In which the author makes a Poll bound to offend somebody, on a topic no one wants to discuss

[jonathankaplan]

I first saw the miniseries Roots when it originally aired.
I next saw the miniseries Roots last week.
I have always thought the End does NOT justify the means.

Comments

[ext_1460]

It's not obvious that there are any ends in a human goal system. Every change will lead to further change, all values are instrumental.

[corwyn_ap]

This.

There is no such as an 'end'. Or at least, I don't want to be around for it.

Or as Zen would have it, it is all about the journey.

[jonathankaplan]

I agree completely with this too. That is why the long term "values" of african enslavement in the US is perplexing. The journey was horrible, but at this moment, I think an educated black American would be hard pressed to say they aren't better off at this moment in time than they would have been if their ancestors hadn't taken that journey.
Fortunately, this isn't the end yet either.
The only end I want to be a part of is the Restaurant at the End of the Universe. Otherwise, forget it.
Thanks!

[corwyn_ap]

For my next trick, I have a foolproof plan that will make every human living on this planet a billionaire. I am sure that they also will be hard pressed to say they aren't better off.

[jonathankaplan]

The Fed has been trying hard to do that trick already....smile...

[jonathankaplan]

I agree fully. I used the "end justifies the means" framework only because it is easily understood. It isn't easy to write this thought in 200 words or less.
As always, thanks for the good thinking.