Exactly. These conversations can be difficult because so many words that are used unthinkingly are based on assumptions that can't be questioned and that cover up reality that contradicts the assumptions. The "common good" is a great example. The reality is that all value is subjective, but the idea that there is a "common good" is so widely accepted that people can't even see that the term is used to control people by appealing to their desire for good. The coercive policies that supposedly are for the "common good" always benefit some at the expense of others.
So much of what we do is genuine education and helping people unlearn some poor cognitive-framing habits they've had firmly entrenched in their minds. I've found it takes a lot of patience, but when it finally "clicks" for someone, it's wonderful!
> who ensures that the common good isn’t swallowed up by private gain?
The "common good" doesn't exist. All values are subjective.
But even if you hypothetically allow that a common good could exist, the answer to that question is certainly NOT "government."
Exactly. These conversations can be difficult because so many words that are used unthinkingly are based on assumptions that can't be questioned and that cover up reality that contradicts the assumptions. The "common good" is a great example. The reality is that all value is subjective, but the idea that there is a "common good" is so widely accepted that people can't even see that the term is used to control people by appealing to their desire for good. The coercive policies that supposedly are for the "common good" always benefit some at the expense of others.
So much of what we do is genuine education and helping people unlearn some poor cognitive-framing habits they've had firmly entrenched in their minds. I've found it takes a lot of patience, but when it finally "clicks" for someone, it's wonderful!