[MD] Problems with Intellectual control of Society

[plattholden at gmail.com]

On 9 Oct 2009 at 10:47, MarshaV wrote:

> Platt,
> 
> I cannot imagine how compassion has a tendency to enable self-destructive
> behavior.  Maybe you can explain.
> 
> 
> Marsha

Hi Marsha, 

The classic example is "compassionate" covering up for an alcoholic to 
"help" her maintain her good standing among friends, neighbors and 
business associates. The principle applies to many other situations 
where compassion enables continuance of self-destructive behavior. 
The largely negative results of the compassionate "War on Poverty" 
illustrates the enabling principle.

Remember Hamlet's caution to his mother, "I must be cruel only to be 
kind." Or Pirsig's observation:

"If you eliminate suffering from this world you eliminate life. There's no 
evolution. Those species that don't suffer don't survive. Suffering is the 
negative face of the Quality that drives the whole process. (Lila, 29)

Platt