“For centuries Americans have been reading the hyper-individualistic purity of Henry David Thoreau’s life on Walden Pond — the way he cut himself off from crass commercialism and lived on a pure spiritual plane.” This sentence is sadly misbegotten in several ways (Purity? Pure? Maybe in the Cliff Notes version, who knows?), but let’s, for the nonce, just note that “Walden” was published in 1854, and although I suppose one can torture “for centuries” into accuracy by asserting that the plural refers to half of one, the whole of another, and a smidgen of a third, in any normal reckoning 161 years does not centuries make. One hopes that such carelessness isn’t characteristic of the essay that Mr. Brooks praises, though if it were it would go a long way toward explaining its author’s lack of appreciation of a writer who is most valued, by this reader at least, for his profound carefulness (not purity) of observation and its attendant expression.
3
Sorry, but Gladwell's piece on auto safety was terrible, essentially treating the G.M. ignition switch debacle as a big "Oopsie!" and ignoring the simple reality: That the "hero engineers" of Gladwell's piece first engineered an essential safety device that was way too cheap and crummy for the task, but had it installed in millions of cars anyway to save a few bucks; actively deceived the public and regulators by installing a redesigned, hardier part with the same part number to cover up the problems that had become apparent to G.M., while obscuring G.M.'s knowledge of these problems; and then waged an all-out legal onslaught to discredit, in the most shameful manner possible, many of the people killed and injured by the defective part in order to protect the company from payouts. An extended episode of failure, incompetence, sharkish legal maneuvering, and behind-covering that should make us ashamed. As much as David buys Gladwell's Panglossian view of American engineering, I'm not.
4
You must have read a different article. What I read was a profound exploration of the inherent clash of systems between engineers and financial managers trying to reach a marketable price point. I also clearly remember the engineer profiled expressing deep regret the safety review process miscarried by essentially hiding the true capacity for disaster, and a clear explanation of how that happened and can be an unintended consequence of many large scale systems. But then, you apparently think the article was about lawyers. I don't remember any.
1
Not only did Thoreau provide to his cultural descendants a baseline data set on climate phenomena, but a fairer reading than Schultz gave of his principles of deliberate living can help us figure out the changes we need to make in how we live in relation to the earth’s resources and in our common economic life. His meditations on the appeal and dangers of the technologies of his day are relevant to our own relations with technology (in the broadest sense) and its effects. Thoreau’s provocative reflections on how to live and what to live for, his persuasive lyrical passion for the natural world, can help us to mitigate what we can of the changes we’ve made to our world through industrialization and to adapt how we must to them. Readers of Schultz should also read the accounts, in The Days of Henry Thoreau and elsewhere, of Thoreau’s last days and funeral, when he was embraced by his fellow villagers in a way that never would have been granted to the misanthrope straw man Schultz depicts. I say this not just to defend a favorite author (all authors are fair game for fair criticism) but because a misguided dismissal of Thoreau as a cultural resource would be an unfortunate loss for Americans. He still has important things to say to us, for our individual lives and our common life together. I think he will be with us for a long time to come. It seems that at major cultural turns previously unknown aspects of his work and legacy emerge to speak to us, as now with climate change.
6
Sorry, David, but I still smell your politics burning in the next room while you discuss the niceties of stick-togetherness. Do you see your own hypocrisy at all? Your rapacious GOP brethren have created the desperate need for us to battle the me-only thinking that you rail against.
Try taking a hard look in the mirror. Then choose.
Try taking a hard look in the mirror. Then choose.
9
Regarding Junger's essay on PSTD & why America has the highest rate of PSTD in its history, David says "the problem is our lack of community back home".
I've heard a lot of theories about PSTD & as a person with a degree in clinical psychology, it's always seemed to me that an inadequately considered aspect of this issue is our current blindness regarding the MORAL dimension of war. These soldiers are moral beings. The best protection from the psychological trauma of having to kill other human beings is to fall back on moral justification. You need to be able to tell yourself it was NECESSARY. And this was much less the case for a "war of choice" like Iraq than it was say for WWII which is almost universally regarded as a just & necessary war. My relatives who served in WWII would weep sometimes thinking of their war experiences, but they got over it & led full & happy lives.
In my own life, I've sometimes hurt people. These things are never pleasant to remember, but in those situations when I reflect that I had no choice, I feel some resolution & peace & can dismiss the issue. When I'm not able to do this, I feel a troubling, lingering angst.
“It is essential not to lose sight of the moral dimension of war. ……..The War in Iraq did not even come close to satisfying the requirements of a just war.” Ron Paul
I've heard a lot of theories about PSTD & as a person with a degree in clinical psychology, it's always seemed to me that an inadequately considered aspect of this issue is our current blindness regarding the MORAL dimension of war. These soldiers are moral beings. The best protection from the psychological trauma of having to kill other human beings is to fall back on moral justification. You need to be able to tell yourself it was NECESSARY. And this was much less the case for a "war of choice" like Iraq than it was say for WWII which is almost universally regarded as a just & necessary war. My relatives who served in WWII would weep sometimes thinking of their war experiences, but they got over it & led full & happy lives.
In my own life, I've sometimes hurt people. These things are never pleasant to remember, but in those situations when I reflect that I had no choice, I feel some resolution & peace & can dismiss the issue. When I'm not able to do this, I feel a troubling, lingering angst.
“It is essential not to lose sight of the moral dimension of war. ……..The War in Iraq did not even come close to satisfying the requirements of a just war.” Ron Paul
16
Other component are possibly that soldiers in Iraq were not shooting at an organized recognizable enemy who could be demonized but often had to decide whether a person was just some person or the enemy. Also they were in 24/7 stress, always wondering whether they would be exploded by an IED or shot by a sniper at any second, so they developed a 24/7 rabid fear response that did not go away when they returned.
3
Perhaps we could send Congress the Sidney Awards reading list. Not to encourage retrenchment along party lines, instead to encourage each 'side' to consider rebuilding a functional community. That would be one that allows individuals and small groups to indulge their version of perfection in speeches and debates, while taking steps to rekindle comity, like requiring members from wildly opposing points of view to have lunch together. Both parties need to open their caucuses to opposing and able contrarians. The policies that would emerge, tempered by discourse and reasoned compromise would no doubt be sturdier and better serve all of us.
1
I'm confident that Kathryn Schulz's "Pond Scum" will disappear from literary history while "Walden" will live on. Anyone who has read Thoreau knows that he was a little strange. But he was incredibly perceptive and, no, he was not wrong about mass of men leading lives of quiet desperation. Have you, Mr. Brooks, not observed people around you and the lives they are leading quietly and desperately? Kindly tell me how you feel the next time Paul Krugman disturbs your thinking or perhaps as you now contemplate the real possibility that the Republicans will nominate a lunatic to be President of the United States.
13
Cutting ourselves off from society, in favor of the solitary life, may seem romantic and virtuous and "spiritual," but the movie "Into the Wild" painfully exposes that myth. By the end, Christopher McCandless acknowledges that we humans need society. We need each other.
7
When the republican party gets behind a full employment plan to give every American a job who wants one and begins the Herculean task of rebuilding our wretched infrastructure we will see then whether their dire warnings of the welfare state bear any resemblance to reality.
When Hillary Clinton talked about it takes a village she was pilloried (great rhyme) non stop by the right wing press and politicos.
What kind of community do you have in mind, M.Brook?
When Hillary Clinton talked about it takes a village she was pilloried (great rhyme) non stop by the right wing press and politicos.
What kind of community do you have in mind, M.Brook?
9
A valiant Star War attempt to come into the 21st century, wrestling with this crummy cell phone and laptop, let's read what David Brooks has to say. Maybe I should check the fridge first. The supermarkets are huge in CT! No wonder, we weigh 700 lbs. plus.
What's this? Thoreau is a cold-hearted custard? Well, the same might be said of Gandhi then. He remained contained apparently when there was a catastrophe involving hundreds of lives. Iris Murdoch, my favorite novelist and philosopher, wrote there were no 'tragedies'. This has me stumped.
The truth of the matter for this American is that we are neurotic and pitifully self-involved. At least I am. Fortunately, working in the humanitarian community at a young age, changed and stretched my mental horizons. Americans will never understand that President Obama is not 'Black'. They like Trump who is now into scathological humor.
As of now I have met only one person who is an original. Loves America. Well, before wandering off to see what Gemli has to say, I want to thank David Brooks for his column in the Times. Hoping we can read those wonderful exchanges between him and Gail Collins in the New Year.
What's this? Thoreau is a cold-hearted custard? Well, the same might be said of Gandhi then. He remained contained apparently when there was a catastrophe involving hundreds of lives. Iris Murdoch, my favorite novelist and philosopher, wrote there were no 'tragedies'. This has me stumped.
The truth of the matter for this American is that we are neurotic and pitifully self-involved. At least I am. Fortunately, working in the humanitarian community at a young age, changed and stretched my mental horizons. Americans will never understand that President Obama is not 'Black'. They like Trump who is now into scathological humor.
As of now I have met only one person who is an original. Loves America. Well, before wandering off to see what Gemli has to say, I want to thank David Brooks for his column in the Times. Hoping we can read those wonderful exchanges between him and Gail Collins in the New Year.
1
It would be nice to get back to the America that I grew up in. Fewer 'selfies', you know.
The American you grew up in wasn't that great. Talk to some people who were adults then. What you remember is your childhood, and I'm glad it was happy, but not the actual state of the world.
4
I have been thinking about community lately, after having been sick for 4.5 years. (I'm now, thankfully, 80% over it and able to work again, but you learn who is there for you and who NOT.)
It seemed that the more right-wing the person (the more they claimed to want family rather than government to help those in difficulty), the harsher they were to me and the more absent—that is, the less likely to offer even simple assistance (a meal cooked, a load of laundry done), the quicker to push me towards Medicaid and welfare as the fix for everything, and the less likely to simply spend time with me and offer moral support.
Maybe my family are just unusually cold people, but I don't think I'm the only one who's found that community is often absent when it's most needed these days. This has only been reinforced by mobility—people moving for better work. There's come to be an idea that if you do everything right, you won't have problems, that GOOD people don't need community.
