What is it about our modern conditions that would discourage the corruption of wealthy leaders? It's rough to accept an endless cycle of goodwill overtaking corruption and back again. It reeks of an ideology that doesn't work.
By the way, I was looking to comment about this article on X and didn't find it on your account.
I think the only answer to your question is that raising elites in the proper morals dissuades them from corruption. It is of course difficult to make that happen
That's a surprising perspective. So you think that at the core of our corrupt leadership is an intentional corruption of children and teenagers' education? Whether it comes from home or from outside, like schools and entertainment.
If you look at what the Founding Fathers were reading, in terms of Ancient works it was the Bible and Plutarch's Lives. They had those guides to duty, honor, righteous living, etc. Now, not so much. I think that is reflected in the poor behavior of elites, and their lack of any sense of duty.
Of course there is much more going on, but I think it starts there
We are currently in a cycle of Pareto's "circulation of elites." Flawed as they are, they are preferable to the status quo of the last 50 years.
It's hard not to be a kulak when the culture dictates wage slavery. Graft at the top is seen as part of the deal. But I see many folks waking up.
Thought experiment: Imagine if the USAID fire spills into the IRS, healthcare, and entitlements. Revenues are returned to local agoras. Then working people have more disposable income and capital. Will they invest in their community or lifestyle creep?
What is it about our modern conditions that would discourage the corruption of wealthy leaders? It's rough to accept an endless cycle of goodwill overtaking corruption and back again. It reeks of an ideology that doesn't work.
By the way, I was looking to comment about this article on X and didn't find it on your account.
Yes I need to post it on X still
I think the only answer to your question is that raising elites in the proper morals dissuades them from corruption. It is of course difficult to make that happen
That's a surprising perspective. So you think that at the core of our corrupt leadership is an intentional corruption of children and teenagers' education? Whether it comes from home or from outside, like schools and entertainment.
To a large extent
If you look at what the Founding Fathers were reading, in terms of Ancient works it was the Bible and Plutarch's Lives. They had those guides to duty, honor, righteous living, etc. Now, not so much. I think that is reflected in the poor behavior of elites, and their lack of any sense of duty.
Of course there is much more going on, but I think it starts there
We are currently in a cycle of Pareto's "circulation of elites." Flawed as they are, they are preferable to the status quo of the last 50 years.
It's hard not to be a kulak when the culture dictates wage slavery. Graft at the top is seen as part of the deal. But I see many folks waking up.
Thought experiment: Imagine if the USAID fire spills into the IRS, healthcare, and entitlements. Revenues are returned to local agoras. Then working people have more disposable income and capital. Will they invest in their community or lifestyle creep?
Excellent points
Hey I try! My Substack is mostly potty humor.