If an alien race was weighing up the good and bad in mankind with a view to preservation or extermination what might they be weighing up?
| Pros | Cons |
| Creativity – art, dance, music, architecture, literature, poetry, fashion, photography, sculpture, design Spirituality – nature, sunsets, stones, beauty, seas, harmony, peace, yoga, meditation Caring– hospital, care homes, welfare, hospices, community support, youth clubs, crèches, selflessness, altruism, heroism, rescue, gentle hands, hugs, comfort Education – schools, universities, curiosity, pleasure of learning, seeking knowledge and understanding Science/Technology – research, curiosity, scientific advances, technology developments, modern society, machines, gadgets, labour saving, expansion of knowledge Health – hospitals, doctors, dentists, mental health, psychiatrists, nurses, carers Cuisine – foods, flavours, textures, aromas, chefs, cooking Wines – nose, taste, nuance, sharing, harmony Culture – vitality, differences, history, stories, beliefs Leisure – teams, sports, competition, camaraderie, support, teamwork, pleasure. Love – partner, family, friends, pets, nature, sex and sharing. Travel – appreciation of geology, architecture, cultures, nature, wonders and awe. Awe and Wonder – ability to be in awe of the heavens, infinity, nature, beauty, life. | Tribalism – nations, nationalism, patriotism, racism, War – cities torn, civilians killed, indiscriminate bombing, hospitals, terrible weapons designed to maim and create terror, gas, nuclear Torture – horrendous instruments designed to inflict pain, use of electricity, drilling, cutting, crushing, beatings, floggings, rape, sexual mutilation, psychological Violence – guns, knives, razors, fists, boots, bats, Misogyny – roles, dress code, subservience, sexual exploitation, 2nd class citizens, careers, education, pay. Inequality – sexism, elitism, old boy network, clubs, control of system, gross earnings, extreme poverty, exploitation, control of media, manipulation of democracy, authoritarian, Cruelty – dog fighting, bear baiting, abuse of animals, enjoyment of pain, sadism, Drugs – addiction, death, illness, gangs, pushing Greed – billionaires, millionaires, exploitation, price hikes, excessive profits, ignoring human misery, workers’ conditions, sweat shops. Crime – theft, murder, revenge, prostitution, slavery, drugs Selfishness – thoughtlessness, ignoring others, taking more than others, more than needed Pollution – cutting corners for profit, lack of care for the effects on health of others, impact on ecology, deliberate Environmental destruction – short-term gain, long-term loss. Forests, lakes, seas, air, land Politics – careerists lining own pockets, lust for power and wealth, sociopaths and psychopaths, lies and manipulation Religion – intolerance, separation, fear, hatred, violence – crusades, Jihads, torture, wars, pogroms, indoctrination, burning at stake, inquisitions, politics, wealth and power, stifling progress, denying science, spreading conspiracy Internet – control, manipulation, misinformation, addiction, lies, algorithms reinforcing views Mental Illness – Psychopathy, sociopathy, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, addiction, obsession, trauma, fragile minds easily damaged. |
Are humans worth saving or are our fragile minds too hard-wired to greed, power and violence? Are we too destructive?
What have I not considered?
What would your verdict be?
I think we should get rid of all politicians and others, that use or seek to use government power to harass or impoverish innocent people, or to order us to do things that aren’t in our interests. We should keep all the people who are peaceful, honest, and respectful of the equal rights of others.
Aaah, good to hear from you Neil. I’ve been meaning to contact you to ask after your health. I trust that you are now fully recovered. I tend to agree with you in part – though I bet we’d disagree when it got down to the nitty gritty. We have different views on the benefits/disadvantages of centralised power and the nature of politicians. I see some as being more altruistic and benevolent. I too despair of the money-grabbing, self-serving, evil snake-oil salesmen of cynical, lazy politicians. They are the pits. But I would put Farage and Trump top of that list while actively support that populist conman.
All I would add is that we do need order, power and politicians – just the right ones – ones who work for the good of everyone and not the good of themselves and an elite. But the system was set up by the elite.
Opher, my arm has now been out of the brace for three weeks. But the long time in the brace has made my elbow very stiff. Ir is getting better, but there’s still a lot of physio and a long way to go. At least I can now drive again.
And yes, you’re right – the system was set up by the elite. We need to raze it to the ground, and start again. In my view, Trump is like Thatcher – exploiting dissatisfaction, and doing a few decent things, but always moving towards total control of us human beings by the state.
Here’s my latest major offering: https://libertarianism.uk/2025/07/09/government-why-do-we-need-it-and-what-can-we-do-when-it-goes-wrong/.
Glad you are on the mend. That stiffness will go if you work at it – painful but worthwhile. Are you back playing as well as driving?
History tells us that revolutions usually end up with a worse situation and new elite.
Trump is a nightmare. His stupidity is not only plunging us all into economic ruin but is likely to create a major war.
Your man Farage is made of the same shit. Both aggrandising themselves at our expense. I read that Trump has made over $2 billion so far out of his presidency and Farage is raking it in and not doing his job!