Loss of vision, courage and ambition

I worry that a universal dependence on government is pushing the world in the wrong direction. In the US, one of the last places on earth for individuals to express the creative, liberal force which has drastically and wonderfully changed the world since the Renaissance, there is an anti-business sentiment affecting about half the population which is driving people in great numbers to the guidance and protection of the state. The state no longer exists to provide protection for free people and the excercise of free enterprise and civil liberties -- the state now exists to establish control over "progress". Progress, historically in the US, has meant innovation and technological advances brought about by the relatively free interactions of people working within a capitalist system.

As I've written about lately, capitalism is now considered by many as an obsolete and unworkable system which must be replaced by government social engineering -- regulatory bodies, social programs and active representatives who believe in the power of intervention and redistribution. There's a risk that the public will lose their individualism and that group dynamics will pressure us toward conformity and dependence. When I talk about individualism, I'm not talking about atomistic individuals who are independent masters of their own destiny, the fictional Randian character who needs nothing but reason and an unbreakable will, which liberal critics have turned into caricatures for ridicule when the warts of human fallibility are uncovered -- however, to a realistic degree, I am talking about this individual, in part, along with the reality of interdependence and the knowledge that co-operation is necessary if there is to be progress. Of course, it is dramatic think of an individual as the sole master in his/her world, accomplishing great feats on will power and intellect alone, but each person usually has untapped power that is not realized unless there is a recognition of excellence, and a brave effort to achieve that personal excellence suing the strengths of others wisely. I do beleive there is virtue in free-thinking, having the courage to stand against popular opinion when you envision what seems to be a greater truth, always open to changing direction if proven wrong.

The more the state engineers our lives and provides for our needs, the more I fear we'll become weak, lose our ambition, rely on powers above to handle the problems of society, become fearful of change and risk, settle for the mediocre which presents no danger. A slow numbing of the mind and spirit could put a nation in a sleep-walk, comfortably walking through our days, assured a benevolent government is handling the difficult issues. No one will want to stick their heads above the crowd as we share our lives in relative equality and nice agreement -- magnificence and excellence will be seen as arrogance and insensitivty to those less fortunate, so we'll be taught to hide our light in a unified dimness.

To a degree this is already happening among the parents and teachers who are teaching that everyone wins and everyone is okay regardless what they achieve -- an unconditional acceptance that sees no right or wrong just unfortunate choices at times. Yet many people rebel against this, and they are called insensitive, uncultured, loons who believe they can go their own way without consideration of how it affects their neighbor's well-being. The business executive who makes millions is seen as an enemy who is sucking up all the wealth when others are less fortunate, not as lucky -- and it's seen as unfair. We're losing sight of the differences among us, and the fact that some produce more because they exert more effort, learn more, persevere, sacrifice time and pleasure to advance and achieve -- there is only the recognition that this one has more than the other, and something should be done to make it right.

We are also at risk of distrusting our ability to innovate and move forward in progress without the guidance of higher powers, whether it's God and the church or the state as a god. We are losing our trust in charity and goodwill. Because we see evil done, it stands to reason that people are naturally selfish and myopic and therefore a benevolent government is required to enforce morality. There is magical thinking that representatives in government are somehow transformed with the responsibility to establish equality and fairness, or there is realistic scheming in getting the right party elected so that they will ensure comfort and safety. Who has the courage to stand alone and create, to take the risk of bringing something new to the world with no gaurantee it will be accepted? Will we kill innovation and creativity for the sake of safety and comfort? Will we sacrifice excellence for mediocrity as long as no waves are created and the status quo is not upset? Will we notice when risk and reward are no longer present? Will there be anything to strive for? Will we notice when greatness doesn't die and appears from another place to remind us of what we've lost? Or will we see it as a threat and destroy it?