From: maedhros@yabbs
To: abort@yabbs
Subject: re: Spirit
Date: Thu Feb  3 21:20:25 1994

  I think, perhaps, we are missing part of the problem when we talk of 
freeing ourselves from outside influences.  While, yes, we have been 
programmed to a large extent to feel the need for authority by society 
itself; there are other factors at play here.  
  Mankind is a pack animal on an instinctual level.  While most people 
don't appreciate being compared to a pack of dogs, we are similar in many 
respects.
  First, we operate as a pack, and do not survive alone well.  Yes, a 
person can isolate himself from others to a large extent; but he cannot 
totally remove himself from society (at least as a general rule).  This 
kind of action brings about mental instability often referred to as cabin 
fever.  
  Second, and more to the point, a pack of animals forms under an 
established leader or leadership.  Why?  It's instinctual and it helps the 
community thrive.  Similarly, humans tend to form leaders to give the pack 
cohesion and to promote productivity.  This isn't necessarily a form of 
oppresion, but more along the lines of specialization.  
  Just as some people are better at repairing engines, some are better at 
concerting the efforts of a group.  Oppression comes when the leader is 
incompetent or does not wish to make the packs goals his own.  There is a 
remedy for such a situation; often times this takes the form of 
revolution.  The leader is foprcefully thrown from his position.  Thisa is 
NOT always necessary however.  
  In the US we have the invaluable right of voting.  If the majority of 
the people want more freedom than they need to elect someone who will give 
them more.  Hell, knock yourself out and vote libertarian.
  I'm straying way of course though.  The point is that the security and 
desire for authority and government isn't a purely human convention.  It 
is an evolutionary tool with which we have been designed to work with.  It 
is what has made modern society possible.  (Along of course, with the 
opposible thumb, which I would never want to sell short)

Maedhros  /\
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