To the root of our problems

Beliefs that are irrational, required, universal
and absolute will always put swords in the hands
of men. Illogical and anti-empirical beliefs
cannot be validated by external and objective
factors. Two scientists who disagree on a theory
can resolve their dispute via the scientific
method; they can defer to logic and reproducible
experiments–they do not have to bomb each other
into submission. Mathematicians can disagree over
a proposition, but in the end it is not
personal–it is not the dominance of one over the
others, but of logic and proof over one, or all.

The free market runs on the same principle.
“Value” is not decided by committees, or leaders,
but by individual decisions. If I think that my
product is better than yours, I don’t have to
blow up your offices, just appeal to the
consumer, the final arbiter. Consumers don’t have
to burn down a Ford plant if they prefer
Volvos–individual decisions determine the value
and success of each company.

In religion, politics and nationalism, things
are very different, because no objective method
exists to resolve disputes. Who can prove that
“Jewish” is better than “Christian” or “Muslim”
or “Buddhist”? How can these absolute and
irrational fantasies ever be reconciled in
reality? They are impervious to logic and
experimentation. Universal truth is willed, not
proven. This irrationality creates instability,
hostility and the endless desire for expansion.
The more collectivist a society becomes, the more
expansionistic it becomes. Witness Israel,
Islam–and America.

...and all the collectives that have gone before.

What I've been saying all along, plus...and
probably the finest piece I've ever seen on the
subject.

Highly recommended.