What are your core values?

[David64]

There are other ways to take things as opposed to simply tea-leafing.

But no, I don't have an issue, moral concerns, or conundrums about stealing from the rich.

After all, that's what they do to the poor.

And they simply could not exist without an underclass to facilitate their lifestyle choices or feed their bank accounts. 

As to having things that cannot be taken, integrity, dignity, self-respect, and honour would be some of those things.

Some of which amount to illusory notions also, but still serve a purpose, imho, the same as freedom and security, and make us who we are in life.

How do you define "the rich".

Are we talking Elon Musk money or just anyone with a nicer house and more stuff than you ?

[andy06shake]

How do you define "the rich".

Are we talking Elon Musk money or just anyone with a nicer house and more stuff than you ?

Elon Musk rich, super rich, part of the problem as opposed to any sort of solution rich, and any other sort of modern-day robber barons.

Hope that helps clarify matters. 

As to people with more stuff than me, do you mean like horders? 

[Ignorant]

I certainly don't disagree with some of the above.

As to why nations fall...............

How long is a piece of string?

All nations, governments, and civilisations fail and fall in the end.

Then rise up and begin again anew.

At least that's what recorded history would seem to indicate.

The point they make in the book is that nations fail because of extractive institutions, as opposed to inclusive institutions. It's a strong argument for democracy, a free market economy and the rule of law in general. I highly recommend it, especially to you, given your posts so far.
 

As to law, without such it all goes breasts-up in a heartbeat.

The problem is that, in both our respective nations, justice can be purchased for a price.

I get the sentiment, but I don't like that this cynical view of the world is becoming such an accepted fact of life. I would say that it's actually mostly false, at least where I am.

[andy06shake]

The point they make in the book is that nations fail because of extractive institutions, as opposed to inclusive institutions. It's a strong argument for democracy, a free market economy and the rule of law in general. I highly recommend it, especially to you, given your posts so far.
 

I get the sentiment, but I don't like that this cynical view of the world is becoming such an accepted fact of life. I would say that it's actually mostly false, at least where I am.

Well, democracy is indeed the best form of government devised by man, even if it is a prison of sorts where we cannot see the bars.

Again, we get what we pay for, and everything has a cost.

As to cynical views, it's kind of hard not to be cynical in today's world.

There is always hope, but a hell of a lot of stupidity on display also every time you turn on the NEWS.

Where i am, it could be a hell of a lot worse, so how does it go again, "make hay while the sun shines".

And cheers for the recommendation, might give it a go.

Im reading "Leviathan Falls" just now, the last book in the "Expanse" series.

[Ignorant]

Ah I saw the show, it was good but I thought the characters were a bit bland and they constantly did stupid things. Is that better in the books?

(I know this is off topic but it's my thread so calm down mods).

[andy06shake]

Ah I saw the show, it was good but I thought the characters were a bit bland and they constantly did stupid things. Is that better in the books?

(I know this is off topic but it's my thread so calm down mods).

Books are always better imho.

Characters are a bit different, and the story is a lot more in-depth.

The show was great, all the same, a shame they did not finish the series, which extends over 2 or 3 more books(i think).

[Oldcarpy2]

My work organisation publishes it's core values.....less said, the better.

[Ignorant]

My work organisation publishes it's core values.....less said, the better.

Haha, mine does too. Don't get me started

[Oldcarpy2]

Haha, mine does too. Don't get me started

Or me!

[argentus]

I agree that most humans are social creatures, however as with most if not all animals, when their population density exceeds the resources, a decidedly unnatural  situation occurs.   When I was younger I lived in various cities and would intentionally put myself of crowds of 100,000 or more (sporting events, concerts, races).   Not any longer.   Very few people, myself included, are completely self-sufficient, however the further you get from that place, the more vulnerable you become.   

I have rules for myself which are my business;  they don't restrain me, but are what gives me freedom to do as I wish within their bounds.   When I was in my early 20s, I became homeless, carless and jobless.   There were a lot of people and situations and organizations to blame, but blame didn't matter.   I realized that things happen to us which we can't control, but we are always responsible for where and what we are.  

I believe in being fair and respectful to others, even when I think they don't deserve it.   I don't expect to be respected, but I do insist upon not being disrespected.   I admire hard work and a person that is responsible for their actions.   I endeavor  to be truthful.   I will occasionally lie to spare someone's feeling.  

Mostly, I believe that people should be as autonomous as possible, which gives them the grace to work together toward their mutual benefit.   If I had to identify a political ideal, I would call it 'Objectivism' -- a term created and endorsed by Ayn Rand.   I believe in a government that supports and takes care of elderly and those who truly can't provide for themselves.   I believe in mentoring those who could use a hand up.   I don't know if all that makes any genuine sense to anyone, or if it just resonates as elderly blather.   It is likely both.