The most wrenching moment for me during my sickness was when my then ten-year-old daughter complained to her aunt about a task that she had had to take over because of my sickness that was difficult for her. Her aunt did not offer assistance or encouragement but simply chided her for not being willing enough to work. She WAS willing; she DID do it; all she wanted was a little support and relief, and her aunt made it clear that we were on our own. (Except, of course, for the government.)
It seemed that the more right-wing the person (the more they claimed to want family rather than government to help those in difficulty), the harsher they were to me and the more absent—that is, the less likely to offer even simple assistance (a meal cooked, a load of laundry done), the quicker to push me towards Medicaid and welfare as the fix for everything, and the less likely to simply spend time with me and offer moral support.
Maybe my family are just unusually cold people, but I don't think I'm the only one who's found that community is often absent when it's most needed these days. This has only been reinforced by mobility—people moving for better work. There's come to be an idea that if you do everything right, you won't have problems, that GOOD people don't need community.
The most wrenching moment for me during my sickness was when my then ten-year-old daughter complained to her aunt about a task that she had had to take over because of my sickness that was difficult for her. Her aunt did not offer assistance or encouragement but simply chided her for not being willing enough to work. She WAS willing; she DID do it; all she wanted was a little support and relief, and her aunt made it clear that we were on our own. (Except, of course, for the government.)
8
No Rebecca Solnit or Roxane Gay? Hmph.
Readers who sample Kathryn Schultz’s “Pond Scum” should also peruse several of the many informed rebuttals that have been offered to it, some of which appeared on a full-page special letters section in a subsequent issue of the New Yorker. The Atlantic, which published several of Thoreau’s great essays shortly after his death in 1862, devoted a segment of its “Notes” section to reader responses to Schultz’s piece, which is also worth a look. Schultz’s assessment relies on extrapolating from cherry-picked quotes out of context and in striking ignorance of some basic facts about Thoreau’s life and relations to his community. A good antidote to this misreading would be these four books to start: Thoreau As Seen by His Contemporaries (edited by Walter Harding), The Days of Henry Thoreau by Walter Harding, Henry Thoreau: A Life of the Mind by Robert D. Richardson, and Natural Life: Thoreau’s Worldly Transcendentalism by David M. Robinson. For Thoreau’s amazing contribution to the scientific study of climate change, see Richard B. Primack’s Walden Warming: Climate Change Comes to Thoreau’s Woods. Primack, a climate scientist at Boston U, uses Thoreau’s voluminous phenological data set, embodied in some 700 manuscript charts Thoreau extracted from the seasonal observations recorded in his journal, to measure how much earlier seasonal phenomena have shifted in the Concord ecosystem since Thoreau’s time due to global warming.
7
Thanks for pointing out the Gladwell piece "Starting Over".
Despite rugged American individualism and Bowling Alone, humans are social beings. We learn how to act and think and live from those around us, from our parents and immediate family to extended family to entire social environment. This is why housing projects have been such a social disaster. It does not matter how nice or not they are. The social context they establish is the problem.
They were a mostly well intentioned concept a lifetime ago. But it turns out that financially incentivizing people who are not generally successful to live together generation after generation creates does not work out that well. Instead we get expensive to society sources of social dysfunction and crime.
Yet in New York City we continue to have over a half million people living in these places. Most are gang and crime ridden and the home base of crime all over the city. Some multigenerational families subsidized to live in them create off the books income through crime and become small criminal syndicates. Others live there in fear.
It's not the size of the project, it is the parameters they run on. When award winning town house projects were built, they ended up being even worse than the high rises. Penn South Co-op for example is huge but has worked beautifully for many years.
Despite rugged American individualism and Bowling Alone, humans are social beings. We learn how to act and think and live from those around us, from our parents and immediate family to extended family to entire social environment. This is why housing projects have been such a social disaster. It does not matter how nice or not they are. The social context they establish is the problem.
They were a mostly well intentioned concept a lifetime ago. But it turns out that financially incentivizing people who are not generally successful to live together generation after generation creates does not work out that well. Instead we get expensive to society sources of social dysfunction and crime.
Yet in New York City we continue to have over a half million people living in these places. Most are gang and crime ridden and the home base of crime all over the city. Some multigenerational families subsidized to live in them create off the books income through crime and become small criminal syndicates. Others live there in fear.
It's not the size of the project, it is the parameters they run on. When award winning town house projects were built, they ended up being even worse than the high rises. Penn South Co-op for example is huge but has worked beautifully for many years.
9
Refugees from Europe have been complaining about America's excessive individualism since at least WWII. It is a product of Americas capitalist system. Capitalism is not only atomizing but destructive of traditions. It is one of the odder features of the Right not to recognize their favorite economic systems destroys the very values they promote.
11
The pursuit of an individualistic life can do with a good dose of doing this in a way that fosters both the individual and the community. With the proper use of deconstruction, a cultural and literary critiquing process, an exhaustive process, the final goal is to offer a conclusion of errors found, what is constructive and then offer solutions to perceived errors. An essay that tears apart the attempt to live an individualistic life without offering solutions to their perceived errors and recognition of what was done constructively becomes simply a diatribe of scum itself.
It would be a good experience to have a diverse segment of the population write essays on the sustainability quotient of a constructive life to individualism and community and State and National goals tied to the sustainability of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The need to have respect for ourselves and all others shown daily in our living and the need to understand we are all in this together and the need to respect the sustainability of life in us, others and all life on this planet needs to be incased in each essay. Another theme needs to be how the special interests hijack the meaning of true individualism to use the mechanism of our democracy, government, to co-opt sustainability of life and community to gain more money and control over our daily lives and move us ever closer to crisis and disablement.
It would be a good experience to have a diverse segment of the population write essays on the sustainability quotient of a constructive life to individualism and community and State and National goals tied to the sustainability of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The need to have respect for ourselves and all others shown daily in our living and the need to understand we are all in this together and the need to respect the sustainability of life in us, others and all life on this planet needs to be incased in each essay. Another theme needs to be how the special interests hijack the meaning of true individualism to use the mechanism of our democracy, government, to co-opt sustainability of life and community to gain more money and control over our daily lives and move us ever closer to crisis and disablement.
1
Once again, thanks for the gifts.
"What Isis Really Wants" - I learned a great deal and
now have a new found empathy for Muslims living in the 21st century.
" The Engineer's Lament" - I'm a retired EE, (semiconductors) and must say engineers, in general, do think that way. When we here of, or see a problem of any kind, we first look for solutions and perfect numbers if possible. At such times we might find ourselves in conflict with others, only because years of experience enforce our first instinct, which is to suppress emotions and "Just be logical"!
"What Isis Really Wants" - I learned a great deal and
now have a new found empathy for Muslims living in the 21st century.
" The Engineer's Lament" - I'm a retired EE, (semiconductors) and must say engineers, in general, do think that way. When we here of, or see a problem of any kind, we first look for solutions and perfect numbers if possible. At such times we might find ourselves in conflict with others, only because years of experience enforce our first instinct, which is to suppress emotions and "Just be logical"!
6
make that HEAR of
4
totally gratuitous right wing conclusion tacked on at the end.
1
There is a connection between the brittle rules of ISIS and the asceticism of Thoreau if only in the way some people feel safer with structured thinking to guide their behaviors. The freedom of the West is a like a red flag to a bull as far as Islamic Fundamentalism is concerned. But the individualism of a Thoreau embraces discipline on terms that are more in line with Western values. Discipline is not the enemy of freedom, but a necessary component. The question that remains is, what has our loss of discipline cost us as a society? In 'The Meaning of Sex' it is clear that the loss of virginity as a goal or even respected state of being, has had a huge impact on the collective consciousness. Whatever ones views about women's rights to control their own bodies, etc. there is this caveat: chastity represents not only abstinence; it can demonstrate patience. Patience, or deferred gratification, is what we have lost as a society. Our desires come first, not second. It is this shift in basic values that has made us appear undisciplined to rigid systems such as ISIS [whose sense of control is perverse], and at the same time vulnerable to those who pander simplistic and fast-food versions of governance. A society that 'wants what it wants when it wants it' is an unstable thing.
4
Oddly, other than lip service in religions, chastity has always been a thing for women but meaningless for men. The more patriarchal and abusive of women a culture is, the higher the prohibitions and enforcement of virginity at marriage. In places like the Middle East of course you get inspections of the bride to make sure and maybe stoning to death if they later violate monogamy. For the men, nothing.
It seems like "patience and deferred gratification" is only a thing for the female half of the population. Wanting what you want when you want it makes for an unstable society - if it's women you are talking about. Not men. Has no effect on them apparently.
It seems like "patience and deferred gratification" is only a thing for the female half of the population. Wanting what you want when you want it makes for an unstable society - if it's women you are talking about. Not men. Has no effect on them apparently.
4
The selection of Peter Wood's outmoded and outdated view of sexuality in 2015 America would be laughable if the subject matter weren't so serious. It is important to realize that America is fundamentally changing, and that while fostering antiquated ideas under the guise of serious anthropological study may make individuals sharing Mr. Brook's characteristics feel better about themselves, it will not get them closer to any characterization of the issues facing millennials. If you'd like to read far superior long form journalism concerning the intersections of society's expectations of sex, class, and gender, the Marshall Project and ProPublica have coauthored the remarkable and outstanding article "An Unbelievable Story of Rape" : https://www.themarshallproject.org/2015/12/16/an-unbelievable-story-of-r...
6
Great line: "[Thoreau] sustained the shallow American tendency to equate eating habits with moral health." That writing tradition is clearly not dead, as many Times food and health columns demonstrate. Not to mention the endless allure of snake oil and the headlined claims of various studies. In fact, just thinking about it makes me want to go out and have Whopper Jr. to calm my mind.
7
It's amazing how a critique of hyper-individualism can morph into yet another tired bit of propaganda on how government benefits reinforce dependency.
What about the hyper-individualism of America's billionaire class, David? How about that of Wall St? What is wrong with America right now is that one class of people believe it is perfectly fine to grab whatever they can take, even when that requires bribing congressmen in order to decriminalize their acts or wave prosecution. These people believe that they should own their ninth yacht and eleventh overseas vacation home before a penny is spent on educating or feeding someone else's child. Can you guess what the end game of this scenario is?
