The decay of the species
Even the elite celebrate the infantile elations of hormonal gratifications
Darwin demonstrated mankind has evolved to exhibit traits that contribute to survival for the sake of survival devoid of moral or ethical content. Thus, war and ever-increasing proficiency in killing has been the scourge and hallmark of the species since the beginning of recorded history. The Old Testament to Hiroshima and Nagasaki is a straight line.
The self-evident, paramount challenge of the species until eternity will be the defense and pursuit of justice, i.e., seeking to make every person’s station in life correspond exactly to their character and accomplishments, simpliciter. We have no time for childish amusements or juvenile hormonal gratifications if our existence is to command moral justification. Such diversions would be like planning a tea party as the Titanic approached the iceberg.
It speaks volumes about the decay or decadence of the species that The Atlantic employs a resident happiness columnist, Arthur C. Brooks. He is organizing an Atlantic Festival in September to inculcate an exaltation of “happiness” as the summum bonum—like a child in a candy store.
But happiness divorced from wisdom and justice is worthless. There is no need to search for happiness like an archeological expedition. It is simple and in plain view. Always act according to the principle that if it’s the right thing to do, do it, without pausing over the consequences for yourself. Festivals are for kids or teenagers, not for adults engaged in adult activity.
New York Mets manager Casey Stengel famously said, “Can’t anyone here play this game.” If Socrates and Diogenes were alive, they would be chorusing, “Doesn’t anyone here know the difference between justice and drivel and allocate their time and energy accordingly?”