Quotation for the Masses

"A human being is part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest. A kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. The true value of a human being is determined by the measure and the sense in which they have obtained liberation from the self. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if humanity is to survive."

This is a fantastic quotation that I found while creeping through a friends Facebook profile. I am far too exhausted to go into the deep spiritual connections behind the first few lines there, but I can tell you that it is in direct view with my own spirituality, my social consciousness, and my political ideology.

To me, calling myself a Socialist, or a social-democrat if you'd like that better, is more than just a way to look at politics. Its a set of ethics and a set of values that you apply to every day existance. You apply it to your dealings and daily interactions with people around you. Its a spiritual excersize. Whenever I hear the word 'socialism', I envision the definition of 'compassion' going along with it. As hinted above, the truest and most valued traits in a human being; caring, compassion, sympathy, empathy, helpful - all of these are the cornerstones that we build a Socialist-democratic political base from. You cannot have Socialism without these factors, they are integral parts of the foundation of the ideology and must be present to have even the slightest dash of social-democracy. That being said, one place that these human traits are not found is in the very bottom soil of Capitalist theory.

It should be stated, however, that I am a realist - and as such realize that we have built strong and powerful nations by way of Industrial-Capitalism, as well as crude-Capitalism for many millenia. However, it is in my view a nessecery evil that is needed to ensure growth within a nation or society, but it must be kept in line by accountable and public checks and balances. Private enterprise is a great thing for a country if it is responsible and fair in its dealings and services it provides.

But this isnt about Capitalism and its shortcomings, it about that wonderful quote!

I take pride in the fact that I respect the needs of the many against the needs of the few, and the needs of the individual. JFK said it in great words, 'Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country!' Although spoken from the mouth of a filthy Democrat, those words found roots deep within every single American regardless of political preference or standing. Its the belief in the greater Good. Its the belief that there is more to life than personal betterment and personal advancement. It means nothing if those you love, and even those you dont love or dont know, do not get to enjoy the spoils of their hard work in life. Life is infinately bigger than just you or I, but exactly the same size as both of us put together.

Happy Holidays.

That quote above, by the way, is from Albert Einstein.