What about the hyper-individualism of America's billionaire class, David? How about that of Wall St? What is wrong with America right now is that one class of people believe it is perfectly fine to grab whatever they can take, even when that requires bribing congressmen in order to decriminalize their acts or wave prosecution. These people believe that they should own their ninth yacht and eleventh overseas vacation home before a penny is spent on educating or feeding someone else's child. Can you guess what the end game of this scenario is?
12
DAVID BROOKS Has bestowed upon readers wonderful gifts for the holiday season by sharing his thoughts on writings published in 2015 that are worthy of our attention. His insightful views here and elsewhere are a great boon to readers who wish to become informed participants in the ongoing political conversations that constitute part of our contribution to the workings of a vibrant democracy. Did I say "vibrant"? Well, sometimes our political conversations vibrate too much--they shake, rattle and roll with clamor, chaos and cacophony that threaten to drown out all reason. But speak we must. And read we must. As we strive to keep the flame of Liberty, guttering and wavering, to guide us on our path forward.
David Brooks, Many Thanks!
David Brooks, Many Thanks!
2
Since the basis of community formation is choice not force, the ISIS could never be termed as a community, as the very rationale of the terror group rests on false propaganda and threat of force.
3
Perhaps ISIS or ISIL might be better termed as a 'cult' rather than a 'community'.
3
The reason I read you weekly, Mr. Brooks, is to enlighten myself about the mind of a conservative in 2015.
How, for instance, can you possibly write two columns about the best essays of the year and not include an essay about global warming?
Here is one of the best essays of the year, and the best about global warming, "Miami is Flooding," by Elizabeth Kolbert: http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/12/21/the-siege-of-miami?intcid=m...
"The US Army Corps of Engineers projects that sea levels could rise by as much as five feet; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts up to six and a half feet."
Many of the world's largest cities sit along a coast, and all of them are threatened by rising seas.
But, the most telling part of the article is that Marco Rubio, grew up near Shorecrest, one of the areas most affected by flooding, which is now a regular occurrence.
This is what he said on Face the Nation this spring:
“What I said is, humans are not responsible for climate change in the way some of these people out there are trying to make us believe, for the following reason: I believe that climate is changing because there’s never been a moment where the climate is not changing.”
And, then there's Republican governor Rick Scott who bans the use of any terms related to flooding or global warming.
Republicans, including you, are in denial and are lying. All ideas of rugged individualism and community will be irrelevant very soon, Mr. Brooks.
How, for instance, can you possibly write two columns about the best essays of the year and not include an essay about global warming?
Here is one of the best essays of the year, and the best about global warming, "Miami is Flooding," by Elizabeth Kolbert: http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/12/21/the-siege-of-miami?intcid=m...
"The US Army Corps of Engineers projects that sea levels could rise by as much as five feet; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts up to six and a half feet."
Many of the world's largest cities sit along a coast, and all of them are threatened by rising seas.
But, the most telling part of the article is that Marco Rubio, grew up near Shorecrest, one of the areas most affected by flooding, which is now a regular occurrence.
This is what he said on Face the Nation this spring:
“What I said is, humans are not responsible for climate change in the way some of these people out there are trying to make us believe, for the following reason: I believe that climate is changing because there’s never been a moment where the climate is not changing.”
And, then there's Republican governor Rick Scott who bans the use of any terms related to flooding or global warming.
Republicans, including you, are in denial and are lying. All ideas of rugged individualism and community will be irrelevant very soon, Mr. Brooks.
13
This year's Brooksie Award goes to Ted Cruz for blind willingness to voice intellectual rationalizations of the Republican "southern strategy" and neocon agenda. Best wishes for 2016, Mr. Brooks.
9
I strongly believe that those men who returned from WWI and WWII were, in many ways, as deeply disturbed as any returning vet from recent wars. However, perhaps because the norm then was to "suck it up and shut up" they simply got on with their lives. But I'm close to that generation, and watching my uncles who served and the young men in my close farming community, when they returned, the changes were most often subtle and accepted. They didn't talk about their experiences, they avoided issues that delved into "how they felt". My neighbor, near the end of his life, told me he was one of the soldiers who helped free concentration prisoners. He was never able to attend funerals, and although he was very close to all on our street, each death left him shattered. He had seen of Death all he could bear.
Everyone does what they can, and lives the best they can.
Everyone does what they can, and lives the best they can.
6
So interesting to read and sso glad Brooks is doing this.
4
During the past decade or so, I've learned more from Brooks about what's important than I have from any other single source. The Junger essay he highlights is superb. I've heard the story before, but piecemeal, and individualized, from several of my community college students who are returning combat vets, one of whom worked in the Marines mortuary affairs platoon at Camp TQ in 2004. The trauma they faced may have been inevitable; their struggle to reintegrate into an authentic community is not.
2
The politically incorrect truth is that our military is all volunteer, which means that many of those that join haven’t yet figured out what they want to do with their lives, and the army is a place where they can bide some time, learn some skills and maybe discover a direction. Then when they finish their service, they learn that the skills they were taught do not translate directly into civilian jobs, which in any case are now filled by those that didn’t join the military. Additionally, if they had the misfortune to suffer the traumas inherent in “seeing action,” then they may have two burdens to bear upon returning home; not having a job and having the unshakable memories of man’s inhumanity to man. Israel still has a draft. For them, serving is a patriotic duty and as such should be shared by everyone. Comparing PTSD percentages between the US and Israel is apples to oranges. Ever since Nixon did away with the draft we have tried to define military service as an opportunity and a privilege, but if we truly believe we are fighting for self-preservation, then it really should be seen as a duty. Our volunteer military has served the war machine very well. It keeps the children of the rich and advantaged from having to serve while allowing wars to be fought without public or congressional approval. If America wants boots on the ground, it should reinstate the draft. It just might make going to war more difficult.
Using Thoreau as the example of American individualism might be off point, Thoreau quit being relevant with the advent of television and movies. Every cowboy and action adventure movie, every example of sports hero worship that has permeated our culture for generations posits the self sufficient individual as the ideal male role model. Any person falling short of that ideal is considered not worthy of praise. Our poor servicemen and women are told from a young age that they are on their own.
The commercial culture we have let take shape within our society, whether by design or happenstance, also has the effect of dividing and conquering people. The purpose being that commercially based fulfillment appears as the only option to living a fulfilling life. Participation in community and devotion to higher purpose living works against being a good consumer, the simple act of taking care of people in need is too often attacked as a weak thing to do or need.
The Borg that is corporate America ultimately doesn't care about taking care of veterans re-entering our society unless they get the franchise for providing support. Our corrupted culture for the most part, now has that binary reaction to need, if it pays its good, if it doesn't it suffers.
The commercial culture we have let take shape within our society, whether by design or happenstance, also has the effect of dividing and conquering people. The purpose being that commercially based fulfillment appears as the only option to living a fulfilling life. Participation in community and devotion to higher purpose living works against being a good consumer, the simple act of taking care of people in need is too often attacked as a weak thing to do or need.
The Borg that is corporate America ultimately doesn't care about taking care of veterans re-entering our society unless they get the franchise for providing support. Our corrupted culture for the most part, now has that binary reaction to need, if it pays its good, if it doesn't it suffers.
12
In regards to PTSD rates in the the U.S. military, Mr. Brooks opines that, "The problem is with our lack of community back home." No, the problem is Americans don't believe the last few wars have been worth the cost.
For the most part, the Israeli soldiers truly believe that they are in a war for survival, and they have the strong backing of the public. By contrast, America's intervention in Iraq was entirely pointless from the beginning. The effort in Afghanistan, derailed by the change in focus to Iraq, also came to be seen as pointless. If America declared outright war on ISIS tomorrow, does anyone think that another Pat Tillman would answer that call? Despite the bloodshed, all America gained were a couple of corrupt regimes in Kabul and Baghdad that replaced the previous corrupt regimes in Kabul and Baghdad. That's the painful reality each American soldier brings home after his/her tour of duty.
For the most part, the Israeli soldiers truly believe that they are in a war for survival, and they have the strong backing of the public. By contrast, America's intervention in Iraq was entirely pointless from the beginning. The effort in Afghanistan, derailed by the change in focus to Iraq, also came to be seen as pointless. If America declared outright war on ISIS tomorrow, does anyone think that another Pat Tillman would answer that call? Despite the bloodshed, all America gained were a couple of corrupt regimes in Kabul and Baghdad that replaced the previous corrupt regimes in Kabul and Baghdad. That's the painful reality each American soldier brings home after his/her tour of duty.
11
I make myself read Mr. Brooks and often find the columns interesting, despite knowing that at the end there always is an annoying right wing point that negates my fairmindedness in reading the column in the first place.
This time it is the dumb quote from, ta da, the Weekly Standard, urging us to blame the decline of everything on lost morals, fatherhood, etc., and, best of all, virginity! Wow. How did that creep in as one of the big items?!
It seems no matter what people think of to help the nation and the world in these parlous times, it always includes some form of a smackdown of women.
Give it up! Voting, independent women who will continue to fight for reproductive rights and control over their own bodies are not going away. Tell it to those Republican candidates, please, so they will attend to the important issues facing us today.
This time it is the dumb quote from, ta da, the Weekly Standard, urging us to blame the decline of everything on lost morals, fatherhood, etc., and, best of all, virginity! Wow. How did that creep in as one of the big items?!
It seems no matter what people think of to help the nation and the world in these parlous times, it always includes some form of a smackdown of women.
Give it up! Voting, independent women who will continue to fight for reproductive rights and control over their own bodies are not going away. Tell it to those Republican candidates, please, so they will attend to the important issues facing us today.
28
@bsebird: The misogyny of the Weekly Standard article is stunning. It is especially remarkable for its rigid gender stereotyping, disgust at female sexuality and use of virginity to commodify women. I’d expect Ross Douthat to recommend this kind of drek; it is shocking to see David Brooks do so.
6
I have just begun reading the article, but came across this, "Combat veterans are no more likely to kill themselves than veterans who were never under fire." Why does the author assume those never under fire don't suffer the same trauma as those under fire? It might be worse.
