The real question

In a manner of speaking, we're simply right back where we started: what is it that we really want? what is it that is important to us as a group? what defines our particular "group" ... our family, friends, community, region, country, the world? Having taken so long to get back to the beginning is really the tip-off: it's something we never really stop to think about. It is simply something that we take for granted. But, as I never tire of saying: it is precisely what we take for granted that needs the closest investigation.

I let the cat out of my own bag last time around: justice. To me -- and I'll out myself here -- human beings are social creatures who survive best through cooperation, not through competition. Not only is there good, sound, scientific evidence to support this contention, it is one that simply makes sense. It is commonsense. Nobody does anything all by themselves. It just doesn't happen. You can't survive as a baby without help, you have other people grow and provide your food, you use streets that other people made and, well, you get the picture.

None of this negates any individual effort that anybody makes ... that's fine, that's welcome, I think we should encourage and support that. But, at the same time, I don't believe that anyone is entitled to anything more than anyone else for any reason. What I'm saying is, just like being equal, what and who you are is unlimited; and, just like freedom, you are entitled to a lot, but never to anything at the expense of someone else. Those last six words are the most important. One's position, one's own sense of self-worth, one's wealth, one's power does not entitle you to have more if others will suffer from you depriving them of it, too. Everyone wants to live a decent life, and as long as everybody has the chance to do that, and we all make sure that we all can, I certainly have no problem with those who want to live more luxuriously, as a result of their extra effort, as long as it not at the expense of others. In other words, having more does not entitle one to more. Entitlement, as too many would deny, works both ways.

To my mind, a just society is one in which whatever rules are agreed are applicable to everyone, without exception; one in which whatever opportunities are available are available to everyone; one in which non-material things such as caring, nurturing, support, and understanding were just as important as one's own perceived status.

Some weird utopian dream? Not at all. It's really a matter of practicing what one preaches, and drawing attention to those who unjustly think they're bigger, better, stronger, or more deserving than the rest of us.