Politics, politics, politics (so long and thanks for all the fish)

[Robspur12]

I read this quote the other day that struck me as really capturing the Zeitgeist of the moment.

The search for truth is an essential element of democracy … When questions about what is true lose their appeal, and a pragmatism takes hold that is content with what appears useful or effective, then democratic life is weakened … Indifference to the truth leads, slowly but surely, to a descent into totalitarianism. As the philosopher Hannah Arendt wrote, the ideal subjects of such regimes are not so much those who are ideologically convinced, but rather ‘people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction (ie, the reality of experience) and the distinction between true and false (ie, the standards of thought) no longer exist’.”

The quote comes from Pope Leo. I understand that the Catholic Church like many big institutions has a lot to atone for. But I thought that is a brilliant observation on the current plight of Western society.

 

[MartyFunkhouser]

I read this quote the other day that struck me as really capturing the Zeitgeist of the moment.

The search for truth is an essential element of democracy … When questions about what is true lose their appeal, and a pragmatism takes hold that is content with what appears useful or effective, then democratic life is weakened … Indifference to the truth leads, slowly but surely, to a descent into totalitarianism. As the philosopher Hannah Arendt wrote, the ideal subjects of such regimes are not so much those who are ideologically convinced, but rather ‘people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction (ie, the reality of experience) and the distinction between true and false (ie, the standards of thought) no longer exist’.”

The quote comes from Pope Leo. I understand that the Catholic Church like many big institutions has a lot to atone for. But I thought that is a brilliant observation on the current plight of Western society.

So so correct

 

[LutonSpurs]

Democracy pushing us towards a more honest society comes back to who the people elect. People vote for liars.

 

[ricky2tricky4city]

I read this quote the other day that struck me as really capturing the Zeitgeist of the moment.

The search for truth is an essential element of democracy … When questions about what is true lose their appeal, and a pragmatism takes hold that is content with what appears useful or effective, then democratic life is weakened … Indifference to the truth leads, slowly but surely, to a descent into totalitarianism. As the philosopher Hannah Arendt wrote, the ideal subjects of such regimes are not so much those who are ideologically convinced, but rather ‘people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction (ie, the reality of experience) and the distinction between true and false (ie, the standards of thought) no longer exist’.”

The quote comes from Pope Leo. I understand that the Catholic Church like many big institutions has a lot to atone for. But I thought that is a brilliant observation on the current plight of Western society.

I referenced this in the AI thread.

It's an extract from the Popes latest encyclical letter. It's a long read but an important document on 'the future', I wouldn't have expected the Pope to be the one that nailed it.

 

[LutonSpurs]

I like this pope.

 

[Robspur12]

I like this pope.

I'm careful not to conflate politics and religion. And I also understand that, out of respect to the many (including on here) who have suffered trauma at hands of individuals within the Catholic Church, not to go overboard praising leaders within it. But Leo XIV is showing that progressive leadership is possible in the times we are living and I think he is the right guy for this moment. He is one of those that can speak truth to power.

 

[LutonSpurs]

I'm careful not to conflate politics and religion. And I also understand that, out of respect to the many (including on here) who have suffered trauma at hands of individuals within the Catholic Church, not to go overboard praising leaders within it. But Leo XIV is showing that progressive leadership is possible in the times we are living and I think he is the right guy for this moment. He is one of those that can speak truth to power.

My view is not to forgive them. Mullahs. Priests. Epstein types. Groomers.All the various men in power who abused or stayed silent (complicit).

If there is contrition coupled with genuine change then you have to give credit for those things.