3
The quoted statement in Brooks' article only means we are to accept that combat has no effect on suicide rates in the military. IT MEANS ABSOILUTELY NOTHING AS AN ISOLATED STATISTIC BEACUSE THERE ARE CAUSES AND EFFECTS THAT MAKE UP THIS PERCENTAGEThe statistic that is meaningful is the ratio of the number of personal seriously take suicide as a choice and do not commit suicide. The possibility in my mind is this; that combat has a greatly higher percentage of thinking of a serious suicide attempt than do non-combatants. Also, that the combatants have a high percentage of those that choose not to follow through. And yes, the lack of a cohesive community on human terms with each other is a problem for every American.
1
For the very reasons Brooks cites regarding veterans and PTSD, I find myself seeking to avoid them more and more. They never seem to "come home."
They are always "at war" with something or someone; they cannot live and let live. They must always tell you what is wrong with this or that, and tell you every single day. And I am in no way referring only to their opinions of Hillary or Obama or Pelosi or Reid.
They are strangers in a strange land, having fought for their country but hating the government and the rest who did not serve.
Maybe because we have a volunteer force we get a recruit with a certain predisposition to this dangerous mind set.
After all, in Israel everyone is drafted and their suicide rate cited by Brooks is 1%.
They are always "at war" with something or someone; they cannot live and let live. They must always tell you what is wrong with this or that, and tell you every single day. And I am in no way referring only to their opinions of Hillary or Obama or Pelosi or Reid.
They are strangers in a strange land, having fought for their country but hating the government and the rest who did not serve.
Maybe because we have a volunteer force we get a recruit with a certain predisposition to this dangerous mind set.
After all, in Israel everyone is drafted and their suicide rate cited by Brooks is 1%.
10
Individualism has always been an avenue open to Europeans. Hermits and recluses were honored. Eccentrics were entertaining, sometimes.
Divisions in America aren't always based on individual psychology. Denmark, one of the happy countries of the world, has very conservative populations on its outer islands, while Copenhagen has long been a laboratory for communal living. Corporations don't like communes. Big Business prefers a home with at least three TV sets, at least two cars, and bundles of "devices." That's the norm presented by our dominant business model.
It's too easy to confuse personal choice with economic and commercial prodding.
Divisions in America aren't always based on individual psychology. Denmark, one of the happy countries of the world, has very conservative populations on its outer islands, while Copenhagen has long been a laboratory for communal living. Corporations don't like communes. Big Business prefers a home with at least three TV sets, at least two cars, and bundles of "devices." That's the norm presented by our dominant business model.
It's too easy to confuse personal choice with economic and commercial prodding.
9
The first round selected from more obscure small-circulation publications, whereas these are from magazines your public library is likely to have. I confess I laughed mightily at the one debunking Thoreau, as even back in my youth (the Sixties, when Thoreau was very fashionable) I thought Walden was overrated and Thoreau a pretentious, bloviating jerk. I also thought Graeme Wood on ISIS was on the money. I missed the Gladwell and Junger pieces and will be sure to read them. (Not going to bother with the comments, though. I can read the essays or the comments. The choice is clear.)
Good Solstice and Io Saturnalia.
Good Solstice and Io Saturnalia.
3
"Young men flock to this caliphate wannabe precisely because they want to be embraced in the tight legal strictures ISIS commands."
That is a false, narrow-minded, entirely partisan explanation that deliberately ignores the things reported in this paper on Sunday about the other motives of those young men, the rest of what ISIS offers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/20/opinion/sunday/militant-jihads-softer-...
We are not fighting only their "tight legal strictures" but also all the other appeals they have.
During WW2, the British government published a White Paper on the Nazis, which pointed to the other actual appeals of the Nazis. The conclusion was that the British had to offer the same sorts of positives.
The White Paper concluded that the British did not have the negatives of the Nazis, but they also did not have many of the (claimed) positives. From that grew their national medical service, and their safety net, which had not come from the Depression because they had no FDR-equivalent.
Post-War Britain grew from the thinking of that White Paper. It is a fascinating read, and not too long. It is the New Deal in a Paper.
If we are to defeat ISIS throughout the Middle East, and all the rest of the wild thinking like it, we must offer positives too, not just death from above by decades of drones.
We must offer them a positive appeal, as the White Paper urged on the British Government.
Now really, what does our side offer? Saudi Arabia? That is an offer?
That is a false, narrow-minded, entirely partisan explanation that deliberately ignores the things reported in this paper on Sunday about the other motives of those young men, the rest of what ISIS offers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/20/opinion/sunday/militant-jihads-softer-...
We are not fighting only their "tight legal strictures" but also all the other appeals they have.
During WW2, the British government published a White Paper on the Nazis, which pointed to the other actual appeals of the Nazis. The conclusion was that the British had to offer the same sorts of positives.
The White Paper concluded that the British did not have the negatives of the Nazis, but they also did not have many of the (claimed) positives. From that grew their national medical service, and their safety net, which had not come from the Depression because they had no FDR-equivalent.
Post-War Britain grew from the thinking of that White Paper. It is a fascinating read, and not too long. It is the New Deal in a Paper.
If we are to defeat ISIS throughout the Middle East, and all the rest of the wild thinking like it, we must offer positives too, not just death from above by decades of drones.
We must offer them a positive appeal, as the White Paper urged on the British Government.
Now really, what does our side offer? Saudi Arabia? That is an offer?
17
"During the Depression the unemployed moved"
So we should return to the hopeless treck of the Joads across the dust bowl?
We have safety nets now, created from the lessons of Depression. But to Republicans that is the problem.
Wipe out the safety nets, and people would suffer, but they would scramble to survive. Those who did survive would do it on their own without taxes burdening the rich.
That is exactly what this means, "Make them scramble for survival. Hurt them more, and they'll do what they have to do."
Once again, the Republican problem is with FDR. They've never gotten past that. Back to the Robber Barons, when times were good (for us)!
So we should return to the hopeless treck of the Joads across the dust bowl?
We have safety nets now, created from the lessons of Depression. But to Republicans that is the problem.
Wipe out the safety nets, and people would suffer, but they would scramble to survive. Those who did survive would do it on their own without taxes burdening the rich.
That is exactly what this means, "Make them scramble for survival. Hurt them more, and they'll do what they have to do."
Once again, the Republican problem is with FDR. They've never gotten past that. Back to the Robber Barons, when times were good (for us)!
39
Not everyone can experience the bracing, character-building benefits of serial tours of combat duty or a city-drowning hurricane or relentless poverty. One wonders what searing life experience lifted Mr. Brooks to his own elevated plane of self awareness and humility.
36
Good set of essays. My quick and limited by space opinions on some of them:
The Junger piece--soldiers suffering from PTSD--has much to do with legitimacy of war in America; it appears so corrupt, confused, devoid of true men of honor and intelligence at leadership position; the average soldier cannot help in many instances but feel he has been conned, sent to die for the wealthy, unscrupulous, etc. (to die for mere "business interest"). Why? Why? Why? And WHO goes?
The piece on Thoreau may be accurate, but it is no less true we have an industry today which is bent on smashing past heroes of this and that and setting up in their place...what? Who? Kathryn Schultz, writer of article "Pond Scum"? Where are the geniuses in replacement of past people, or better and more noble: In succession of past people?
On Gladwell's piece engineer's lament: Some men build devices. Thousands of people expect them to be safe. But if you really expect them to be safe perhaps we all should have lessons in engineering and design so we don't, say, pick up a gun and shoot somebody with it without reason or even shoot ourselves figuring out how to operate it.
Gladwell's piece thresholds of violence: Conclusion is correct, even "normal" people are becoming violent. Like a riot. Sick society, mob mentality, right wing left wing crowd. Boys of illformed or even formless mind striking out. Where is Canetti today? Good writer, Canetti (Crowds and power).
Only 1500 characters to comment...
The Junger piece--soldiers suffering from PTSD--has much to do with legitimacy of war in America; it appears so corrupt, confused, devoid of true men of honor and intelligence at leadership position; the average soldier cannot help in many instances but feel he has been conned, sent to die for the wealthy, unscrupulous, etc. (to die for mere "business interest"). Why? Why? Why? And WHO goes?
The piece on Thoreau may be accurate, but it is no less true we have an industry today which is bent on smashing past heroes of this and that and setting up in their place...what? Who? Kathryn Schultz, writer of article "Pond Scum"? Where are the geniuses in replacement of past people, or better and more noble: In succession of past people?
On Gladwell's piece engineer's lament: Some men build devices. Thousands of people expect them to be safe. But if you really expect them to be safe perhaps we all should have lessons in engineering and design so we don't, say, pick up a gun and shoot somebody with it without reason or even shoot ourselves figuring out how to operate it.
Gladwell's piece thresholds of violence: Conclusion is correct, even "normal" people are becoming violent. Like a riot. Sick society, mob mentality, right wing left wing crowd. Boys of illformed or even formless mind striking out. Where is Canetti today? Good writer, Canetti (Crowds and power).
Only 1500 characters to comment...
1
"Ah, that our reach should exceed our grasp, or what's a heaven for," wrote Browning many years ago.....back when there was a God in the heavens of many and most wanted to reach out for betterment.
What Brooks leaves out is that during the Depression, folks moved looking for work, whether it was California or the town down the road. They wanted a job. They wanted to better their lives. There were no government programs to meet their basic needs, beyond the WPA camps.
Today, the government largely meets our basic needs of food and shelter, recognizing, of course, that many lives are so disrupted and unsettled that nothing seems to help. For various reasons, we have nearly 1/3 of our population who could work choosing not to work. For far too many there is little incentive to choose to work.
Our government tragically encourages these social maladies by giving hand-outs and no hands-up in return for the votes of the have-nots to keep the political status quo. Communities are no longer what they were two generations ago, nor are our moral standards. We have made these choices at our own peril.
Few, besides Brooks, read long-form journalism. The Sidney Awards may energize the intellectuals among us, but they do nothing for the dependent impoverished. "The gods help those who help themselves" the Greeks told us. Far too many of us today have chosen to be taken care of, and let our lives slip by, and our talents unshared.
What Brooks leaves out is that during the Depression, folks moved looking for work, whether it was California or the town down the road. They wanted a job. They wanted to better their lives. There were no government programs to meet their basic needs, beyond the WPA camps.
Today, the government largely meets our basic needs of food and shelter, recognizing, of course, that many lives are so disrupted and unsettled that nothing seems to help. For various reasons, we have nearly 1/3 of our population who could work choosing not to work. For far too many there is little incentive to choose to work.
