The pursuit of cosmic justice can lead to increased inequality and the fostering of envy and resentment in society.
Distinguishing between inequalities of rewards and performance is crucial in understanding and addressing societal inequalities.
The pursuit of cosmic justice is unattainable and can distract from improving existing society and constructing a better one.
Deep dives
The Pursuit of Cosmic Justice
In this podcast episode, the concept of cosmic justice, as explored by Thomas Sowell in his book 'The Quest for Cosmic Justice,' is discussed. Cosmic justice goes beyond social justice by addressing not only social inequalities but also undeserved misfortunes arising from the cosmos itself. The pursuit of cosmic justice can lead to negative consequences, such as lower productivity, increased political inequality, an embittered society, and the lowering of academic standards. Envy plays a significant role in the quest for equality, with good envy spurring self-improvement and bad envy leading to resentment and hostility. The podcast highlights how society should be cautious when seeking the elusive goal of equality, as it can have unintended and harmful consequences.
The Mirage of Equality
Soe explores the concept of equality and highlights its complexities. He argues that attempting to define and achieve equality opens a bottomless pit of complications, as human beings possess multiple dimensions that can be compared. Economic inequalities often attract attention, but performance disparities and other factors are equally important. Soe emphasizes that distinguishing between inequalities of rewards and inequalities of performance is crucial. He further explores how geography, age differences, and other factors contribute to inequalities. Additionally, Soe challenges the notion that discrimination and bias can be inferred from statistical inequalities, questioning the prevailing non sequitur in modern times.
The High Cost of Envy
Envy, both good and bad, plays a significant role in society. Good envy can inspire individuals to match the accomplishments of those on higher rungs of the ladder, while bad envy causes resentment and hostility towards others. Soe argues that the pursuit of cosmic justice, driven by envy, can have negative consequences. It can undermine productive cooperation, lead to crimes of envy, and distract societies from taking necessary steps for advancement. Soe discusses how a culture of envy can hinder upward mobility and perpetuate poverty. He challenges the notion that envy should be a driving force behind seeking equality.
The Unattainability of Cosmic Justice
Soe highlights the futility in pursuing cosmic justice, stating that while a world based on cosmic justice would be desirable, it is unattainable. He compares this pursuit to an ancient fable about a dog chasing an illusory bone. Soe argues that the idea of cosmic justice can distract from understanding and improving existing society and constructing a better one. While acknowledging the existence of unfairness and striving for equal respect, he asserts that the knowledge required to achieve and rectify cosmic justice is staggering and nearly impossible. Soe concludes that the pursuit of cosmic justice can lead to the loss of what is attainable in favor of the unattainable.
Negative Consequences of the Quest for Equality
The podcast discusses the negative consequences of the quest for equality, as explored by Thomas Sowell. It highlights how this pursuit can lead to lower productivity, increased political inequality, an embittered society, and the lowering or removal of academic standards. Soe emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between good and bad envy, with bad envy often fueling destructive behavior. The podcast also explores the cultural and social implications of pursuing equality, including crimes of envy and the impact on upward mobility. Soe challenges the prevailing belief in equality and raises thought-provoking questions about the realistic attainability and consequences of this quest.
In this episode we discuss Sowell's 1997 book "The Quest for Cosmic Justice."
In particular, we discuss how pursuing a vision of universal equality leads paradoxically to an increase in inequality and to the fostering of envy and resentment in society. Here are some useful links to deepen your appreciation of the episode:
• "The Quest for Cosmic Justice" by Thomas Sowell HERE. • Post It Note quotes HERE. • Podcast Patreon HERE. • Podcast statistics HERE. • Thomas Sowell video truck ad campaign video HERE. • Thomas Sowell sidewalk decal ad campaign HERE. • Selected excerpts from "The Quest for Cosmic Justice" HERE.
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