ETHICS PART 5: THE VIRTUE OF INDEPENDENCE
What? Move OUT of my parents house?
The last post mentioned eight virtues that are key to achieving our three main values of reason, purpose
(happiness), and self-esteem. As a quick reminder they were independence, integrity, honesty, justice, productiveness and pride. This post will cover the first one, independence. Remember, a virtue is an action taken to gain and keep values. Therefore, to regard independence (or anything else) as a virtue, we must prove that it furthers our primary values (reason, purpose and self-esteem). In other words, practicing the action should entail being rational, and contribute to one's happiness and self-esteem. How does this apply to independence?
INDEPENDENCE
"He that cannot reason is a fool. He that will not is a bigot. he that dare not is a slave."
-Andrew Carnegie
To identify rational independence as a virtue means to at least implicitly accept the philosophy laid out in Metaphysics and Epistemology. In essence, to be rational means to be independent, as reason originates in your own mind. Independence goes far beyond simply moving out of your parent's basement or getting off welfare, although both of those would certainly be positive steps. Striving for independence means to accept the responsibility of thinking for yourself and all that entails. Metaphysically, it means realizing that "existence exists" and your mind is the only means you have of achieving knowledge and survival. Epistemologically, it means that you rely on reason as your primary means of knowledge and survival.
If we lived alone on a desert island, a morality of dependence would be impossible. We would need to confront reality (existence) with our own minds and rely on reason to the best of our abilities, or suffer the consequences. Relying on others to think for us, or attempting to delegate that responsibility to a supernatural power would not work. It may be possible to survive by mixing reason with irrationality, like Tom Hanks creating his imaginary friend Wilson out of the volleyball in Castaway, but the irrational is always an impediment and an obstacle to achieving our values, never the means to achieving them. The same principle applies in a civilized society when we're surrounded by others. The fact that others exist around you doesn't change the nature of reality or the nature of you as a human. Your mind is still your only means of understanding the world, and reason is your only means of objective knowledge. It's true that we can derive immense benefits from other people, not only in knowledge and wealth, but socially. This should be celebrated, but not used as a substitute or crutch for our own independence.
"He that cannot reason is a fool. He that will not is a bigot. he that dare not is a slave."
-Andrew Carnegie
To identify rational independence as a virtue means to at least implicitly accept the philosophy laid out in Metaphysics and Epistemology. In essence, to be rational means to be independent, as reason originates in your own mind. Independence goes far beyond simply moving out of your parent's basement or getting off welfare, although both of those would certainly be positive steps. Striving for independence means to accept the responsibility of thinking for yourself and all that entails. Metaphysically, it means realizing that "existence exists" and your mind is the only means you have of achieving knowledge and survival. Epistemologically, it means that you rely on reason as your primary means of knowledge and survival.
If we lived alone on a desert island, a morality of dependence would be impossible. We would need to confront reality (existence) with our own minds and rely on reason to the best of our abilities, or suffer the consequences. Relying on others to think for us, or attempting to delegate that responsibility to a supernatural power would not work. It may be possible to survive by mixing reason with irrationality, like Tom Hanks creating his imaginary friend Wilson out of the volleyball in Castaway, but the irrational is always an impediment and an obstacle to achieving our values, never the means to achieving them. The same principle applies in a civilized society when we're surrounded by others. The fact that others exist around you doesn't change the nature of reality or the nature of you as a human. Your mind is still your only means of understanding the world, and reason is your only means of objective knowledge. It's true that we can derive immense benefits from other people, not only in knowledge and wealth, but socially. This should be celebrated, but not used as a substitute or crutch for our own independence.
An independent
person is intellectually self-sufficient, and able to live on their own
if need be. They may listen and consider other people's thoughts and
opinions, but will ultimately decide based on their own intellect and
reason (however powerful or weak). They may interact and learn from
others, but they understand that they must use their own mind to learn,
not try to have others learn for them, or parrot things they don't
understand. They may enjoy compliments and encouragement from others,
but that's not their primary goal in their life, and their self-esteem
doesn't originate with others' praise. They pursue a career because it
interests them and furthers their life, not for the approval of their
family, friends, or society. They hold ideas and convictions that make
sense to them, not because it's safe and socially acceptable, or
because an authority figure told them so. They might choose friends or
fall in love, even to the point where they value another so much they
would give their own life for them. Even so, their love complements
and furthers their life, making themselves better. Not used as a
trophy. Never destroying their life or used as a crutch to avoid
thinking or producing for themselves. A true independent person may gain untold values from society and other people, but never takes
anything. They might receive much, but they also have much to give and
offer many values in return. They understand their own mind and body
is the source and means of their survival and happiness, and use it to
achieve their dreams, not spend their time envious of others' fortunes
and blessings.