Our government tragically encourages these social maladies by giving hand-outs and no hands-up in return for the votes of the have-nots to keep the political status quo. Communities are no longer what they were two generations ago, nor are our moral standards. We have made these choices at our own peril.
Few, besides Brooks, read long-form journalism. The Sidney Awards may energize the intellectuals among us, but they do nothing for the dependent impoverished. "The gods help those who help themselves" the Greeks told us. Far too many of us today have chosen to be taken care of, and let our lives slip by, and our talents unshared.
1
Will read all and consider myself informed, well informed.
"many of the people who left New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina for places like Houston did better than those who returned. That’s because one of the ways to stack the deck against your own social mobility is to live in a community with a transgenerational history of poverty. The people who left broke that pattern."
That misses the point in a way that is typically Republican and racist.
The people who stayed where they were had found jobs and new lives. The ones who went back had not found jobs and new lives. The problem was not what they returned to, but that return selected for failure in their resettlement. Then they returned to no jobs and no life, but at least familiar family, friends, and place.
It isn't their own largely black community that failed. It is the communities in which they did not find a place while away that failed, then the emptiness of post-Katrina Reconstruction that failed. Yet another Reconstruction that failed the same community.
That misses the point in a way that is typically Republican and racist.
The people who stayed where they were had found jobs and new lives. The ones who went back had not found jobs and new lives. The problem was not what they returned to, but that return selected for failure in their resettlement. Then they returned to no jobs and no life, but at least familiar family, friends, and place.
It isn't their own largely black community that failed. It is the communities in which they did not find a place while away that failed, then the emptiness of post-Katrina Reconstruction that failed. Yet another Reconstruction that failed the same community.
11
Book reviews from a supporter of the current Republican candidates for President. I'm not reading any of them.
3
Asceticism breeds fanaticism. By denying human need, we dehumanize ourselves, making it easier to dehumanize others. Throwing an American male socialized to deny his feelings to thrive within the contours of the cruelest form of capitalism into the crucible of intimacy found within a military unit only to have him wrenched out and deposited into a "Bowling Alone", draft free, nonmilitary world would shatter even the strongest equanimity. Other countries are not taught to see others as competitors, commodities and sources of wealth extraction, but as fellow human beings. Bonding and group identity is natural. Rugged individualism is a purely an American esthetic, a peculiar form of asceticism that weakens group solidity and paves the way for intemperate, exploitive rule.
10
America's signature community with "a transgenerational history of poverty" is America's coal-producing Appalachian region. Thousands of families have let generation after generation pass with no effort to prepare themselves for the inevitable end -- because of both resource depletion and environmental unsustainability -- of their cash-cow industry. As with families who stayed put after hurricane Katrina, thousands of families in Appalachia have simply stayed put to the bitter end. For several years now, Kentucky has had powerful Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell continually enabling the region's crippling reliance on the exploitive coal industry, which has enriched just about everyone involved except the miners (cf. Tennessee Ernie Ford's song "16 Tons"). Among Senator McConnell's incessant vituperations against our President is declaiming a supposed "war on coal." Few elected representatives have so badly failed in the opportunity to help both their constituents and the world move forward to a better future as has Senator Mitch McConnell.
26
16 Tons was composed (and recorded) by Merle Travis.
A different version of David's joke.
So there was this world famous medical clinic in Switzerland .....
And one day the top doctor in the place called three of his patients into his office for a meeting.
One was an Englishman, one was French and the other was Jewish.
And the doctor said: "I have bad news and good news for all of you."
"The bad news is I have evaluated your cases thoroughly and unfortunately there is nothing moreI can do to help you. All of you will die within a month."
"The good news is that I will be able to grant each one of you a last wish which can be anything you desire."
Hearing this, the Englishman immediately began to describe a month-long series of elaborate dinners that he wished to have prepared for him by the most famous chefs in Europe.
Not to be outdone, the Frenchman asked that the ten most beautiful women in Europe be brought to the clinic so that he might be suitably entertained by them in the last month of his life.
Finally, the doctor turned to his Jewish patient and asked, "And what sir, may I do for you?
To which the Jewish man replied, "Well, to tell you the truth, I'd like to see another doctor."
So there was this world famous medical clinic in Switzerland .....
And one day the top doctor in the place called three of his patients into his office for a meeting.
One was an Englishman, one was French and the other was Jewish.
And the doctor said: "I have bad news and good news for all of you."
"The bad news is I have evaluated your cases thoroughly and unfortunately there is nothing moreI can do to help you. All of you will die within a month."
"The good news is that I will be able to grant each one of you a last wish which can be anything you desire."
Hearing this, the Englishman immediately began to describe a month-long series of elaborate dinners that he wished to have prepared for him by the most famous chefs in Europe.
Not to be outdone, the Frenchman asked that the ten most beautiful women in Europe be brought to the clinic so that he might be suitably entertained by them in the last month of his life.
Finally, the doctor turned to his Jewish patient and asked, "And what sir, may I do for you?
To which the Jewish man replied, "Well, to tell you the truth, I'd like to see another doctor."
6
Is it me or the term "individualism" is much too often used when "selfishness" would be much more appropriate?
Yes, we did get on the wrong bus (again), back in '68.
Just do it, man! And rock on.
Yes, we did get on the wrong bus (again), back in '68.
Just do it, man! And rock on.
3
I usually look forward to the Sidney Awards every year, but I'm disappointed in "The 2015 Sidney Awards, Part 2." It reads like right-wing propaganda. Perhaps one or more of the progressive columnists for the Times could give us two "annual awards" columns highlighting outstanding articles from other publications. Perhaps Gail Collins could do one and Paul Krugman the other.
When conservatives bewail excessive individualism, they're usually not targeting Ayn Randian libertarianism. Too often it's code for "women should martyr themselves to family, retreating to the domestic sphere instead of selfishly pursuing success in the world." No thanks.
When conservatives bewail excessive individualism, they're usually not targeting Ayn Randian libertarianism. Too often it's code for "women should martyr themselves to family, retreating to the domestic sphere instead of selfishly pursuing success in the world." No thanks.
20
After reading Kathryn Schulz's New Yorker piece, I feel like I've just had a long, one-sided conversation with someone who doesn't brush her teeth often enough. What little merit she possesses as a writer is on full display in her tiresome attempt to make Thoreau appear as loathsome as an unheralded journalist with a very dull ax to grind. The fact that you reference her approvingly in your column, David, is not a point in your favor.
19
I was forwarded that article by a friend who knows that I go to Walden Pond all year round. I had the same impression that you did. Thoreau might well have been a crank but the article missed the whole point. Thoreau inspired many subsequent writers and non-writers to go out into the world and explore the beauty to be found. I meet people from all over the world at Walden Pond who come because they are inspired by his vision. A short drive from Boston (an increasingly unaffordable city) there is a place that welcomes all to come and "breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of the earth."
7
Thank you for these year end essay recommendations, Mr. Brooks, especially for the link to thebrowser.com.
Of course, you have an impossible task, as does anyone who engages in picking "the best" in any field, for one man's best is not so good in the eyes of the others. It is an excercise well worth the effort, however.
If I may add three essays that do not fit your theme, but deserve mention:
Times' own, N.R. Kleinfield's, "The Lonely Death of George Bell" http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/18/nyregion/dying-alone-in-new-york-city....?
The Atlantic's "The Black Family in the Age of Mass Incarceration," by Ta-Nehisi Coates http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/10/the-black-family-in-....
Also, Mr. Coate's tribute to Times' David Carr, titled King David, is worth reading. http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2015/02/king-david/385596/
Of course, you have an impossible task, as does anyone who engages in picking "the best" in any field, for one man's best is not so good in the eyes of the others. It is an excercise well worth the effort, however.
If I may add three essays that do not fit your theme, but deserve mention:
Times' own, N.R. Kleinfield's, "The Lonely Death of George Bell" http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/18/nyregion/dying-alone-in-new-york-city....?
The Atlantic's "The Black Family in the Age of Mass Incarceration," by Ta-Nehisi Coates http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/10/the-black-family-in-....
Also, Mr. Coate's tribute to Times' David Carr, titled King David, is worth reading. http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2015/02/king-david/385596/
3
Community cultures influence us in ways of which we are unaware? Of course. Some of us have said this and related things for a long time, whether discussing religion or racism. The apple doesn't fall from the tree, and a community is rather like an apple orchard.
My favorite phrase here is "high class savagery." Lots of savagery around. How high class Trump is or the rest of the savages of the GOP, I'd hesitate to say.
Never mind, Nollaig Shéan, Nadolig LLawen, Joyeux Noel, God Jul y'all.
My favorite phrase here is "high class savagery." Lots of savagery around. How high class Trump is or the rest of the savages of the GOP, I'd hesitate to say.
Never mind, Nollaig Shéan, Nadolig LLawen, Joyeux Noel, God Jul y'all.
3
I've lately been reminded -- in observing the Republican Presidential campaign, but not only there -- that there is a fine and tenuous line between individualism and sociopathy.
15
I wonder why it is we suffer more PTSD than Israel --- do you suppose it has anything to do with the position from which we fight? Israel fights from a defensive position, giving it a just cause in the hearts and minds of their soldiers and people. The US, well, most of us aren't sure that wasn't a grab for oil last go around. It's hard to keep a soldier's mind square if and when he loses sight of a just cause.
7
The "Engineer's Lament" Gladwell article is one that is a voice in the wilderness re the relationship between that insular world and the one inhabited by most citizens. Notwithstanding the shock value level emotions that surround life and death cases like the Ford Pinto and the more recent problems like it that eventually require that the product either be discontinued or recalled, adherence to engineering standards and codes more often results in the accoutrements of the relatively safe modern world in which we live and enjoy. The general truth also hinted at is that the engineers responsible for designs are often dedicated professionals who engage in the thinking required not only in terms of the strength of materials and function/efficiency of systems, but also the effect of the product (or building, bridge, stereo, etc) on the people it is meant to serve.
