The Dangerous Philosophy and Politics of the Important
Posted: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
by Jean Purcell
OpineBooks.com
Modern American philosophy and politics have, one fears, fallen into a dangerous mis-idea of "The Important." It is "the important" events, people, actions, groups, and ideas that really matter, we come to believe and even, sadly, to look to for answers, solutions, guidance.
We have fallen into this at one time or another and it is nevertheless perhaps the ultimate foolhardy view. It is a view shared on the other side by many people in power today locally and in news-focused meccas like Hollywood, New York, and Washington.
What to guard against is believing this philosophy and political view and attitude of "the important." For the "important" talk, proposals, and ideas are leading to little of positive, free significance.
The significant is more important and is largely at ground level. Going to work to earn a living for one's self-support or for the support and well-being of others; staying home when one could go out, but staying at home to take care of the moment-by-moment needs and progress of young ones; taking care of the sick; making hard decisions for a few or for many that involve one's own sacrifice. These, too, are at ground level, where the significant happens. Whether to march, wait, or pull back. Helping the wounded; praying for those in need, inc luding the poor and those in harm's way-all of these are part of the significant, usually invisible yet not secret, often personally costly, through choices that make positive changes, one small decision at a time. These decisions are so small that they barely cause a ripple, yet they move the waters or life toward better shores.
These are the twin philosophy and politics above and beyond promises, big ideas, and political boasting. They are above fighting and determination to win, to beat the other. Why can't we see that that the significant rests in the hands, hearts, and minds of regular people? As questions come forth, as no "heroes and rescuers" are looked for, daily life can be lived somehow above the fray. Are we ready to grasp that an inward trusting strength from God for all the "little things" help us do and choose significantly well every day?
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Thought provoking article. I believe that if I could not tie my shoes God would send someone to tie them for me. I must always remember to trust Him in all things. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for pointing us to looking up once again.... The "wisdom" of the world is foolishness.....good to be reminded. Marijo
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