By Daniel Brouse
August 2, 2024
“Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent.” — Ludwig Wittgenstein
For decades, I have been actively involved in promoting the education of world economics. In recent years, I’ve observed a troubling phenomenon: certain segments of the population appear resistant to educational outreach, a condition that seems to split along political lines. While the majority of the population, approximately 60-80%, remains receptive to learning, there is a persistent bias of hate that obstructs rational thinking among the extremes — approximately 10-20% on both the far-right and the far-left.
On the far-right, this bias manifests as an “us against them” mentality, characterized by white supremacy and misogyny. This perspective often arises from fear, envy and jealousy, leading to a distorted worldview. For example:
- The invasion at the border: This issue is often framed in xenophobic terms, disregarding the complex socio-economic factors involved.
- Moral judgments on government: The government is seen as an inherently corrupt and amoral entity, rather than a system created to serve public needs.
- Attack on intellectual disciplines: There is a disdain for intelligence, science, and economics, driven by a lack of comprehension and a desire to undermine established knowledge. Climate change denial and inaction are the greatest threats to both the economy and the environment.
On the far-left, a similar bias of hate is expressed through class warfare rhetoric, such as the demonization of wealth and the desire to redistribute wealth aggressively. This bias also stems from fear, envy and jealousy, manifesting in ways such as:
- Tax wealth/eat the rich: This slogan captures the simplistic view that the wealthy should bear the brunt of societal costs, ignoring the complexities of economic systems.
- Moral judgments on corporate actions: Corporations are often labeled as inherently greedy or evil, rather than being seen as entities driven by market forces and shareholder interests.
- Attack on quantitative disciplines: Like their far-right counterparts, there is often a dismissal of complex subjects like mathematics and economics, which are perceived as tools of oppression.
Both extremes exhibit a resistance to rational thinking, hindered by deeply entrenched biases. These biases not only prevent understanding but also create a dangerous divide that hinders constructive dialogue and problem-solving in society. The challenge lies in finding ways to bridge these gaps and foster a more informed and rational public discourse.
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