What is, of course, the most salient characteristic of idealism, its force majeure, is it’s rootedness in, and commitment to causes outside of oneself. Indeed, I take it as axiomatic that such is the stuff from which all true believers are made of – by far a more potent force and one to be reckoned with than any other concern which is merely self-serving rather than other-directed and which aims at redressing whatever personal grievances or injustices. I’m going here by the simple assumption that it’s always easier and more convincing to stand up for somebody else rather than for yourself.
That’s the power of the idea, the moral idea, I should preface; and it’s been said many times before (“the pen is mightier than the sword” being one example). It’s from thence that the force of idealism derives.
Can the movement sustain itself in light of the present crisis? Aren’t we in danger of backsliding, which would only validate a cyclical view of history? Can anything be done to keep the fires burning?
I’ll turn to these and other considerations in the conclusion.
Article comments
1 - Irene Wagner
I don't know, Roger Nowosielski. Maybe the New Left and the Old Right (no neocons allowed, but that's just my own bias talking), will put their heads together and get things settled.
I hope everyone will still feel OK about enjoying a nice Bar-B-Q once all is said and done. After all, animals are sentient beings, not to mention the inequitable land food distribution issues involved in raising vegetables vs. lifestock. I might be ashamed of this comment fifty years from now.
2 - Ruvy
Roger, the Infantile Left, the bunch of stupid and loud mouthed hippies who never grew up that you talk about here, are a bunch of tyrannical bastards who have forgotten what free speech and freedom of thought is.
They have nothing to backslide to but the mud of fascism they crawled out of, and this they are proceeding to do apace. Problem is they have one of their own assholes in the White House dragging you all back with them. Have fun in the mud, Roger!
3 - roger nowosielski
We had better come together, Irene, as I argue for in Part III, coming out manana. As you know, divided we cannot stand.
4 - roger nowosielski
It would be a heckuva surprise, Ruvy, if you had something positive to say for a change. I'd eat my hat.
You make me think you never really had a childhood, just grew up into nasty adolescence. Try to think of happy days.