the-lessons-of-history
Best Thing: Reviewers often praise the book for its insightful analysis of democracy and its complexities, noting that it provides a nuanced understanding of the balance between liberty and equality. The exploration of historical cycles and the importance of education in fostering a healthy democracy is particularly appreciated. Worst Thing: On the downside, some reviewers criticize the book for its dense writing style and the challenging concepts it presents, which may be difficult for some readers to engage with fully. Additionally, a few feel that the author's views on democracy and oligarchy can come off as overly pessimistic.
- Liberty and equality are at odds.
- 9Democracy, with more freedom, is inherently leads to concentration due to differences (in intellect, etc) over time
- Best you can hope for is equal rule of law and educational starting points
- History is cycles of concentration and rebellious redistribution
- Competition is necessary to survival, cooperation is a tool within a world of competition. Without competition there would be no growth, no vitality, no survival
- Civilization is social order that enables cultural creation
- Oligarchy is most common. Masses can’t rule bc can’t organize, so all democracy is really oligarchy of the rich
- Democracy is most difficult because it requires the widest intelligence
- We forgot to make ourselves intelligent when we made ourselves sovereign
- This is hindered by the fertility of the simple
- You mustnt entering ignorance just bc there is so much of it
- Ignorance is not long enthroned bc it can be manipulated by the forces that mold public opinion
- Democracy has done more good and less harm than others
- Needs public health and a real dedication equal public education
- Access to education and opportunity
- Rights of man is not to office of power but to the enablers (education, etc) that make those offices achievable
- A right is not a gift of God or nature but a privilege that is good for the group for an individual to have
- Freedom is a product of order
- This is echoed elsewhere - constraints are freeing
- Meaning of life and richness is building the human heritage. History is adding to and recording that heritage. Progress is making use of the new richness of that heritage.
- Can we improve our heritage before we pass it on?
- Make parenting a privilege, not a right
- Education should prepare for economy and the arts
- Universities and free Press must be our strongest institutions
- US broadcasting companies
- Education in morality (including sex) should be part of weekly school
- Lack of morality and order and unity leads to collapse. Full liberty is anarchy. Kantian morality is nothing
- Prisons should be replaced by well enclosed state farms
- Encourage organization of labor
- Department of consumers research as part of gov
- Advise youth to be skeptical of revolution
- US civil academy and schools of government
- Jurisdiction of Hague should be extended
- Peaceful acceptance of death - do not try to extend when so close
- A right is not a gift of God or nature but a privilege that is good for the group for an individual to have (lessons of history)