- Politics -

"Once an unjust order exists, those benefiting from it have both an interest in maintaining it and, by virtue of their social advantages, the power to do so." (Cohen, 1991)

". . . under any circumstances sociability is the greatest advantage in the struggle for life. Those species which willingly abandon it are doomed to decay." (Petr Kropotkin)

Given a world rife with overt and structural violence, one is forced to explain why our deep-seated moral intuition doesn't produce a more ameliorating effect, a more peaceful world. Iacoboni suggests this disjuncture is explained by massive belief systems, including political and religious ones, operating on the reflective and deliberate level.

As de Waal reminds us, evolutionarily, empathy is the original starting point out of which sprang culture and language. But over time, the culture filters and influences how empathy evolves and is expressed. (de Waal, 2007, p. 50) These belief systems tend to override the automatic, pre-reflective, neurobiological traits that should bring people together.

From An essay by Gary Olson 2007

Are you a Verbal Lemming?

You are a verbal lemming (how embarrassing) if you subscribe to this philosophy - "Never let the facts spoil the story ". When matters are serious, it is irresponsible to be a verbal lemming. Research the facts, don't just repeat what you hear. Understanding what is going on in the world requires critical thinking, yet many people spout their opinions based on emotion not on valid arguments and accurate conclusions.