Ross, thanks for sharing this powerful insightful piece.
In some ways you are describing a post-modern outlook (facts, reality, history, ethics are subjective). As current events lay bare this subjective/facts are subjective worldview, you may agree, is dangerous.
Would you feel comfortable with one of your children's truth being that they are misgendered?
Would you feel comfortable justifying the actions of Hamas?
Thank you for reading and commenting! I think it’s worth clarifying that I am not calling for a justification of every belief system. I do think that there is such a thing of good and evil. However, without acknowledging the fact that, more often than not, evil is the product of certain beliefs and circumstances and that those who believe evil things almost never believe they are, in fact, evil. My objective in this post is to call out that unless EVERYONE is able to acknowledge that their own truths are subjective, those who believe evil “truths” will never be able to see past them. It must always start with the ability to self reflect. And those fighting evil must also be able to recognize that those people who believe and do evil things are subject to the circumstances that made them evil. The Hamas terrorist believes he is holy and acting on behalf of god. He has been propagandized since birth to hate Israel and Jews. This does not justify it, but does require our understanding if we hope to eliminate that form of evil. And one of the ways we must combat it is to advocate for ways of thinking that push people to let go of their own beliefs, which is what I am hoping to accomplish.
Incredible insight into your upbringing and your mindset. Thank you for sharing this unfiltered personal journey with us.
Ross, thanks for sharing this powerful insightful piece.
In some ways you are describing a post-modern outlook (facts, reality, history, ethics are subjective). As current events lay bare this subjective/facts are subjective worldview, you may agree, is dangerous.
Would you feel comfortable with one of your children's truth being that they are misgendered?
Would you feel comfortable justifying the actions of Hamas?
Thank you for reading and commenting! I think it’s worth clarifying that I am not calling for a justification of every belief system. I do think that there is such a thing of good and evil. However, without acknowledging the fact that, more often than not, evil is the product of certain beliefs and circumstances and that those who believe evil things almost never believe they are, in fact, evil. My objective in this post is to call out that unless EVERYONE is able to acknowledge that their own truths are subjective, those who believe evil “truths” will never be able to see past them. It must always start with the ability to self reflect. And those fighting evil must also be able to recognize that those people who believe and do evil things are subject to the circumstances that made them evil. The Hamas terrorist believes he is holy and acting on behalf of god. He has been propagandized since birth to hate Israel and Jews. This does not justify it, but does require our understanding if we hope to eliminate that form of evil. And one of the ways we must combat it is to advocate for ways of thinking that push people to let go of their own beliefs, which is what I am hoping to accomplish.