3 ms·

"The nature of reality" is that one must act in a certian way? You're confusing the normative with the descriptive.

• mikeash 10y ago
  I'm saying that countries do act this way. I'm also saying that countries which don't tend to lose out to those that do. That's not the same as saying that countries must act this way, it merely explains why they all do.
  • Symmetry 10y ago
    You're saying that they do act that way but you're also objecting to calling leaders who act that way psychopathic. Choosing to do what is necessary for the continued victory of one's country even to the extent of assisting genocide is psychopathic. Good people, even if they "recognize the nature of reality" should allow themselves to be defeated rather than assist in genocide.
    • mikeash 10y ago
      No, I object to calling the idea that countries act this way psychopathic. Call the leaders whatever names you want, I'm not fond of any of them. But I saw that "psychopathic ideas" business as being aimed straight at me, not merely the people involved in international relations.
      • Symmetry 10y ago
        Ok. I interpreted the remark differently but I think both interpretations are credible.
      • dTal 10y ago
        I'm sorry, I did not intend a personal slight. I understand that world leaders really do think like this, and I even think I somewhat understand why; I just think it's not an acceptable state of affairs because it's a horrible way to relate to the rest of the world, and what's worse it doesn't even match up to how the actual citizens of those countries feel. I would love to think that if we asked regular people their opinion more instead of isolating our leaders in ivory towers away from normal daily life and feeding them scary realpolitik stories, we'd have a higher-trust global society, but (as you say) possibly this only works if everyone does it...