Comments on: The Unreason of The Age of American Unreason http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/ Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:58:16 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Night Owl http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/comment-page-1/#comment-32249 Night Owl Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:39:18 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/#comment-32249 I am of the opinion that education and knowledge alone do not a great thinker make. We are all hampered by our prejudices and preconceptions based on our particular upbringing, and our emotions. In addition, the human intellect in handicapped by that which it does not understand, (one example: how it's own brain works). And to reduce the uneasiness caused by the primitive fear of the unknown, imaginative beliefs arise, and false conclusions are often drawn. Sometimes the imaginative beliefs can lead down the path to new discovery and greater knowledge; but often as not they are incorrect paths leading nowhere. The great thinkers are the ones who are aware of their own biases and limitations, and take them into account when forming an opinion. The average person seemingly cannot do this, as he/she is not conscious of the contents of his own mind and how it arrives where it does; and thus we have, and have always had, few truly great thinkers. This mind-blindness is probably the biggest source of the "unreason" that is, and has always been exhibited among otherwise intelligent people. I don't see the problem going away any time soon, as long as we humans possess incomplete comprehension; therefore I think we are wise to question most of the so-called intellectuals, and to especially be wary of the self-proclaimed intellectuals of any ideological leaning. I am of the opinion that education and knowledge alone do not a great thinker make. We are all hampered by our prejudices and preconceptions based on our particular upbringing, and our emotions. In addition, the human intellect in handicapped by that which it does not understand, (one example: how it’s own brain works). And to reduce the uneasiness caused by the primitive fear of the unknown, imaginative beliefs arise, and false conclusions are often drawn. Sometimes the imaginative beliefs can lead down the path to new discovery and greater knowledge; but often as not they are incorrect paths leading nowhere.

The great thinkers are the ones who are aware of their own biases and limitations, and take them into account when forming an opinion. The average person seemingly cannot do this, as he/she is not conscious of the contents of his own mind and how it arrives where it does; and thus we have, and have always had, few truly great thinkers. This mind-blindness is probably the biggest source of the “unreason” that is, and has always been exhibited among otherwise intelligent people. I don’t see the problem going away any time soon, as long as we humans possess incomplete comprehension; therefore I think we are wise to question most of the so-called intellectuals, and to especially be wary of the self-proclaimed intellectuals of any ideological leaning.

]]> By: FP http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/comment-page-1/#comment-31979 FP Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:50:20 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/#comment-31979 Why are people (uneducatable, crude vicious as they ever were) to be 'respected'? Especially how does it benefit the "right"? In amercia the "consevatives" are the liberals. And the liberals are children and "dark poltical objective" aliens (non natives exploiting the upside down world conundrum that is americanism). Why are people (uneducatable, crude vicious as they ever were) to be ‘respected’?

Especially how does it benefit the “right”?

In amercia the “consevatives” are the liberals. And the liberals are children and “dark poltical objective” aliens (non natives exploiting the upside down world conundrum that is americanism).

]]> By: Mortimer http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/comment-page-1/#comment-31952 Mortimer Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:35:30 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/#comment-31952 I know I am on this "Expelled" trip. But to add to the discussion at hand, I believe in general, the left wing intellectuals' level of dishonesty and stupidity far exceeded the rights' in the last hundred years. The embrace of various totalitarian movements that didn't respect the human rights of the people is crime against humanity. Besides, whole schools of social science were created by the left to advance their causes yet were never properly vetted in any scientific way. Such as, does poverty cause crime or the reverse? But as far as the popular punditocracy, the intellectual level and honesty of the ones on the right has dropped considerably over the years to the level of gossip magazine; cheap shots and name calling. For example, I disagree with Alan Colmes on most issues but I'd rather listen to his show than his partner's, who seems to be all about stupid slogans, vacusos claims of greatness and whatever Drudge or Rush served up for today's outrage. I know I am on this “Expelled” trip. But to add to the discussion at hand, I believe in general, the left wing intellectuals’ level of dishonesty and stupidity far exceeded the rights’ in the last hundred years. The embrace of various totalitarian movements that didn’t respect the human rights of the people is crime against humanity. Besides, whole schools of social science were created by the left to advance their causes yet were never properly vetted in any scientific way. Such as, does poverty cause crime or the reverse?

But as far as the popular punditocracy, the intellectual level and honesty of the ones on the right has dropped considerably over the years to the level of gossip magazine; cheap shots and name calling. For example, I disagree with Alan Colmes on most issues but I’d rather listen to his show than his partner’s, who seems to be all about stupid slogans, vacusos claims of greatness and whatever Drudge or Rush served up for today’s outrage.

