I would like to thank you Glenn for asking the obvious question: What society would you point to that is achieving the ideal you hold. There isn’t one, of course, and the question was almost dismissed out of hand. What I found fascinating was that Bessner actually believes that human nature itself can be changed. Not only that, but that it can’t really be accurately described. I would suggest he consult the Bible, Aristotle, or perhaps the great Russian novelists of the 19th century. I find it difficult believe any one remotely acquainted with the western canon could not form a reasonable idea of human nature. Finally, he blames capitalism for creating an “elite” he disapproves of. What would he replace them with in his utopia? I suspect he would replace them with himself. Somebody’s got to be in charge...
I would like to thank you Glenn for asking the obvious question: What society would you point to that is achieving the ideal you hold. There isn’t one, of course, and the question was almost dismissed out of hand. What I found fascinating was that Bessner actually believes that human nature itself can be changed. Not only that, but that it can’t really be accurately described. I would suggest he consult the Bible, Aristotle, or perhaps the great Russian novelists of the 19th century. I find it difficult believe any one remotely acquainted with the western canon could not form a reasonable idea of human nature. Finally, he blames capitalism for creating an “elite” he disapproves of. What would he replace them with in his utopia? I suspect he would replace them with himself. Somebody’s got to be in charge...
There are the elite and those who wish to be part of the elite. Bessner falls into the latter camp.