Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The Eschatology of the Progressives, Redux

Esenberg found this, from Walter Lippmann:

...men who call themselves communists, socialists, fascists, nationalists, progressives and even liberals, are unanimous in holding that government with its instruments of coercion must by commanding the people how they should live, direct the course of civilization and fix the shape of things to come ... [T]he premises of authoritarian collectivism have become the working beliefs, the self-evident assumptions, the unquestioned axioms, not only of the revolutionary regimes. but of nearly every effort which lays claim to being enlightened, humane and progressive."

Lippman provides example, too; he does not question the motives of the Progressives--that is, he does not accuse them of malevolence.

There is no doubt that the Left--the "communists, socialists, fascists, nationalists, progressives and even liberals"--are well-meaning for the most part. They want good things for everyone, an admirable goal.

Trouble is that that 'good things for everyone' goal is unattainable and Common Men know it. No 'expert' can remedy the human condition. No 'expert' can 'fix the shape of things to come.' And we know it.

The problem is in the Eschatology.

8 comments:

Display Name said...

Come on. Only lefties belong on that list? You think the Republicans are significantly different in their desire to wield the instruments of coercion? That they don't want to command people how to live? Or direct the course of civilization? Or fix the shape of things to come?

Have you been paying attention?

Anonymous said...

Same Walter Lippmann who called the Checkers speech "the most demeaning experience my country has ever had to bear"?

Did he have anything to say about collective conservative paranoia?

Beer, Bicycles and the VRWC said...

Good to see the to trolls here unable to dispute the assertion, but merely ranting about Conservatives. Thanks for the update. Really. You guys add so much. No, seriously.

By the way....Power Corrupts.

J. Strupp said...

When exactly have you added any constructive commentary to this site?

Beer, Bicycles and the VRWC said...

Thanks for adding evidence to my comment.

When you have something besides anti-conservative rants, please let me know.

J. Strupp said...

Likewise, when you have something productive and/or informative to write regarding any subject at all, let us know.

Beer, Bicycles and the VRWC said...

Yes, yes. Of course. Your moral superiority is so overwhelming as is your knowledge, oh great one. Please school me.

you're just like that kid nobody wanted to play with because he was "SO much better". Yes, you are wonderful and I cannot compare.

J. Strupp said...

.......when you have something productive and/or informative to write regarding any subject at all, let us know.