. Let it make you stronger.” I love that line.
Rather than preaching forgiveness, these fools should preach emotional management, discipline and control. That is the sign of a mature adult and a mature civilization. Forgiveness means surrendering.
Cheers and Good Mental Health
Avenge Hypatia.
posted by The Commisioner and McKay | 12:29 PM
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