From the "it looks different from here" viewpoint, I have seen good projects falter and flawed projects advance over the past 25 years of project managing in the public realm, mostly due to the human factor, not the engineering logic or solution that was applied to the original problem. Thanks for the opportunity to read about the difficulties of engineering design in the context of the human emotions that result. There are probably few engineers out there who have not had a few years of dedicated effort "turn to custard" as a result of public reaction, even at a less than "death threat" level.
From the "it looks different from here" viewpoint, I have seen good projects falter and flawed projects advance over the past 25 years of project managing in the public realm, mostly due to the human factor, not the engineering logic or solution that was applied to the original problem. Thanks for the opportunity to read about the difficulties of engineering design in the context of the human emotions that result. There are probably few engineers out there who have not had a few years of dedicated effort "turn to custard" as a result of public reaction, even at a less than "death threat" level.
5
what about conversation between president Obama and the novelist Robertson in The New York Review of Books.Theach discussion of Christian value was important in this period of reaction.
1
The Israeli Army, which sees a lot of trauma, has a rate as low as 1 percent.
-----------------------------
LOL!
(If you can't see the joke, we can't help you, Mr. Brooks...)
-----------------------------
LOL!
(If you can't see the joke, we can't help you, Mr. Brooks...)
2
American society is excessively individualistic? There needs to be more community in American society?
Apparently American society is not individualistic enough, or the community of mathematicians is not outspoken enough because this is a problem perfectly set for the individual mathematician or community of such.
Any mathematician should be able to describe that as human society moves toward necessary individual, separate minds and talents for division of labor and creation of individual viewpoint resulting occasionally in genius, the human system as a whole is undergoing a process of constant reintegration. Project of community cannot be described as a falling back on a set piece design such as religion or socialism or what have you, it is a constant process of becoming more acute about capability of parts and how to arrange them into more complex whole.
My belief is the neurobiological and computer sciences in their description of how human brains and increasingly sophisticated computers operate will demonstrate a quantum particle/wave type duality between thinking and morality, which is to say we humans call morality certain types of behaviors, and it is exactly certain types of behaviors between parts of brain or computer which give rise to thinking, which means as society demonstrates increased sophistication of community, morality, to fit increasingly sophisticated human parts (individuality) society as a whole increasingly becomes a single working brain.
Apparently American society is not individualistic enough, or the community of mathematicians is not outspoken enough because this is a problem perfectly set for the individual mathematician or community of such.
Any mathematician should be able to describe that as human society moves toward necessary individual, separate minds and talents for division of labor and creation of individual viewpoint resulting occasionally in genius, the human system as a whole is undergoing a process of constant reintegration. Project of community cannot be described as a falling back on a set piece design such as religion or socialism or what have you, it is a constant process of becoming more acute about capability of parts and how to arrange them into more complex whole.
My belief is the neurobiological and computer sciences in their description of how human brains and increasingly sophisticated computers operate will demonstrate a quantum particle/wave type duality between thinking and morality, which is to say we humans call morality certain types of behaviors, and it is exactly certain types of behaviors between parts of brain or computer which give rise to thinking, which means as society demonstrates increased sophistication of community, morality, to fit increasingly sophisticated human parts (individuality) society as a whole increasingly becomes a single working brain.
Once more, David Brooks gives us a very informative column. Once more, he postpones saying the words that any real American conservative needs to say as he watches Donald Trump take over leadership of the Republican Party and conservative movement:
"I will not vote for Donald Trump, period. I urge all Republicans to make that pledge."
Days have become weeks have become months, David. What's holding you back? Or are you really content to have Donald Trump leading the conservative cause?
"I will not vote for Donald Trump, period. I urge all Republicans to make that pledge."
Days have become weeks have become months, David. What's holding you back? Or are you really content to have Donald Trump leading the conservative cause?
8
The hit job on Thoreau was one of the year's worst essays. Thoreau reported on the the collapse of Native American communities and was a lifelong abolitionist, but what landed him in jail was refusing to pay his taxes in protest against Polk's invasion of Mexico. That war, which advanced the interests of Southern planters, was launched with lies and the intense regional and racial divisions of the 1840s still haunt us today. And of course in addition to civil disobedience Thoureau intoduced ecological thinking to American letters. So I suppose it's natural to attack Thoreau if you were a pro-invasion neo-con who supported a Texan yahoo in 2003 as wellas a member of a party that denies climate change.
Gladwell's study of New Orleanians who couldn't return home after getting out of jail in Katrina's wake -- because their homes and neighborhoods had been destroyed -- was unconvincing. Anyone who has spent much time in New Orleans will tell you that a mere accusation often results in a long prison sentence when the accused is poor and black. That's just how it is in New Orleans.. The courts are less savage in places like Salt Lake City, but that's not saying much. Moreover, Gladwell acknowledged that what these people most missed about New Orleans was that feeling of being connected to a community with a rich cultural heritage. Bowling alone in Salt Lake City undoubtedly kept some people out of prison but that fact on its own is by no means an endorsement of community.
Gladwell's study of New Orleanians who couldn't return home after getting out of jail in Katrina's wake -- because their homes and neighborhoods had been destroyed -- was unconvincing. Anyone who has spent much time in New Orleans will tell you that a mere accusation often results in a long prison sentence when the accused is poor and black. That's just how it is in New Orleans.. The courts are less savage in places like Salt Lake City, but that's not saying much. Moreover, Gladwell acknowledged that what these people most missed about New Orleans was that feeling of being connected to a community with a rich cultural heritage. Bowling alone in Salt Lake City undoubtedly kept some people out of prison but that fact on its own is by no means an endorsement of community.
10
The hateful New Yorker piece on Thoreau is based entirely on out of context quotes and a willed ignorance of his journals.
The piece is a perfect example of journalistic careerism wherein a writer creates a countervailing house of cards narrative based on nothing but fantasy.
The piece is a perfect example of journalistic careerism wherein a writer creates a countervailing house of cards narrative based on nothing but fantasy.
10
Schultz's hit piece on Thoreau is laughable. The new kid at the New Yorker staking out some territory by courageously maligning a long dead writer's reputation. A writer can be self absorbed and arrogant? So insightful! I had no idea!
6
"The Israeli Army, which sees a lot of trauma" has never done year-long deployments, extended to 15-months, repeated 5 or more times for some individuals, of constant IED explosions, constant high-order attack. The Israeli do war for a couple of days for limited select individuals every few years, then check points the rest of the time. Of course their PTSD rate is lower.
That is not a problem with American society. It is a problem with American unending wars fought by the same tiny cohort of volunteers.
That is not a problem with American society. It is a problem with American unending wars fought by the same tiny cohort of volunteers.
23
Kathryn Schulz's essay "Pond Scum" on Henry David Thoreau's Walden is a critical look at what is considered an American classic.
Schulz thinks that most Americans feel charitably towards the book and its author because a) most of us read it during high school and b) we cherry-picked only the good parts to remember.
"Only by elastic measures can “Walden” be regarded as nonfiction. Read charitably, it is a kind of semi-fictional extended meditation featuring a character named Henry David Thoreau. Read less charitably, it is akin to those recent best-selling memoirs whose authors turn out to have fabricated large portions of their stories."
So in reality the book was much like today's docu-dramas, kinda true/kinda false.
By not living up to his philosophy, Thoreau's:
"case against community rested on an ersatz experience of doing without it... Begin with false premises and you risk reaching false conclusions."
I feel Schultz sums up Thoreau best with this quote:
"the man who emerges in “Walden” is far closer in spirit to Ayn Rand: suspicious of government, fanatical about individualism, egotistical, élitist, convinced that other people lead pathetic lives yet categorically opposed to helping them. It is not despite but because of these qualities that Thoreau makes such a convenient national hero."
So apparently Thoreau would make a great Republican Presidential candidate too!
It is a thought-provoking piece, definitely read it if you get the chance.
#FeelTheBern
Schulz thinks that most Americans feel charitably towards the book and its author because a) most of us read it during high school and b) we cherry-picked only the good parts to remember.
"Only by elastic measures can “Walden” be regarded as nonfiction. Read charitably, it is a kind of semi-fictional extended meditation featuring a character named Henry David Thoreau. Read less charitably, it is akin to those recent best-selling memoirs whose authors turn out to have fabricated large portions of their stories."
So in reality the book was much like today's docu-dramas, kinda true/kinda false.
By not living up to his philosophy, Thoreau's:
"case against community rested on an ersatz experience of doing without it... Begin with false premises and you risk reaching false conclusions."
I feel Schultz sums up Thoreau best with this quote:
"the man who emerges in “Walden” is far closer in spirit to Ayn Rand: suspicious of government, fanatical about individualism, egotistical, élitist, convinced that other people lead pathetic lives yet categorically opposed to helping them. It is not despite but because of these qualities that Thoreau makes such a convenient national hero."
So apparently Thoreau would make a great Republican Presidential candidate too!
It is a thought-provoking piece, definitely read it if you get the chance.
#FeelTheBern
2
It's a pretty gross misreading to compare Thoreau to Ayn Rand. Randians sometimes use him as alleged precedent, but they're misreading him as well. Thoreau's view of the superiority of individual conscience over conventional morality aligns more appropriately with Rosa Parks.
1
"During the Depression the unemployed moved, often to California. But that’s hard to do now."
A major reason is that immigrants beat Americans to the more promising places in America. If you want to help your fellow American citizens be more economically mobile, you need to demand lower immigration.
A major reason is that immigrants beat Americans to the more promising places in America. If you want to help your fellow American citizens be more economically mobile, you need to demand lower immigration.
Many thanks Mr. Brooks for these essays. They are a perfect holiday gift. I should busy myself with them over the hols.
Feliz navidad!
Feliz navidad!
I remember learning in social studies class back in elementary school, before the curriculum in the higher grades divided that into geography and history, that over time human society had undergone a process of specialization and that this was a positive development. So I am hesitant to ask what follows, because it can easily be answered with, "I'm a specialist in ideas," but I'd like to read an essay on how these, or any other, essays have affected the way the columnist lives his life. One of the big influences on my view of doing history was Ramsay MacMullen, professor of Roman history at Yale, who was quite impatient with a narrow focus on intellectual history, and I guess I am wondering whether, if we think about current events as what will eventually become what we look at as history, we can make that connection between reading about ideas and how we live our lives in the present tense.
10
The majority of Americans don't do "ideas" and certainly don't read about them. Yet they shape our affairs and our history.
