Political philosophy

Dear Reader: This post lists some of the influences in the development of my political philosophy. A useful political philosophy must avoid both unrealistic idealism as well as unjustified pessimism and instead account for the true nature of man, both good and bad, when formulating a world view that is both pertinent and relevant in the real world. Below are some quotes and paraphrases that I have found useful in guiding me in evaluating the appropriateness and efficacy of governments, laws, and philosophies in the course of my studies. _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Aristotle saw the competing views of the democratic and oligarchical schools of political thought as mutually lacking in a full understanding and appreciation of political justice. "It is as unjust to treat equals unequally as it is to treat unequals equally." The oligarch violates the first of these principles, the democrat the second. -The Great Ideas Vol. 2 _____________________________________________ 1: My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2: For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3: And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? -The Bible James 2:1-4 _____________________________________________ We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. -The Declaration of Independence _____________________________________________ Our rights come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God. -President John F. Kennedy _____________________________________________ Any man who is under 30 and is not a Liberal has no heart; and any man who is over 30 and not a Conservative has no brains. -Winston Churchill _____________________________________________