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…because I’m writing this in October and you’re reading it in December. There’s been a polarized political election; hopefully the results are clear, there’s a new executive team, maybe a new legislature, in control in Washington. And we’re all working together to govern, based on the voters’ choices (Ha!).
This isn’t about my preferences; it’s a bit broader. On a shallow level (my pea-sized brain), this will be more about the basic philosophies of modern political thinking. The shallow comment isn’t meant to sound self-denigrating; it’s just realistic. While philosophy interests me, after I read/study it, I want to go split firewood or ride my horse in the woods or do something, anything tangible. Too much theoretical stuff.
But, here I go: Realists and Idealists.
Realists see the world as it is, accept there are problems, many of which cannot be solved and the best we can do is manage them. They don’t focus on unrealistic expectations and are practical problem solvers. They play it safe, resist change when it’s not yet proven to help, protect the status quo or even prefer things the way they were, value traditions, are steady, stable, loyal and try to govern accordingly. Apart from governing, they make good architects, technicians, engineers.
Idealists see the world as it could be, think positive change can be earned with education and hard work. They tend to be impractical, often naïve, dreamers who think improvement is within our human reach and all we have to do is find the path forward. While hopeful may not be much of a strategy, it is their motivation. Consequently they govern with more of an eye on a new, improved future. Apart from governing, they gravitate toward helping professions as psychologists, teachers, social workers.
OK, obviously this is a false dichotomy because life is far more nuanced than to be divided neatly into only two schools of thought. As Mr. Einstein said: “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” Our nuanced opinions are more issue oriented. We may not fit neatly into one laser-focused way of thinking regarding diverse issues like abortion rights, the economy, health care, immigration or addressing climate change. However, while I’ve inserted the Realist/Idealist labels, these “schools” (Hobbes/Locke as interpreted by me) have been the basis of modern political thought since the 17th century.
Each of us will probably find viewpoints in both of these philosophies that speak to us as individuals. As usual I’m trying to present different, even opposing perspectives in a framework of recognizing common ground. We have far more in common than we are encouraged to see by many politicians, by our polarized 24/7 news media and therefore by our infiltrated, indoctrinated minds.
I’m not some starry eyed, kumbaya, peace and love, all-hold-hands messenger. But I am someone who at least tries to see things from angles that differ from my own, who values open, direct communication, who has no problem changing my views when I learn new information and who does not think of opinions in terms of us vs. them or right vs. wrong.
Hey, on my 20-year old Jeep I even have a bumper sticker a lady friend gave me that says “Just Be Nice.” I agree that’s where we should at least start. And that’s my 2024 December Viewpoint.
See you in January. That’ll be a “To Your Health” column, which will have a combination of traditional (I’ve been saying it for about 20 years in this January column) and some new suggestions on self improvement for 2025!
Agree? Disagree? Brian Cole welcomes your viewpoints on his columns. Brian Cole can be reached at 757-599-5999 or by email at Brian5995999@msn.com.