Augmented Post

Sometimes I have more to say. From a previous post:

Skepticism, like chastity, should not be relinquished too readily. - George Santayana 

Voters; news media; investors looking for a quick buck; advocates of the latest doom and gloom scam are prime examples of people who throw out their skepticism when faced with a charming personality.

I've thought a lot about why people are so inclined to sign on with the latest doom and gloom scheme (Y2K, overpopulation, Armageddon, etc.). They have been around forever but with the communication explosion their proliferation seems to be going at a faster pace. I originally thought it was like gossip- "I know something you don't know so I'm special." Now that everyone on the planet has instant communication with everybody else, people still sign-on to these schemes. I recently came across the following theory and I present my take on it here, not as Truth but as a thought to consider.

Most of us go abouts trying to improve our lives and the lives of our family. This is self-interest and it is what made this country great and gives us an ever increasing quality of life. On the other hand we are taught from the day we were born that the ultimate moral goal is to be perfectly altruistic (mother Teresa). This places a dichotomy in your personality, the result of which is quilt. You are supposed to feel guilty because you are successful and because of that guilt you need to pay alms to make amends for your sin.

The latest is the Global Warming scenario (Oh, I forgot, we are now supposed to say "Climate Change" because the evidence is pretty clear we are not warming). We are supposed to feel guilty, especially the developed world, and need to make amends by denying that which made us successful and the rewards it brings. Change light bulbs, buy a tiny car, use less, conserve more; not to save your hard-earned money but to amend for the fact you can afford things which make your life more pleasant. The science behind the scenario is not important - it can be bad and lead to flat out false predictions - but what is important is that you assuage your guilt. When the predictions prove to be blatantly wrong there is always another Doom and Gloom scheme to take its place.

So if you are like me these false predictions are troublesome and a diversion from reality. The solution then would be to remove the dichotomy and that can only be done by having an integrated set of morals. Do not  feel guilty for doing things in your self interest (and I don't mean to go out and cheat your neighbor - that would be in contradiction of your moral value of honesty). Let others do the same. Encourage and admire those who are successful (morally). Be generous when you can - as opposed to altruistic because you ought to be. You have committed no sin so you should feel no guilt.