The Human Spirit - One of the "Permanent Things"

I sent this memo to my online ethics students today. It speaks to the human spirit as one of the "Permanent Things" that Conservatives value.

BA225- RAWLS RIDES AGAIN! – Dr. Paul Rux

I could not believe my eyes. The recent issue of The American Conservative or TAC, July 28, 2008, arrived earlier this week. In it was a three-page discussion of John Rawls, the ethical guru in our course textbook! Although Rawls died in 2002, he is not forgotten. His impact rides on. However, the TAC analysis of Rawls takes issue with his starting premise, his “original position.” In it, Rawls assumes that luck plays a large role in what we get or do not get in this world. This challenges the notion that what we get is the result of hard work. Think of the child born into the under-class in the central city. He or she clearly because of the accident – or luck of the cosmic draw -of where he or she is born does not enjoy the same statistical advantages that the children of the super rich in our country do. Therefore, Rawls argues that we need to be considerate of all persons regardless of the “accidents” of or their luck in life. I can live with this to a point. I believe all humans simply because they are human deserve to have adequate food, clothing, housing, etc. – the basics of life. However, beyond this “safety net,” I depart company with Rawls and let my old-time work ethic take over as my frame of analysis. Yes, luck happens. However, as a rule, we must be prepared, ready to seize this luck. For example, actors and musicians prepare for the “big break.” Until it comes, they practice their crafts to match professional readiness with “luck.” In short, I agree with the TAC conclusion. The human spirit is not designed for defeat. We are not built to be victims. We are designed to fight back, to stand up and make our fair claim on what life offers. This is my take. You may want to locate this article to draw your own conclusions. My comments about the human spirit come from the 1956 Nobel Prize speech of the American writer William Faulkner. Like him, I love the human spirit. It is one of the "Permanent Things." We ought to celebrate, own, and act on it.