Imagine stepping into a swanky cocktail party where the guests are a motley crew of ancient Chinese philosophers and 20th-century American individualists.
On one side of the room, you've got the Mohists, sipping their tea and contemplating the harmony of the cosmos. On the other side, Ayn Rand's Objectivists are raising their glasses to reason, individualism, and the pursuit of happiness.
It's a philosophical mixer unlike any other, where the drinks are strong, the debates are fierce, and the laughter is infectious.
The Mohists: Zen Mixologists of Practicality
Picture a bartender who's all about the chill vibes, mixing cocktails with a serene smile and a sprinkle of ancient wisdom. That's the essence of the Mohists, the Taoist philosophers who knew how to keep the party going with their laid-back approach to life. They were like the mixologists of practicality, blending universal love, harmony, and a dash of "Jian'ai" (impartial caring) into every concoction.
The Mohists embraced the Taoist concept of Wu Wei, or effortless action, urging partygoers to go with the flow like a cocktail shaker in the hands of a skilled bartender. They were all about finding balance and harmony in a world full of chaos and confusion, like the calm eye of the storm amidst the whirlwind of existence.
Ayn Rand and the Objectivist Party Crashers
Now, imagine a group of rowdy revelers crashing the serene tranquility of the cocktail party, shouting slogans of reason, individualism, and laissez-faire capitalism. That's Ayn Rand and her Objectivist crew, storming onto the scene with the fervor of philosophers on a mission.
Rand's Objectivism is like the life of the party, shaking things up with its celebration of rational self-interest and the pursuit of individual happiness. It's like the guest who starts a debate at the bar and ends up taking over the dance floor with their fiery passion and infectious energy.
Mixing It Up: Mohists and Objectivists on the Rocks
Now, you might be wondering, what do these chill bros from ancient China have in common with the fiery individualists of Objectivism? Well, my friend, prepare to have your taste buds tantalized and your philosophical palate expanded.
At their core, both the Mohists and Objectivists share a love for mixing things up and shaking off the status quo. While their approaches may differ—like comparing a soothing cup of tea to a shot of espresso—the underlying essence of reason and practicality unites them in a cocktail of philosophical exploration.
Both philosophies emphasize living in accordance with natural laws, whether it's the Taoist concept of Wu Wei or Rand's celebration of rational self-interest. They're like two ingredients in a potent cocktail, each adding their unique flavor to the mix while ultimately striving for harmony in a world full of diverse perspectives.
Cheers to a Philosophical Fusion of Cocktail Flavors
So, as you navigate the cocktail party of life, remember the unlikely mixology of Mohists and Objectivists. Whether you're sipping tea with the chill bros of ancient China or raising a glass to individualism with Ayn Rand's Objectivists, embrace the diversity of philosophical flavors and toast to the harmonious blend of reason, practicality, and the pursuit of happiness.
Cheers to philosophical fusion, where the drinks are strong, the debates are lively, and the party never ends.
In the realms of rationalistic belief, the Objectivists of Ayn Rand's world and the Mohists of ancient China stand as starkly contrasting embodiments of reason-driven philosophies.
Objectivists, with their fervent devotion to rational self-interest, champion the individual as the ultimate arbiter of truth and morality. In their world, reason reigns supreme, guiding every decision and action toward the pursuit of individual happiness and fulfillment. It's a universe where self-interest is not just a virtue but a moral imperative, where rationality is the only compass in a sea of moral relativism.
On the flip side, the Mohists offer a more nuanced perspective, blending Taoist principles with pragmatic realism. While they too value reason and practicality, their approach is tempered by a broader sense of communal harmony and universal love. In the Mohist world, rationality serves not only the individual but the collective good, emphasizing the importance of impartial caring and balance in all things.
Despite these differences, both philosophies share a common commitment to rationality as the cornerstone of belief. However, where Objectivists prioritize individual flourishing, Mohists advocate for a more harmonious coexistence within the broader fabric of society.
In the clash of these rationalistic worlds, Objectivists stand as the uncompromising champions of individual autonomy, while Mohists offer a more tempered approach, seeking harmony amidst the chaos of existence.
It's a clash of ideologies where reason serves as both the battleground and the bridge between disparate worldviews, challenging believers to navigate the complexities of existence with intellectual rigor and philosophical integrity.
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I have some experience with the theory and practice of building community. My opinion is that it always starts with our individual acts showing our care for our neighbors, both physically and virtually. For example, we have one of those Little Free Libraries in front of our home in central, urban Denver. Has generated lots of conversations among strangers, getting to know each other, finding points of commonality and reasons to help each other. Another neighbor started a neighborhood event where homeowners research the history of their homes and post them. An excuse to chat and make connections.
People like me with native plant, pollinator, and xeriscape gardens post information about our plants during the event. We all hang out to talk to our neighbors, who have a map with descriptions for a self-guided tour. I have joined forces with the history buffs to help better spread the word this year, and we made sure to make our goal of Building Community is communicated to volunteers and frames our decision-making.
We help each other out: leaving homegrown vegetables and fresh eggs on people's porches and sharing extra groceries to shoveling walks, dog walking, sharing tools, and driving folks to the doctor.
Many years ago in a former life, I was involved in the intentional community movement, circa 1968. I did consulting about conflict management and governance and visited several established alternative communities. They all said the same thing regarding recruitment. We want people who knew how to build community where they were: hosting dinners for people in their apartment, involving themselves in various volunteer programs, inviting strangers to share a meal with them in a crowded restaurant, assisting a lost tourist and such.
Starts with one hello at a time.
That's wonderful. Brilliant as the Irish say.