Someone who is truly independent has unshakable self-esteem and convictions. This isn't to say they won't have a bad day or feel down at times, or even change their opinions, but their self-esteem originates within them and relies on their own judgement, not on the judgement of others. An independent person is self-made, self-sustaining, and therefore self-confident. Self-confident doesn't mean arrogant, cocky, or even a good speaker, it means confidence in one's own mind and abilities. It should be noted that many people may be independent in certain areas but not others. A musician, for instance, may create remarkable original music, but start to obsess over their popularity and have their self-esteem dependent on what others think. Independence in any area is a virtue, but one should strive to include it in all areas of one's life
Someone who is truly independent has unshakable self-esteem and convictions. This isn't to say they won't have a bad day or feel down at times, or even change their opinions, but their self-esteem originates within them and relies on their own judgement, not on the judgement of others. An independent person is self-made, self-sustaining, and therefore self-confident. Self-confident doesn't mean arrogant, cocky, or even a good speaker, it means confidence in one's own mind and abilities. It should be noted that many people may be independent in certain areas but not others. A musician, for instance, may create remarkable original music, but start to obsess over their popularity and have their self-esteem dependent on what others think. Independence in any area is a virtue, but one should strive to include it in all areas of one's life
THE "SECOND-HANDER"
The opposite of an independent person would be one who neglects to trust, or even use their own mind. This kind of person survives not primarily on their own mind, but off of others. The term "second-hander" is apt. It's important to realize a second-hander might be economically self-sufficient and advanced in their careers. It's not monetary or career success the virtue of independence is concerned with, it's how one lives and arrives at that success. To a second-hander, identifying what's true according to reality, or what's logical isn't of primary importance. When someone neglects their own mind, all of a sudden it's other people that guide their actions, thoughts, and self-esteem. When considering what position to take on an issue, the focus is not "what do I think is right according to reality", but "what does my family/friends/coworker/professor/pastor/political party/society believe". A politician would be a perfect example, at least the kind that tells people what they want to hear and takes polls into consideration when taking a stance on an issue (which is almost all of them).
To a second-hander, life choices, like a career and spouse, are chosen by what others might think, not one's own wishes. A car or house might be bought as an attempt to show one's success, even though they might be living above their means. Instead of surviving or achieving success on merit, a dependent person might try to thwart reality and achieve "success" by stealing, cheating, mooching, conning, or manipulating other people. This could range from a poor person that lives off government welfare for basic necessities to a multi-millionaire CEO that made huge profits off getting special privileges from his connections in government. While both of these people may be "surviving", they are both dependent on other people, and aren't surviving by their own merits. Any attempts of a dependent person to rationalize their "success" will fall on deaf ears as far as their subconscious is concerned, and that part of their mind will always know they didn't earn their survival or success. This invariably wreaks havoc on one's self-esteem and is one reason why becoming rich or "successful" through nefarious means will never lead to happiness. In other words, being dependent is a vice, and thus an irrational action.
The opposite of an independent person would be one who neglects to trust, or even use their own mind. This kind of person survives not primarily on their own mind, but off of others. The term "second-hander" is apt. It's important to realize a second-hander might be economically self-sufficient and advanced in their careers. It's not monetary or career success the virtue of independence is concerned with, it's how one lives and arrives at that success. To a second-hander, identifying what's true according to reality, or what's logical isn't of primary importance. When someone neglects their own mind, all of a sudden it's other people that guide their actions, thoughts, and self-esteem. When considering what position to take on an issue, the focus is not "what do I think is right according to reality", but "what does my family/friends/coworker/professor/pastor/political party/society believe". A politician would be a perfect example, at least the kind that tells people what they want to hear and takes polls into consideration when taking a stance on an issue (which is almost all of them).
To a second-hander, life choices, like a career and spouse, are chosen by what others might think, not one's own wishes. A car or house might be bought as an attempt to show one's success, even though they might be living above their means. Instead of surviving or achieving success on merit, a dependent person might try to thwart reality and achieve "success" by stealing, cheating, mooching, conning, or manipulating other people. This could range from a poor person that lives off government welfare for basic necessities to a multi-millionaire CEO that made huge profits off getting special privileges from his connections in government. While both of these people may be "surviving", they are both dependent on other people, and aren't surviving by their own merits. Any attempts of a dependent person to rationalize their "success" will fall on deaf ears as far as their subconscious is concerned, and that part of their mind will always know they didn't earn their survival or success. This invariably wreaks havoc on one's self-esteem and is one reason why becoming rich or "successful" through nefarious means will never lead to happiness. In other words, being dependent is a vice, and thus an irrational action.
Since the second-hander has delegated much of
their decision making to other people or society, a feeling of
helplessness and fear creeps into their lives. One result of this is a
desperate need for authority. Someone or something to follow, to be
apart of, to make decisions for them. Something to fill the hole that
they left open. This authority may be secular or religious, but fills
the same gap, the absence of independent thought. A gang, a cult, a
government, even a spouse could fill this role. To a truly independent
person, the thought of ruling or having power over others is revolting,
and they do not seek it, except what may be required for a certain job.
