Organic life, we are told, has developed gradually from the protozoon to the philosopher, and this development, we are assured, is indubitably an advance. Unfortunately it is the philosopher, not the protozoon, who gives us this assurance.
Source: Bertrand Russell : Mysticism and Logic and Other Essays, 1918, chapter 6: On the Scientific Method in Philosophy
"It’s the Crow's Business" -- The Dangers of Anthropocentrism
"Organic life, we are assured, has developed gradually from the protozoon to the philosopher, and this development is indubitably an advance. Unfortunately, it is the philosopher, not the protozoon, who gives us this assurance." This sharp irony from Bertrand Russell applies perfectly to the current political landscape.
Because we are human, we tend to prioritize human life; because we are Japanese, we tend to prioritize Japanese interests. While this may be a natural sentiment to some extent, when this "self-centered" premise is taken to extremes, it falls into an extremely dangerous self-righteousness that lacks empathy for others.
The epitome of this is the way President Trump thinks and acts. He not only places the highest priority on American national interests but also subjects every issue to a "deal." When he secures even slightly favorable terms backed by formidable military and economic power, he indulges in self-congratulation over his own prowess. One senses not even a hint of hesitation in his willingness to drop bombs on other countries and kill many people just to defend his nation's economic interests and vested rights.
When those in power speak of "national interest," does it truly mean protecting the peaceful lives of ordinary citizens -- Looking at Mr. Trump’s behavior, it is often substituted with figures resulting from "deals," his own approval ratings, or the interests of his family and associates.
If we turn a blind eye to such outrageous behavior that ignores international law, we lose any grounds to criticize other countries (such as China) when they commit similar atrocities. Yet, even when many civilians are sacrificed in military operations by Israel or the United States, Prime Minister Takaichi does not utter a single word of condemnation-- perhaps out of a perceived need to maintain the Japan-U.S. alliance.
There was once a phrase that became a huge hit from The Drifters' TV show: "It’s the crow's business (I'll do as I please)." Today, it seems as though "It’s Trump's business" is what prevails in the international community.
If we were to view this world from the perspective of the "protozoon," as Russell suggests, how would the "progress" and "victories" boasted of by the powerful (the philosophers) appear? If we continue to condone the "selfishness" of the strong who rewrite rules for their own convenience, we are doing nothing more than regressing our supposedly intellectually advanced civilization back into the wild, where only the law of the jungle rules.
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