]]> By: Mortimer http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/comment-page-1/#comment-31949 Mortimer Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:24:31 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/#comment-31949 Mr Moore, I do not find any fault for someone who believes that God or some other super human entity created life. That is an utterly acceptable and deep question of Theology and Philosophy. However, Unless one was to unearth some superhuman being with the blueprints of life, it is not a Scientific question because there is like, no proof. But to castigate Scientists for doing their job, which is looking for logical answers to natural phenomena, then linking a theory of Biology to the mass murder of Jews and others is the mark of a low grade, dishonest intellect. He may possess a good education and above average IQ, so does Chomsky and Heidegger. Ben Stein has never risen above the level of the average right wing blogger. Funny how cons like you love to spew on Hollywood types except when they are cons Mr Moore,
I do not find any fault for someone who believes that God or some other super human entity created life. That is an utterly acceptable and deep question of Theology and Philosophy. However, Unless one was to unearth some superhuman being with the blueprints of life, it is not a Scientific question because there is like, no proof. But to castigate Scientists for doing their job, which is looking for logical answers to natural phenomena, then linking a theory of Biology to the mass murder of Jews and others is the mark of a low grade, dishonest intellect. He may possess a good education and above average IQ, so does Chomsky and Heidegger. Ben Stein has never risen above the level of the average right wing blogger. Funny how cons like you love to spew on Hollywood types except when they are cons

]]> By: John Moore http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/comment-page-1/#comment-31929 John Moore Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:54:38 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/#comment-31929 Ben Stein (Expelled) is neither middle-brow nor incapable of reason. As one who has read his writings for many years, I believe him to be highly intelligent. He is a lawyer, a frequently published writer, an economist and an actor. His father was the famous economist Herb Stein. Furthermore, although I believe Intelligent Design is wrong, it is far more learned and reasoned than Creationism. Ben Stein (Expelled) is neither middle-brow nor incapable of reason. As one who has read his writings for many years, I believe him to be highly intelligent. He is a lawyer, a frequently published writer, an economist and an actor. His father was the famous economist Herb Stein.

Furthermore, although I believe Intelligent Design is wrong, it is far more learned and reasoned than Creationism.

]]> By: sbourg http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/comment-page-1/#comment-31921 sbourg Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:54 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/#comment-31921 To HARRY SCHELL: Beautiful remarks. I would add, that any book by some leftist like Jacoby, on "anti-intellectualism" is nothing more than mental gymnastics with no grounding, if there's no understanding of the excessive role of govt as promoted by the left, and the stealing of half our earned income by mostly leftist legislators over the past 75 years. We can dance around 6 ways til Sunday, but if Jacoby and the left don't understand that over-taxation is an economy-killer, then we're all sunk. The collegiate-snobbery of the left is appalling. And......they often work at universities and govt entities that have deferred-taxation on egregious benefit levels such as retirement pensions and post-retirement health-care.........so that they receive a larger proportion of "pay" that is virtually untaxed during their working careers. This is NOT by accident. But it shields them from the confiscatory taxation they take from us in the private sector, with our much more modest "benefits". Therefore Mr. Schell..... you're exactly right about Obama's and the left's utter cluelessness on how current tax rates are WAY too high as they currently are......and if they're raised, then God help us. -SBourg To HARRY SCHELL: Beautiful remarks. I would add, that any book by some leftist like Jacoby, on “anti-intellectualism” is nothing more than mental gymnastics with no grounding, if there’s no understanding of the excessive role of govt as promoted by the left, and the stealing of half our earned income by mostly leftist legislators over the past 75 years. We can dance around 6 ways til Sunday, but if Jacoby and the left don’t understand that over-taxation is an economy-killer, then we’re all sunk. The collegiate-snobbery of the left is appalling. And……they often work at universities and govt entities that have deferred-taxation on egregious benefit levels such as retirement pensions and post-retirement health-care………so that they receive a larger proportion of “pay” that is virtually untaxed during their working careers. This is NOT by accident. But it shields them from the confiscatory taxation they take from us in the private sector, with our much more modest “benefits”. Therefore Mr. Schell….. you’re exactly right about Obama’s and the left’s utter cluelessness on how current tax rates are WAY too high as they currently are……and if they’re raised, then God help us. -SBourg

]]> By: tehag http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/comment-page-1/#comment-31920 tehag Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:40:40 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/#comment-31920 >by your reasoning Huh? Even if I likened eating to following intellectual's theories of society, human nature, and government, clearly a starvation diet, that is, the separation of intellect and government, is preferable to letting intellectuals run the place. Less indulgence in greasy, fatty, sugary foods leads to a longer life; less indulgence in faddish or incompetent theories leads to a better government. > theft of intellectual... Alas, there was no theft: intellectuals threw themselves whole-heartedly, fully, and without reservation into supporting mass murder in the pursuit of the Jew-free or bourgeoisie-free europe. If only it were theft. The problem isn't, for example, that Lenin (an intellectual) misused the ideas of Shaw (another intellectual), it's that Shaw vigorously defended Stalin and lied about the nature of Stalinism. In a Venn diagram of intellectuals and honesty, the overlap is very small. > Aquinas, Confucius.. I concede that once a millennium or so, a decent, humane intellectual arises. What Aquinas has to do with intellectuals 800 years after his death and who cannot be said to be disciples of his, escapes me: I'd be happy to have dinner with Aquinas and listen to and perhaps entertain some of his theories of government and society. Wells, Shaw, Sartre, Chomsky... aren't fit for a bowl at the local kennel. They are regarded as the brightest lights of morality and reason in our time and, unfortunately, they are. They and their works should be regarded with suspicion and hostility. > Evolution leads inexorably to Auschwitz Definitely one of the dumbest claims I've seen since... well, the last time I listened to Sartre, Chomsky, Moore, Spurlock, Heiddegger, Derrida, Strauss, DeMan... tehag >by your reasoning

Huh? Even if I likened eating to following intellectual’s theories of society, human nature, and government, clearly a starvation diet, that is, the separation of intellect and government, is preferable to letting intellectuals run the place. Less indulgence in greasy, fatty, sugary foods leads to a longer life; less indulgence in faddish or incompetent theories leads to a better government.

