Sound Bite
What do we mean by "social progress" and how do we know which way to go? How do the values of liberty and group loyalty, or sharing versus rewards for achievement, come into play at different stages of civilization's development? The author shows how our shared set of cohesive and consistent values built the successful Western culture we enjoy today, which is what allows us the luxury of helping others to a very great extent. He convincingly argues for the family and private property as key elements in building a successful society.
About the Book
While we might all love for everyone to get along, to help the needy, and for the wars to end, we need to explain how people can reach this point in their biological growth and development by promoting social progress.
Liberals believe social conservatives are oppressive white men who worship outdated ideas, and social conservatives believe liberals live in a world where nothing is sacred; life, religion, the nation... We can move ahead if we learn from each other and make decisions based on more than our feelings.
Looking at population growth and increased societal complexity, 'wants' versus 'needs,' and what is fair and what works, the author ponders how to balance the interests and responsibilities of the individual and of society as a whole. In that context, issues that divide Western society today, including immigration and refugee policies, gender issues, and capitalism versus socialism, can be examined critically to see why certain choices are more promising than others, despite some very well-intended counterarguments.
Drawing on thinkers from Heraclitus to Hegel and Haidt, the author presents well-reasoned arguments for a moderate conservative outlook on life and offers readers new ways to think about and evaluate their own arguments.
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