3
Junger has a point about veterans. Someone in our family has served in every war since the civil war (including myself and most recently a nephew who did three tours in the middle east). One thing I learned from talking with uncles (WW1 and WW2) was the pace of reentry to civilian life. Those from I and II generally traveled by ship, with their buddies. Starting with Vietnam, for many of us, it was one day you were there, a flight home, and an instant return to civilian life. My nephew felt it the most in his guard unit. One day doing his day job, deployed over there, seeing buddies killed and coming back and being expected to resume his civilian life the day after he returned (it happened two out of the three deployments). That rapid dislocation was most disorienting.
51
I am depressed after reading about your choices, Mr. Brooks, particularly when contrasting them to today's society,
First, the man worshiped by the intellectuals of Concord in 19th century America, and even many today. You certainly burst my bubble with this quite from "Pond Scum": "Thoreau was a misanthropic, arrogant, self-righteous prig. He was coldhearted in the face of others’ suffering." This reminds me of certain politicians in the GOP, as well as our growing culture of cruelty nourished online where posters vent their anger in the safety of anonymity,
Then the article about returning Vets, who find no welcome or easy way to integrate into American communities. This author didn't mention it, but he should have: vets, with all their experience and leadership skills, often have a tough time landing a job. Could unemployment play a big part in the angst of vets who lose not only a sense of belonging but the social approval and income of work?
I'd heard that joke about the engineer--not sure what the point was, except I noted a sort of callous, but practical, disregard for blindness. More of, every man for himself.
American individualism is great until it isn't. How society balances approval for individualism with the need for strong communities can be an indicator of a country's overall health. Looking at your choices, Mr. Brooks, I see more proof that the "haves" are doing a good job of keeping the "have nots" in their place.
First, the man worshiped by the intellectuals of Concord in 19th century America, and even many today. You certainly burst my bubble with this quite from "Pond Scum": "Thoreau was a misanthropic, arrogant, self-righteous prig. He was coldhearted in the face of others’ suffering." This reminds me of certain politicians in the GOP, as well as our growing culture of cruelty nourished online where posters vent their anger in the safety of anonymity,
Then the article about returning Vets, who find no welcome or easy way to integrate into American communities. This author didn't mention it, but he should have: vets, with all their experience and leadership skills, often have a tough time landing a job. Could unemployment play a big part in the angst of vets who lose not only a sense of belonging but the social approval and income of work?
I'd heard that joke about the engineer--not sure what the point was, except I noted a sort of callous, but practical, disregard for blindness. More of, every man for himself.
American individualism is great until it isn't. How society balances approval for individualism with the need for strong communities can be an indicator of a country's overall health. Looking at your choices, Mr. Brooks, I see more proof that the "haves" are doing a good job of keeping the "have nots" in their place.
72
I guess he missed "Sam Stone" by John Prine.
2
The point of the joke is that the engineer is the one who thinks about solving the problem, which is the conflict created by the blind firefighters playing slowly, which can be resolved by having them play after dark when no one else can play. Also stereotypically, the engineer does not appreciate the emotional response to the proposed solution, which is that it seems callous.
2
Thanks for the collegial distraction from reality, Lord Brooks; no one does a leisurely, endless roll in the literary hay better than you and your didactic dispatches.
I will take my cue from commenter #1, a wise 95-year-old Jewish poet and sage, Larry Eisenberg, who wisely points us toward the brilliant writing of the wise 79-year-old Catholic Pope Francis in Laudato Si'.
As the nation prepares for its 70 degree Christmas, perhaps it's time that society removes its collective head from its idiotic Christmas sand and reread a few words from the earnest Pope's essay as we gently bake our only home into environmental oblivion.
"Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the last two hundred years" says the Pope as he describes a relentless exploitation and destruction of the environment, for which he blames apathy, the reckless pursuit of profits, excessive faith in technology and political shortsightedness.
"We know that technology based on the use of highly polluting fossil fuels – especially coal, but also oil and, to a lesser degree, gas – needs to be progressively replaced without delay".
Separately, the Pope said we don't have to breed "like rabbits"...good advice for demographic deniers hooked on medieval 'be fruitful and multiply' nihilism.
The good Pope's comments were kindly met with right-wing denials offering an earnest plea for more nutritious coal, filthy fossil fuels and other 19th century technology and greed.
Listen to IL PAPA !
I will take my cue from commenter #1, a wise 95-year-old Jewish poet and sage, Larry Eisenberg, who wisely points us toward the brilliant writing of the wise 79-year-old Catholic Pope Francis in Laudato Si'.
As the nation prepares for its 70 degree Christmas, perhaps it's time that society removes its collective head from its idiotic Christmas sand and reread a few words from the earnest Pope's essay as we gently bake our only home into environmental oblivion.
"Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the last two hundred years" says the Pope as he describes a relentless exploitation and destruction of the environment, for which he blames apathy, the reckless pursuit of profits, excessive faith in technology and political shortsightedness.
"We know that technology based on the use of highly polluting fossil fuels – especially coal, but also oil and, to a lesser degree, gas – needs to be progressively replaced without delay".
Separately, the Pope said we don't have to breed "like rabbits"...good advice for demographic deniers hooked on medieval 'be fruitful and multiply' nihilism.
The good Pope's comments were kindly met with right-wing denials offering an earnest plea for more nutritious coal, filthy fossil fuels and other 19th century technology and greed.
Listen to IL PAPA !
149
I cannot but wonder at the joy you must feel awaiting each of Brooks' pieces. Each time there's an early morning, quite long disparagement of anything he writes.
To quote reader Bos' response to gemli this morning, "Certainly, Mr Brooks has his own philosophical viewpoint in politics and deserves a loyal opposition; but when someone finds faults in everything, it may cheapen the opposing view."
To quote reader Bos' response to gemli this morning, "Certainly, Mr Brooks has his own philosophical viewpoint in politics and deserves a loyal opposition; but when someone finds faults in everything, it may cheapen the opposing view."
2
'Tis quite odd to be reading Brooks's ideas as to how hoi polloi should conduct their lives with less ' expressive individualism ', while searching in vain for Brooks's pieces assailing ' expressive individualism ' in the form of procured political and economic favors by the Oligarchs which define his GOP, does it not ?
Quite the quandary.
Quite the quandary.
5
All true...but the Pope needs to come into the 20th century with regard to birth control. It's one thing to say that we don't have to "breed like rabbits," but it is quite a different thing to be standing in the way of implementing the one thing that is best designed and most likely to prevent us from "breeding like rabbits."
Not to mention also reducing the number of abortions, many of which are directly due to failure to use effective birth control methods.
I like this pope, but he still has a log in his eye on this issue.
Not to mention also reducing the number of abortions, many of which are directly due to failure to use effective birth control methods.
I like this pope, but he still has a log in his eye on this issue.
4
Unlike Thoreau, most of us need some form of belonging, some form of community. ISIS and similar communities merely represent the most extreme need for community, in which we don’t merely live within a comfortable framework but surrender utterly to its demands for conformity. These seem to be pretty weak forms of community, since what threatens them most is NON-conformity. Those who seek to destroy these communities can attack them effectively with what Mustafa Akyol, in an op-ed published here yesterday, calls “irja”, or the quality of tolerance in Islam – not surprising that ISIS regards “irja” as one of its most dangerous challenges. The moral of these essays seems to be that one should seek communities that have bend in them.
Individualism is the great ideological dividing concept in America. The forces of collectivism and individual self-sufficiency have divided us, to one extent or another, for all of our history. The extreme individualism of the far-far-right, which conceives of an America of five winners and 319 million losers, always struck me as unworkable, not to mention inhuman. The flip-side, emblemized by a guaranteed income and cradle-to-grave freedom from the fear of want, strikes me as the straightest line to a frozen humanity, incapable of moving forward for the lack of any goads to do so. I guess the moral here is that moderation in all things is best.
Thanks again to David for pointing out these essays that might profitably occupy our night tables.
Individualism is the great ideological dividing concept in America. The forces of collectivism and individual self-sufficiency have divided us, to one extent or another, for all of our history. The extreme individualism of the far-far-right, which conceives of an America of five winners and 319 million losers, always struck me as unworkable, not to mention inhuman. The flip-side, emblemized by a guaranteed income and cradle-to-grave freedom from the fear of want, strikes me as the straightest line to a frozen humanity, incapable of moving forward for the lack of any goads to do so. I guess the moral here is that moderation in all things is best.
Thanks again to David for pointing out these essays that might profitably occupy our night tables.
18
So, you would rather have children live in extreme poverty and hunger just so they will not grow-up to be dependent on the state?
Yes, in a general sense, moderation in all things is preferred.
Yet, you admit that you have almost always voted for Republicans who have embraced the rugged, extreme individualism you claim to abhor.
A "cradle-to-grave freedom from want" could have an insidious side-effect of installing indolence in people and retarding creativity and self-reliance. On the other hand, knowing that one's basic needs will be guaranteed can also create a freedom for some people to invent and create.
I would rather err on the side of helping people. It's possible to provide enough "fish" for a child to eat for life while also teaching that child to "fish" on his or her own. The only thing preventing us from doing so is a dominance by those with a vested interest in keeping the masses down.
Yes, in a general sense, moderation in all things is preferred.
Yet, you admit that you have almost always voted for Republicans who have embraced the rugged, extreme individualism you claim to abhor.
A "cradle-to-grave freedom from want" could have an insidious side-effect of installing indolence in people and retarding creativity and self-reliance. On the other hand, knowing that one's basic needs will be guaranteed can also create a freedom for some people to invent and create.
I would rather err on the side of helping people. It's possible to provide enough "fish" for a child to eat for life while also teaching that child to "fish" on his or her own. The only thing preventing us from doing so is a dominance by those with a vested interest in keeping the masses down.
50
Kevin:
Sorry, but the choices available aren't limited to "children living in extreme poverty" or being utterly "dependent on the state". Neither option is viable or human. But infinite programs to mitigate one at the expense of the other while pillaging the earnings of Americans isn't viable, either. Clearly, that's a major reason why the only real seat of power you guys still hold is the presidency, and you may lose that soon, as well -- it's not as if the presidency has been a Democratic preserve since after Truman. All those poor children and their parents dream someday of NOT being poor, and don't want to trade poverty for enslavement.
