Altruism is a touchy-feely kind of term. If evolutionary science is to posit it as a viable alternative to that which drives human progress, it must do better.
Altruism is a touchy-feely kind of term, I have always had misgivings about it. Just like philanthropy, it suggests a certain disconnect from the business called life. One never knows what’s in the heart of an altruist or a philanthropist, a sense of guilt, perhaps, for things they might have done otherwise, a symbolic repayment of debt, who knows? Not that it matters, but the image which comes to mind is that of a do-gooder, an eccentric, a Daddy Warbucks type of person. It’s good if you’re can get it, but then again, it’s not very informative either.…
Article comments
26 - Maurice
Roger - your comment #17 is awesome. Strike that. Awesome is an overused word. Thoughtful, judicious, patient explanation.
27 - roger nowosielski
Thank you, Maurice, but there's a reasonable explanation. Baronius is a Jesuit in a manner of speaking. He makes me work for my money. Consequently, I have no choice but to resort to Jesuit-like logic if I'm to hold the fort.
28 - Irene Athena
What I'm hearing you say is, if we allow ourselves to evolve we will eventually become other-centered because this is what will guarantee the survival of the species.
Roger, there are others who have believed, and do believe, that evolution favors the ruthless Ubermensch who has the guts to cull the weak. The master race he is helping to birth will not be other-centered. Its members will be motivated by the acquisition of power.
I'm only seeing one Force in your article. I'm not seeing any reference to a struggle, except perhaps a struggle against ignorance or lack of "refinement."
29 - Irene Athena
Part 4 maybe? Keep on thinkin', it's good for the brainz. :)
30 - roger nowosielski
The struggle part will be covered in my upcoming article on the New York Autumn.
What this article really is about is making a case for ultimate concern for the other as the requisite kind of stance behind true revolutionary action.
31 - Glenn Contrarian
The "New York Autumn". I like that. I wish I'd thought of it first....
32 - roger nowosielski
Wasn't my coinage, Glenn, afraid I'm appropriating it from previous use.
33 - Igor
#28 Irene, looks like the old Eugenics argument to me.
As it happens, an hour ago I heard Francis Collins (NIH head and reknowned genetics scientist) say, on Michael Krasny´s ¨Forum¨ program on NPR, that every one of us is walking around with 60 or 80 genetic defects and that it´s hopeless to think we can eliminate them by breeding.
34 - Irene Athena
Yes, and it's just as well, too, Igor.
Yes, Roger, it would seem to be.
35 - roger nowosielski
Cindy,
Occupation Journal Online
36 - roger nowosielski
One of the commenters asks on the Global Revolution tweet:
"What the occupation is about?"
Here is one of the MOD's (FloridaMom) response:
Ok, what the occupation is about.
FloridaMom: right now 1%, or about 400 people hold more money than the bottom 50% or about 150 MILLION people. that is why we are the 99%.
Ok, what the occupation is about.
FloridaMom: right now 1%, or about 400 people hold more money than the bottom 50% or about 150 MILLION people. that is why we are the 99%.
37 - roger nowosielski
And here's the site which handles donations and all kinds of help.
If you want to contribute to the live-stream coverage, click here.
38 - roger nowosielski
Nader, Ron Paul, Kucinich and Chomsky on what's it all about -- short and sweet.
39 - roger nowosielski
Zizek addresses #occupywallstreet.