But once again, the question you [and a few others] answered is not the one asked. We weren't asked to pick one at the exclusion of the others. The question was which one is most important to you.
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Which is most important to you? Freedom, Equality, or Order?
- Thread starter IconBasser
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But once again, the question you [and a few others] answered is not the one asked. We weren't asked to pick one at the exclusion of the others. The question was which one is most important to you.
True, then I would have to say freedom first, followed by order, then equality.
equality, by far.
I don't care if I'm free if I can't get food on my plate because the country's leader is living in a mountain of gold.
I don't care if I'm free if I can't get food on my plate because the country's leader is living in a mountain of gold.
Who cares what someone else has, so long as they are not stealing it from you, and if that is so, said person or persons is in fact stealing your freedom.
To the advocates of social order:
If people are allowed total freedom, and somebody starts killing people, I absolutely agree that this is a horrible thing, and therefore accept that a functioning society cannot exist without some facet of enforced order.
However, if too much emphasis is placed on order, and you begin to consider order as a higher priority than freedom, what happens when an authority figure begins abusing people? Better yet, what if all authority figures begin abusing people? You're stuck. There is nothing you can do. You are entirely vulnerable to the whims of those who are now superior to you.
To claim that self government can't exist, I'd say that you are almost correct. most people are capable of existing peacefully with each other, and do so every day without the help of any law enforcement. Unfortunately, there does exist a small percentage of the human race that is incapable of such responsibility, which does warrant some police action. Largely though, I think that authority is unnecessarily overbearing in the world.
If people are allowed total freedom, and somebody starts killing people, I absolutely agree that this is a horrible thing, and therefore accept that a functioning society cannot exist without some facet of enforced order.
However, if too much emphasis is placed on order, and you begin to consider order as a higher priority than freedom, what happens when an authority figure begins abusing people? Better yet, what if all authority figures begin abusing people? You're stuck. There is nothing you can do. You are entirely vulnerable to the whims of those who are now superior to you.
To claim that self government can't exist, I'd say that you are almost correct. most people are capable of existing peacefully with each other, and do so every day without the help of any law enforcement. Unfortunately, there does exist a small percentage of the human race that is incapable of such responsibility, which does warrant some police action. Largely though, I think that authority is unnecessarily overbearing in the world.
From what i observe:
Western people: Would give up a little social order for the sake of freedom.
Asian people (like me): Would give up a little freedom for for the sake of social order.
And no one likes equality. Equal opportunity, maybe. But equality? I am reminded of the Handicapper General.
Western people: Would give up a little social order for the sake of freedom.
Asian people (like me): Would give up a little freedom for for the sake of social order.
And no one likes equality. Equal opportunity, maybe. But equality? I am reminded of the Handicapper General.
Where do those freedoms come from, though?
The freedoms or "freedom" experienced in western society exist solely because we live in an ordered society that makes possible those freedoms we value so much and see as intrinsic to being human.
Conversely, people that advocate freedom or equality are ignoring the obvious - that no society (or lack thereof) is "free" in the purest sense. With the dissolution of a governing body, you will gain freedoms that have been restricted, however, you will lose freedoms that you previously had.
For example - the right to a fair trial. In north america if you feel you have been wronged you can take it to a higher authority in hopes of a resolution. The only way for this to exist is via a form of government. Total "freedom" would entail that there is NO authority, without which your fair trial could not occurr.
Social order is essentially the cornerstone for that one thing "freedom" that we value so much.
When we are free, we then have choices in how to maintain equality and order. Therefore, freedom is the most precious. Without it, the rest has no meaning.
Cherie
Cherie
Thats pretty well what i think, as well
One thing for sure, freedom ain't free, nor is it cheap....
Amen!
And because we cannot choose how to order our society, nor how to ensure equality, without it, it is worth the cost.
Cherie
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety - Ben Frankliln