Your speculation that freedom from want could free people to create and invent is a nice, Kumbaya sentiment, but it remains utter speculation with very little to commend it. How creative and inventive are the most socialist European countries, such as Denmark and Finland? They live well and invent practically nothing. To most of us, it's a pretty bad trade, only supportable because the Denmarks and Finlands have US to do their creating and inventing FOR them.
Sorry, but the choices available aren't limited to "children living in extreme poverty" or being utterly "dependent on the state". Neither option is viable or human. But infinite programs to mitigate one at the expense of the other while pillaging the earnings of Americans isn't viable, either. Clearly, that's a major reason why the only real seat of power you guys still hold is the presidency, and you may lose that soon, as well -- it's not as if the presidency has been a Democratic preserve since after Truman. All those poor children and their parents dream someday of NOT being poor, and don't want to trade poverty for enslavement.
Your speculation that freedom from want could free people to create and invent is a nice, Kumbaya sentiment, but it remains utter speculation with very little to commend it. How creative and inventive are the most socialist European countries, such as Denmark and Finland? They live well and invent practically nothing. To most of us, it's a pretty bad trade, only supportable because the Denmarks and Finlands have US to do their creating and inventing FOR them.
2
"The flip-side, emblemized by a guaranteed income and cradle-to-grave freedom from the fear of want, strikes me as the straightest line to a frozen humanity, incapable of moving forward for the lack of any goads to do so."
Except that in lots of science fiction (like Star Trek) once people are freed from mundane day-to-day survival needs then they have more time for higher pursuits, like performing scientific research and exploring the universe.
Many of us are not motivated by the pursuit of power and money. A good example are teachers, many teach in spite of bad pay and terrible working conditions because it is like a calling to them.
Guaranteed income would free teachers from having to constantly worry about survival, which would give them more time to become better teachers. Both the teachers and society would benefit.
If you are the pathological sort and find you need to make large sums of money and gain power over then others the opportunity to do so would still be there.
Except that in lots of science fiction (like Star Trek) once people are freed from mundane day-to-day survival needs then they have more time for higher pursuits, like performing scientific research and exploring the universe.
Many of us are not motivated by the pursuit of power and money. A good example are teachers, many teach in spite of bad pay and terrible working conditions because it is like a calling to them.
Guaranteed income would free teachers from having to constantly worry about survival, which would give them more time to become better teachers. Both the teachers and society would benefit.
If you are the pathological sort and find you need to make large sums of money and gain power over then others the opportunity to do so would still be there.
29
Perhaps the PTSD situation in The Israeli Army is distorted because Israel is in a perpetual state of war and the residual destructive energy is directed against the non Israelis. The us-versus-them mentality is a powerful force. It is important to stress not everyone behave that way, of course, but one cannot deny the relationship of Israel and Iran, and vice versa, is no different from Russia and the West or even Myanmar and its Rohingya minorities. So whether it is anger turning inward as in suicide, or towrard as in homicide, or systemic genocide, the battle is indeed raging far from the battlefield. Of course, nothing is context free. while the WWII veterans also suffered shell shock, perhaps they could rationalize it. Indeed, they were righting wrongs. But when sufferers have no reason to fall back on, then they may take to drugs to numb the feeling, or turn on themselves or others.
5
If there is one thing this country does NOT need,
it is the example of the Israeli military being held up
as inspirational.
Talk about the American police taking the law into their own hands...
it is the example of the Israeli military being held up
as inspirational.
Talk about the American police taking the law into their own hands...
7
It’s ironic that a guy who has single-handedly cornered the punditry profession is always knocking individualism. Brooks is a man of all media who uses his high pulpit to promote quiet obedience for the rest of us while he prattles on about the joys of conservatism.
One joy is military service, or it would be, says Brooks, if the U.S. was more enthusiastic about being on a constant war footing, like Israel. Their soldiers don’t suffer as much from moral injuries on the battlefield that lead to depression and suicide. It turns out that it’s our fault for not embracing the permanent war mentality that people like Cheney and Bush tried to create. We should show a little more enthusiasm when we welcome back the broken bodies and minds of those who return from pointless, endless war.
Not all wars are fought with bombs and guns. Some wars are economic, and can stretch on for generations, as they have in my home town of New Orleans. One reason some of the poorest evacuees never returned was because wealthy developers sought to block redevelopment efforts of the poorest parts of the city in an effort to discourage the poor from returning. With a president like Bush and a governor like Bobby Jindal, there was a perfect storm of cluelessness and malevolence that made Katrina look like a summer shower by comparison.
Anyway, the citizenry isn't the problem. If you want an example of the dangers of excessive individualism, check out the conservative candidates for president.
One joy is military service, or it would be, says Brooks, if the U.S. was more enthusiastic about being on a constant war footing, like Israel. Their soldiers don’t suffer as much from moral injuries on the battlefield that lead to depression and suicide. It turns out that it’s our fault for not embracing the permanent war mentality that people like Cheney and Bush tried to create. We should show a little more enthusiasm when we welcome back the broken bodies and minds of those who return from pointless, endless war.
Not all wars are fought with bombs and guns. Some wars are economic, and can stretch on for generations, as they have in my home town of New Orleans. One reason some of the poorest evacuees never returned was because wealthy developers sought to block redevelopment efforts of the poorest parts of the city in an effort to discourage the poor from returning. With a president like Bush and a governor like Bobby Jindal, there was a perfect storm of cluelessness and malevolence that made Katrina look like a summer shower by comparison.
Anyway, the citizenry isn't the problem. If you want an example of the dangers of excessive individualism, check out the conservative candidates for president.
137
This seems to illustrate the difference between individualism and misanthropy in an analogous way. Certainly, Mr Brooks has his own philosophical viewpoint in politics and deserves a loyal opposition; but when someone finds faults in everything, it may cheapen the opposing view. For example, there are some people faithful to Sen McCain and deservedly so. After all, no matter how much he has changed, he did not aligned himself with the Tea Party crowd who would pick on President Obama no matter what. He stood up for Mr Obama even to his rabid supporters when truth matters (nonsense like the latter was not American). Perhaps something from which one can learn
22
I know everyone loves what you write each and every day, and the NYT has recognized you for this fact, but haven't you kind of missed the point here?
3
Priceless, yet again!
3
"Over the decades, combat deaths have dropped while PTSD rates have risen. The Israeli Army, which sees a lot of trauma, has a rate as low as 1 percent"...."The problem doesn't seem to be trauma on the battlefield so much as re-entry into society. People in military service are surrounded by close comradeship... the problem is with our lack of community back home".
Israel is a small country. Veterans of combat units serve in the reserves with their friends for another 20 years or more. They might meet them at university and sometimes even at work. They often remain socially friendly. Military rank is irrelevant in these friendships and the friendships often transcend religious or socio-economic background. They take care of one another and look out for one another in civilian life. Israeli society in general is supportive of veterans (although there is room for improvement in certain areas). All of this is helpful in understanding the low Israeli rate of PTSD. And if a soldier or reservist falls in action, the entire country mourns. All this of course is not to say that there are not problems from time to time.
To the best of my understanding, most of the above does not exist in the US, although there are also objective considerations such as geography which make this harder. However, in general Junger (and Brooks) is correct.
Israel is a small country. Veterans of combat units serve in the reserves with their friends for another 20 years or more. They might meet them at university and sometimes even at work. They often remain socially friendly. Military rank is irrelevant in these friendships and the friendships often transcend religious or socio-economic background. They take care of one another and look out for one another in civilian life. Israeli society in general is supportive of veterans (although there is room for improvement in certain areas). All of this is helpful in understanding the low Israeli rate of PTSD. And if a soldier or reservist falls in action, the entire country mourns. All this of course is not to say that there are not problems from time to time.
To the best of my understanding, most of the above does not exist in the US, although there are also objective considerations such as geography which make this harder. However, in general Junger (and Brooks) is correct.
16
Israel imposes military conscription, while the US relies on volunteers. Thus, I suspect that US military members are less representative of the broader population.
12
What definition of individualism are we using here? And at what point does that individualism become excessive?
10
Perhaps case specific. There is nothing wrong to be an ascetic. After all, many monastics, monks and cloistered nuns, feel they are doing God's work just as much as the evangelicals, or the householders a la Buddhism or the Catholic's Jesuit Order.
Appearance can be deceptive though. One person's individualism is the other person's narcissism. So perhaps observers will have to rely on the context of one's existence to extrapolate the motives and the higher ideals. Why, some Trump's supporters may feel the man is giving them a voice, even though he is using them for his own purpose
Appearance can be deceptive though. One person's individualism is the other person's narcissism. So perhaps observers will have to rely on the context of one's existence to extrapolate the motives and the higher ideals. Why, some Trump's supporters may feel the man is giving them a voice, even though he is using them for his own purpose
2
And no one chose Laudato Si?
A great long form essay to me,
Views on Climate Change
Were hardly so strange
And clear on inequality.
No Sidney for Francis I guess,
Does Mr Brooks value him less?
GOP, unheedful
Of measures, so needful,
Laudato Si ought to impress.
A great long form essay to me,
Views on Climate Change
Were hardly so strange
And clear on inequality.
No Sidney for Francis I guess,
Does Mr Brooks value him less?
GOP, unheedful
Of measures, so needful,
Laudato Si ought to impress.
118
This is technically an Encyclical Letter and not a long-form essay. But if you feel it is important enough to be included, provided below is the link:
http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-fra...
http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-fra...
10
The reality of Sebastian Junger's returning Vet, has been with us since the Vietnam war. After combat, for the many, that paid the few to fight for them, returning soldiers took a time out or a detour in what is increasingly a rigid path to a place in American life (good grades, good college, good job).
Students having sex, or Vets having PTSD in record numbers, are just coping strategies for staying afloat in a "community" in American society that focuses only on reaching the top of the economic pyramid.
Community can exist in a post-industrial society. We don't know what form it should take. We can't look to the past, or say, a European approach to preserving its traditional institutions, and I don't think it's a matter of "evolving" from what was.
Capitalism seems a powerful agent (in the chemical sense) for dissolving the bonds of American community as it was, to be assembled in some new form. What forms the catalyst for a new structure of community? What does a "post-capitalist" society look like?