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The problem with naivete and idealism is that they actually rob you of agency and the ability to engage reality on reality's terms. The most dangerous thing yo
by bobthechef 5y ago
The problem with naivete and idealism is that they actually rob you of agency and the ability to engage reality on reality's terms.
The most dangerous thing you can do is to try to immanentize the eschaton. Every time someone tries to straighten humanity by force, the crooked timber snaps, heads roll, and our understanding darkens.
So you have to be prudent about the changes you make. Idealists will always be disappointed by anyone who tells them that their vision, even if ostensibly good, is unachievable and its pursuit harmful.
- jtms 5y agoi had never heard the term "immanentize the eschaton" - i looked it up and learned something new - thank you!
- aidenn0 5y agoWhile I agree that trying to immanetize the eschaton can cause harm, politically the phrase is often used to attack reasonable, incremental improvements.
- camgunz 5y agoI guess I don't super understand this. Is this an argument against coercive policies? Are seatbelt laws bad?