Politically, this would mean exercising the duties of an office, but not
wanting to expand government power and control over others. In
business, it would mean using power to produce things and further the
company, not to curry government favor or settle scores with a previous
grudge. Unfortunately, many that seek positions of
power today are not independent minds, but second-handers of the worst
order. These are the "power-lusters", those who are eager to step in
and become the authority figure that so many desire. While this kind of
second-hander may often appear to be intelligent, confident and
"independent", their focus isn't on their own mind, but on controlling
and manipulating others. To tell others how to live their lives and how
to "improve" society. If left unchecked, the power
luster will eventually morph into a Hitler, Stalin, or Castro, and
destroy not only others, but themselves. The phrase "absolute power
corrupts absolutely" is partially right, although the morality
that would desire absolute power is already corrupt. To desire power
over others is not rational, but irrational. Not for one's life but
against it, and therefore evil.
INDEPENDENT, NOT STUBBORN
Having an independent mind doesn't necessarily mean that you need to come up with original thoughts, or make ground breaking discoveries. It means that the ideas and conclusions you come to are based on your thoughts using your ability to reason. This should not be confused with someone who is independent based off of feelings. It is not a virtue to hold steadfast to feelings that haven't been examined by reason, in fact it is a vice. Being stubborn in the face of reality and facts leads to the destruction, not furtherance of life. Being loyal and fighting for your clan, country or religion, just because it's your clan, country or religion is not virtue. Nazi soldiers were not virtuous, nor are suicide bombers. Most cultures place a heavy emphasis on abandoning reason and feeding off emotion to defend "honor", "race", "tradition", or "religion". An independent mind rejects this and lets reality be the judge of who and what to defend.
It's important to note that independence doesn't just refer to the content of one's mind, but also of one's actions. The mind and body must work together for our survival, alone they are all but useless. Thankfully we live in a division-of-labor society, so we don't have to create and make everything we need ourselves. We can use our mind and talents to create things of value, or learn trades that are specialized and that we can offer as a value in exchange for other things we need. It is often said that no one is independent, as we all depend on each other in society for food, shelter, etc. This avoids the reality that an independent person doesn't beg for food at the supermarket or ask a favor for a carpenter to build their house. They offer an equal value in exchange for these goods, usually money. The question then becomes, did you earn the money by trading your own creations or using your skills to perform a job, or are you relying and living off the work of others? Are you surviving by your own mind, or as a parasite on others? The result of one's creative efforts doesn't always need to result in a paycheck (like a stay-at-home mom for instance), but the answer to these questions is already known by your subconscious, and is why everyone, even a rich heir or lottery winner, must be independent and pull their own weight in order to achieve self-esteem and happiness.
The next post will deal with the virtue of integrity.
INDEPENDENT, NOT STUBBORN
Having an independent mind doesn't necessarily mean that you need to come up with original thoughts, or make ground breaking discoveries. It means that the ideas and conclusions you come to are based on your thoughts using your ability to reason. This should not be confused with someone who is independent based off of feelings. It is not a virtue to hold steadfast to feelings that haven't been examined by reason, in fact it is a vice. Being stubborn in the face of reality and facts leads to the destruction, not furtherance of life. Being loyal and fighting for your clan, country or religion, just because it's your clan, country or religion is not virtue. Nazi soldiers were not virtuous, nor are suicide bombers. Most cultures place a heavy emphasis on abandoning reason and feeding off emotion to defend "honor", "race", "tradition", or "religion". An independent mind rejects this and lets reality be the judge of who and what to defend.
It's important to note that independence doesn't just refer to the content of one's mind, but also of one's actions. The mind and body must work together for our survival, alone they are all but useless. Thankfully we live in a division-of-labor society, so we don't have to create and make everything we need ourselves. We can use our mind and talents to create things of value, or learn trades that are specialized and that we can offer as a value in exchange for other things we need. It is often said that no one is independent, as we all depend on each other in society for food, shelter, etc. This avoids the reality that an independent person doesn't beg for food at the supermarket or ask a favor for a carpenter to build their house. They offer an equal value in exchange for these goods, usually money. The question then becomes, did you earn the money by trading your own creations or using your skills to perform a job, or are you relying and living off the work of others? Are you surviving by your own mind, or as a parasite on others? The result of one's creative efforts doesn't always need to result in a paycheck (like a stay-at-home mom for instance), but the answer to these questions is already known by your subconscious, and is why everyone, even a rich heir or lottery winner, must be independent and pull their own weight in order to achieve self-esteem and happiness.
The next post will deal with the virtue of integrity.