“[T]he stupid anthropomorphism of collectives”
One of the greatest dangers of war – a danger that is simultaneously both a cause of war and a consequence of war – is the stupid anthropomorphism of collectives: “Us” versus “Them.” Individuals are lost sight of; they become invisible. All that is seen are the mentally-constructed wholes (usually, but not always, represented by governments that do indeed claim to be the living embodiments of their peoples).
“They” are “Our” enemy, so any damage, even if it’s “collateral,” to any of “Them” is proper, even good – and sometimes downright glorious. “We” treat “Them” as the Bad; “They” treat “Us” as the Bad. And because “We” must spare no effort to defeat “Them” the Bad, “We” turn on each other if and to the extent that any individuals amongst us dare to not join in “Our” crusade against “Them.”
Henderson on Epstein on War and Libertarians, by Don Boudreaux
Pro-tip: “Socialism really fixes the environment. Just ask the USSR and China.”
— Daniel Greenfield
Continue reading ‘“[T]he stupid anthropomorphism of collectives”’ »
Tags: David Henderson, Don Boudreaux, libertarian, Milton Friedman, Richard Epstein, W-8g5S0z5Y4, war, yl0SmvcpXyY