> theft of intellectual…

Alas, there was no theft: intellectuals threw themselves whole-heartedly, fully, and without reservation into supporting mass murder in the pursuit of the Jew-free or bourgeoisie-free europe. If only it were theft. The problem isn’t, for example, that Lenin (an intellectual) misused the ideas of Shaw (another intellectual), it’s that Shaw vigorously defended Stalin and lied about the nature of Stalinism. In a Venn diagram of intellectuals and honesty, the overlap is very small.

> Aquinas, Confucius..

I concede that once a millennium or so, a decent, humane intellectual arises. What Aquinas has to do with intellectuals 800 years after his death and who cannot be said to be disciples of his, escapes me: I’d be happy to have dinner with Aquinas and listen to and perhaps entertain some of his theories of government and society. Wells, Shaw, Sartre, Chomsky… aren’t fit for a bowl at the local kennel. They are regarded as the brightest lights of morality and reason in our time and, unfortunately, they are. They and their works should be regarded with suspicion and hostility.

> Evolution leads inexorably to Auschwitz

Definitely one of the dumbest claims I’ve seen since… well, the last time I listened to Sartre, Chomsky, Moore, Spurlock, Heiddegger, Derrida, Strauss, DeMan…

tehag

]]> By: dirigible http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/comment-page-1/#comment-31912 dirigible Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:14:39 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/#comment-31912 Yes, this business of clearing the intellect of BS is trickier than most think. The path certainly won't be found to the Left. Or to the Right. After pondering the problem for decades, I tend to think that it lies slightly to the right of center. But in a few more decades I may change my mind again. Yes, this business of clearing the intellect of BS is trickier than most think. The path certainly won’t be found to the Left. Or to the Right. After pondering the problem for decades, I tend to think that it lies slightly to the right of center. But in a few more decades I may change my mind again.

]]> By: Mortimer http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/comment-page-1/#comment-31903 Mortimer Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:32:25 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/#comment-31903 Tehag, and Allan Bloom has been hijacked by social activists who are as every bit as anti-intellectual and bullying as the people Bloom mocked, Meanwhile, the right is now promoting a junk movie called "Expelled" made by a middlebrow third tier Hollywood flunky that posits that not only is their a conspiracy in Science against very unscientific Intelligent Design, but that even learning about Evolution leads inexorably to Auschwitz. Well, people had been breeding dogs and observing the wolf eating sheep for a long time, but anyone with any moral sense would not use these items as a basis for society. Also, Science demands more proof and reasin than throwing up your hands and saying: "This is too complicated to occusr naturally, so it proves that an intelligent designer (good old God did it). Tehag, and Allan Bloom has been hijacked by social activists who are as every bit as anti-intellectual and bullying as the people Bloom mocked,
Meanwhile, the right is now promoting a junk movie called “Expelled” made by a middlebrow third tier Hollywood flunky that posits that not only is their a conspiracy in Science against very unscientific Intelligent Design, but that even learning about Evolution leads inexorably to Auschwitz. Well, people had been breeding dogs and observing the wolf eating sheep for a long time, but anyone with any moral sense would not use these items as a basis for society.
Also, Science demands more proof and reasin than throwing up your hands and saying: “This is too complicated to occusr naturally, so it proves that an intelligent designer (good old God did it).

]]> By: P. Ami http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/comment-page-1/#comment-31889 P. Ami Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:56:34 +0000 http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unreason-of-the-age-of-american-unreason/#comment-31889 @tehag By your reasoning, there is no point in eating as eating makes you fat. For every theft of intellectual expression by Hitler, Stalin, Lenin, Castro... there has been the borrowing by Ghandi, King Jr., Churchill, Roosevelt, Reagan... Society requires Rashi, Aquinas, Confucius and plenty more intellectuals who will posit their ideas for improving human interaction based on theories. It is the role of Conservatives to challenge theories, balance them against orthodoxy, and to judge them pragmatically. @tehag
By your reasoning, there is no point in eating as eating makes you fat. For every theft of intellectual expression by Hitler, Stalin, Lenin, Castro… there has been the borrowing by Ghandi, King Jr., Churchill, Roosevelt, Reagan…

Society requires Rashi, Aquinas, Confucius and plenty more intellectuals who will posit their ideas for improving human interaction based on theories. It is the role of Conservatives to challenge theories, balance them against orthodoxy, and to judge them pragmatically.

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