My Wednesday posts typically revolve around theory in some form or fashion. Today, though, I don’t want to talk about my theory or the theory of our founders or the liberal philosophers before them. Today, I want to talk about YOUR theory.
What is your theory?
Have you ever thought about your own theory before?
I mean really thought about it?
Most people don’t even bother to know other people’s theory, not to mention their own theory.
And yet, we all have a theory, a belief about how the world works, how it ought to work, and why, but most of us couldn’t really articulate that theory if given the chance.
However, being able to articulate that theory could do wonders for this country. What if, instead of challenging those who oppose our beliefs, we challenged our own beliefs? What if we decided to never comment on something unless we know exactly why we believe the way we do about that something—based on a solid and theoretical foundation.
Specifics
Today, I’m going to challenge you, my fellow Americans, (as I do to myself daily) to really search your hearts, your beliefs and your perceptions of the world. Be honest with yourself if you don’t know the answers. Being honest about what you don’t know is the first step to knowing.
What is your theory of human nature? The answer to this question will determine your economic, political and spiritual philosophies.
What is your theory of government? What is government’s job? Is it to help the poor and needy or simply to protect private property, or a little of both? Who are the poor and needy? Who qualifies? If it is not government job to help the poor and needy, then whose job is it? Is it no one’s job?
What of your theory, your why for other beliefs? Why do you support government funded healthcare? Why don’t you support it? Why should you support it? Why shouldn’t you support it? If there is no government run healthcare, how should things be run? What’s your basis for these claims?
What is your theory of liberty? Do you love liberty? Do you even have a clear and articulate understanding about what you believe liberty is? Is liberty freedom from all laws and authority? Or does liberty demand that there be laws and authority? What of safety? Does your conception of liberty trend towards anarchy? Why?
Why should the government have a Constitution? Why shouldn’t it? Why should we follow it if we have one?
What about specific laws that are introduced and/or passed? What about the jobs of specific branches of government? Every belief, every theory, is based on something—on assumptions about the world.
What are your assumptions about the world? Assumptions that build your theory?
Suppose you believe the Constitution is necessary for liberty because you assume that without a Constitution, government is likely to abuse and misuse its power. Supposing you cherish liberty, know what kind of liberty you cherish and why…then you know why you believe in the importance of having and following a Constitution.
Based on these beliefs, and assumptions, you then know what you believe about each branch and their jobs according to the Constitution—and according to theory.
Do you see how this works?
Conclusion
I’ve seen too many pointless and wasted conversations between people with differing beliefs, where neither individual is truly listening to the other but rather raging incoherently, speaking more for themselves than anyone else.
Theory, the why to what we believe, is the critical key to everything and a sorely missing piece to our American puzzle.
Friends, wars are fought over theories and beliefs. Governments are established and destroyed by beliefs, by ideas and theories. Mankind is manipulated and controlled by ideas that others feed them because they have not fully established for themselves their own ideas and theory.
It’s about time we stop entering into the petty, shallow arguments and we start raging at ourselves. What do we believe and why?
We must first deal with ourselves before we can hope to help others. If we don’t have an answer, we’ll fall for everything and have no solutions for the very real problems Americans are facing today. But if we HAVE an answer, not only will this change how we approach the world, but how the world responds to us.
We’re living in strange times, and they are likely only going to get more strange. All the more reason for you to know, truly know, not only what you believe but why you believe it.
So, I ask you again, what’s YOUR theory?
Better figure that answer out sooner than later, because you may be challenged with this next question in the near future and without a solid answer to this first question, this next question shouldn’t even be entertained.
Is your theory worth fighting for?
The Liberty Belle
As you said "We must first deal with ourselves." The only questions I can think of adding to your extensive list which are prevalent would be:
How are traditions, religion, morals and principles involved in basing your theories?
Does your theories rely on hear say or conspiracy theories and is it based in reality?
How easily can your beliefs be bent and molded by peers or to suit the circumstances?
Yup!!