The Two Parallel Universes

Posted on May 17, 2011 by George Scaggs in Opinion

I have finally come to recognize that our world is actually divided into two parallel universes; Intertwined so closely in time and space so as to be indistinguishable they co-exist in a constant struggle, an ever raging competition for dominance over man’s existence.

In one universe resides reality, in the other, a pervasive “worldview” that is something very different.

The first universe rests upon reason and logic, here man judges his fellow man by his character and deeds. Subject to the inescapable boundaries of natural law, man is recognized as the creature that he is, has been and always will be.

In the other emotion reigns supreme. Here man is ever evolving for the better, ascending to some higher plane he presumes to ultimately be capable of altering what is.

In this universe empty words are equated with actions and intent is confused with results. Man’s judgment is swayed by any number of more superficial things; wealth, popularity, skin color, fashion, and the ability to entertain others to name but a few.

In the first, man easily distinguishes good from evil and acts accordingly. He is vigilant in his defense and knows that simply calling evil by another name does not negate its existence nor minimize its damage. When necessary he is more than willing to defeat evil by force, unafraid to exercise extreme prejudice.

While in the other moral ambiguity rules the day. Man pretends that he can compromise with evil, often presuming it is an easier path than confrontation. Obsessed with earthly pleasures and living in the now, he remains oblivious to the lasting consequences of his poor choices.

In the first, the rule of law reigns over all men. Man’s inalienable rights are paramount and cannot be swayed by contemporary philosophies or political currents. Order is maintained by the application of justice without favor or prejudice. Society is strengthened by a vigorous defense of morality while immorality is discouraged by the swift and equal application of punishment.

In the other the law of man runs amok. Consequently, chaos ensues. Here, anything goes, justice is twisted and manipulated by politics, power and money. Man uses the construct of government to grant himself authority over other men. Once man attains enough power, he merely holds himself above the law. Without the consistent application of justice, immorality is fostered and the cohesive society tears at the seams.

In the first, government is recognized as an authoritarian beast that when left untended continuously grows, subsequently intruding upon the individual. Here, man understands the simple equation that for every ounce of government there is a corresponding loss of liberty. As man inherently seeks to be free, a natural struggle between the individual and the state is constantly in play.

In the other, government is perceived as benign at best and strictly benevolent at worst.  In this universe, man is not responsible for himself. He has ceded to the state. The state is man’s keeper and is thus empowered to coerce others on his behalf. As the state grows unabated in slow, incremental measures, man merely becomes conditioned to his consequential loss of freedom.

In the first, the individual cherishes responsibility, utilizing it to create opportunity for himself. Here, man applies his unique skills and talents to make his way in the world by producing a good or service that others demand. Succeeding by honest effort, he provides for his self while also contributing to the greater good.

In the other, man is often but a disgruntled victim, incapable of making his own way he is thus rightfully dependent on his fellow man. Ultimately, regardless of whether or not he can genuinely provide for his self others are obligated to care for him. Here, this behavior is codified, encouraged and glorified by the champions of the benevolent state.

In the first, man understands that learning and accumulating knowledge benefits him. He seeks to be informed so that he may make wise decisions. He empowers himself by the proper application of learning. Here, modern gadgets are but tools for man to use to his benefit, never a substitute for his own critical thinking skills.

In the other, information is presented as entertainment and entertainment as information. Man is obsessed with people and meaningless things rather than ideas or important events. Lacking basic learning skills, here man readily uses technology in place of learning. Becoming ever more dependent upon machines, he eventually loses the capacity to think for himself.

In the first, parents recognize they are ultimately responsible to adequately teach and provide for the children they bring into the world. Here, the benefits of discipline are mutually understood and rewards are not merely granted but earned. Children are guided to succeed, provided boundaries so that they may learn the value of respect, integrity and hard work.

In the other, the parental role is generally diminished if not altogether abdicated to the state. Rather than punished, destructive behavior is enabled so that children are free to “express themselves”. The priority is to feel good about one’s self regardless of efforts or achievement. Consequently the young are ill prepared to succeed in life, becoming easy fodder for those who would seek to manipulate them.

To be sure, clashes between these two perspectives are nothing new. Mankind’s history is dotted with them. But as time marches through our modern era these competing perspectives appear to be growing more and more distinct from one another.

Today, in America, we see these dueling “realities” creating constant friction, resulting in an increasingly divided populace, strained culture and inept government. A critical mass is building.

We would do well to pause and consider, can the two indefinitely grow apart and remain compatible? America appears poised to find out.

Tags: collective, entertainment, equal justice, individual, role of government, thought, worldview