Great little essay. As a political scientist, I am not sure I can follow your comments re: the greater good. I cannot think of a single great statesman - e.g. Pericles, Lincoln, de Gaulle - who did not do things morally questionable from a certain viewpoint, yet which were arguably necessary to the political good they did. I guess I am too influenced by Machiavelli and Hagakure.
There's morally unfortunate and then there are lines that one shouldn't trespass. Even Cato the Younger paid out bribes. That is unfortunate, but not wrong given the political realities. Yet one should always be careful with that kind of reasoning and likely draw the line earlier rather than later.
Curtis Yarvin’s advice: You really shouldn’t expect the material rewards of success to come alone with the spiritual rewards of seeking/ telling the truth.
This is a truly excellent piece. Thank you.
Thank you, Geoffrey.
Great little essay. As a political scientist, I am not sure I can follow your comments re: the greater good. I cannot think of a single great statesman - e.g. Pericles, Lincoln, de Gaulle - who did not do things morally questionable from a certain viewpoint, yet which were arguably necessary to the political good they did. I guess I am too influenced by Machiavelli and Hagakure.
It's certainly difficult to be a good statesman.
There's morally unfortunate and then there are lines that one shouldn't trespass. Even Cato the Younger paid out bribes. That is unfortunate, but not wrong given the political realities. Yet one should always be careful with that kind of reasoning and likely draw the line earlier rather than later.
Curtis Yarvin’s advice: You really shouldn’t expect the material rewards of success to come alone with the spiritual rewards of seeking/ telling the truth.
Similar.
Solid and helpful as befits a stoic. Thank you.