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25 Nov 03 - 06:21 PM (#1060866) Subject: BS: The Future, Assumptions, and Ideals From: Amos David Brin, one of my favorite current sci-fi writers, offers these two quotes: "Scratch the surface of most cynics and you find a frustrated idealist -- someone who made the mistake of converting his ideals into expectations." - Peter Senge "Any comfortable American who is cynical of progress -- or the competent decency of modern civilization -- hasn't pondered how life was for our ancestors. Any day that cossacks haven't burned your home should start out a happy one, overflowing with optimism." - M.N. Plano These two, and a lot more good thinking besides, can be found in his lengthy address to Libertarians called Essences, Orcs and Civilization:The Case for a Cheerful Libertarianism which I recommend to the thoughtful among us. A |
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25 Nov 03 - 07:38 PM (#1060925) Subject: RE: BS: The Future, Assumptions, and Ideals From: Ebbie Thanks, Amos. Some very good reading there. I'm going back to read the whole speech. First, a disclaimer: I get confused looks from some libertarian pals, when I say that I'm one of them. Oh sure, I send money to the LP and routinely vote Libertarian in primary elections. I appeared as a keynote speaker at the California LP Convention, in 1998, and here at the national convention in July 2002. On the other hand, I admit turning around and often voting for Democrats in general elections! I send cash to Greenpeace and the ACLU and support my local public schools. So what the hell am I? After serious thought, I can only conclude that I must be a . . . (shudder) . . . pragmatist. David Brin |