If understanding is a virtue in any sense, then should Modernity be able empowering and encouraging such virtues? If virtues are being replaced by something called freedom.. then I shall attempt to correctly repeat the famous quote "Your freedom will be my oppression".
We live in an age where freedom is discussed without it being linked with responsibility and understanding; even in some instances as a 'virtue' that goes beyond responsibility and understanding. For the freedom to be irresponsible with ones ownself (smoking, drug use, promiscuity) and to be free from needing understanding is a freedom greater than the freedom of the society at whole, a collective freedom which always needs responsibility and understanding. The ultimate end of individual freedoms getting too unrestricted, is where some individuals will obviously oppress other individuals; for one individual to be totally unrestricted in freedoms is to be a dictator.
We need to focus on responsibility & understanding as the most greatest of individual achievements. If everyone is responsible, then everyones rights are protected and so are freedoms. If everyone is dieing for their own individual freedoms and rights first.. think what happens in such societies? To be responsible means you have to have understanding of yourself, your surrounding and the consequences thus far, beyond your own self and your own surroundings. Rights and Freedoms do not give focus as much upon responsibility and understanding; especially beyond oneself.
Promiscuity and the abolishment of the institute of marriage. Does not take into account the need for protection and restrictions of spreads of STDs. What about protecting society as a whole. Is a society more stable with people getting married and having families, or John Lenon's dream of Free Love; which focuses on you have the freedom & right to do it.. yet not enough love to consider the greater society. Marriage and families in contrast to free love and promiscuity, protects our YOUNG from such issues of SEX, lust, porn, and so forth. Promiscuity and free love, is a catalyst to porn, immorality, irresponsibility and the breakdown of families.
I hope this is making it clearer now which of the two pairs is more sensible logically and more in need of.
Responsibility and understanding promotes and protects rights and freedoms in a manner that is not destructive. Rights and freedoms that are promoted whimsically with no regard to responsibility and to greater understanding will ultimately lead to impoverished rights and freedoms.
12 years ago
Posts
