Tom Ellis
Jan 25, 2023

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Thank you, Umair, for this “red pill” of an essay, enabling us to see what is really happening: the regression and collapse of our modern liberal humanist civilization into what Matthew Arnold once aptly characterized as “ignorant armies [who] clash by night.” Scapegoating indeed is at the root of this mass regression: first of “others” (minorities, immigrants, gays, women, etc.) then, even more unnervingly, of ideas themselves (science, critical thinking, human equality and dignity, justice for all, love…) spiraling downward into endemic, random violence (e.g. over 40 mass shootings this month alone, across the US).
One thing I would add to your astute analysis: fighting relentlessly against the encroaching evil is essential as you suggest, but not sufficient. We also need to practice energetic progress in the good: learning, teaching, healing, and creating…massively!

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Tom Ellis
Tom Ellis

Written by Tom Ellis

I am a retired English professor now living in Oregon, and a life-long environmental activist, Buddhist, and holistic philosopher.

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