#Common good | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

reading-writing-revolution · 5 months

Text

12 notes · View notes

ebookporn · 9 months

Text

The Dream Was Universal Access to Knowledge. The Result Was a Fiasco.

In the pandemic emergency, Brewster Kahle’s Internet Archive freely lent out digital scans of its library. Publishers sued. Owning a book means something different now.

by David Streitfeld

Information wants to be free. That observation, first made in 1984, anticipated the internet and the world to come. It cost nothing to digitally reproduce data and words, and so we have them in numbing abundance.

Information also wants to be expensive. The right information at the right time can save a life, make a fortune, topple a government. Good information takes time and effort and money to produce.

Before it turned brutally divisive, before it alarmed librarians, even before the lawyers were unleashed, the latest battle between free and expensive information started with a charitable gesture.

Brewster Kahle runs the Internet Archive, a venerable tech nonprofit. In that miserable, frightening first month of the Covid pandemic, he had the notion to try to help students, researchers and general readers. He unveiled the National Emergency Library, a vast trove of digital books mostly unavailable elsewhere, and made access to it a breeze.

This good deed backfired spectacularly.

Worth the long read. Covers a lot of ground. ~ eP

#internet archive #librarians #controlled digital lending #copyright #royalties #book publishers #authors #writers #common good #public domain #fair use

16 notes · View notes

protoslacker · 2 months

Text

“Elon Musk says he doesn’t like unions because they create a lords-versus-peasants mentality,” Gould said. “It certainly seems that Musk is trying to hold down the peasants here.”

William B Gould IV quoted in an article by Steven Greenhouse in The Guardian. Major US corporations threaten to return labor to ‘law of the jungle’

Trader Joe’s and SpaceX are among businesses challenging the constitutionality of the National Labor Relations Board

_____

The 'Garchs do seem rather strident these days. I know the tenor at my workplace has changed for the worse. "NON-NEGOTIABLE" in shouty text leading off a mass email stuck out, and while I haven't seen it written anywhere yet, we've all heard "the gloves are off!"

I work at one of the firms the Insitute for Policy Studies calls the Low-wage 100 which includes the S&P 500 companies with the lowest median workere pay. MAGA is big where I live, so I was heartened that the gist of this article: Low-Wage Corporations Have Poured $341 Billion Into Stock Buybacks Since 2020: Report being talked about at work.

I doubt many of my co-workers read Common Dreams, so it's encouraging that the news got out. I hae to hand it to Robert Reich whose earnest efforts to help us to understand the politics and economics of the day have reach.

#work #power #narrative #common good

3 notes · View notes

poligraf · 3 months

Text

By remembering then that I am a part of such a whole, I shall be content with everything that happens. And inasmuch as I am in a manner intimately related to the parts which are of the same kind with myself, I shall do nothing unsocial, but I shall rather direct myself to the things which are of the same kind with myself, and I shall turn all my efforts to the common interest, and divert them from the contrary.

— Marcus Aurelius

4 notes · View notes

americanredragger · 9 months

Text

“What good are gilded rooms or precious stones - fitted on the floor, inlaid in the walls, carried from great distances at the greatest expense? These things are pointless and unnecessary - without them is it not possible to live healthy? Are they not the source of constant trouble? Do they not cost vast sums of money that, through public and private charity, may have benefited many?”

—Gaius Musonius Rufus

#philosophy #quotes #common good #wealth

9 notes · View notes

blueheartbookclub · 3 months

Text

"The Republic: Plato's Timeless Exploration of Justice, Politics, and the Philosopher's Quest"

"The Republic," translated by Benjamin Jowett, stands as a timeless cornerstone in the philosophical canon, an intellectual odyssey that navigates the intricate landscapes of justice, politics, and the philosopher's pursuit of truth. Penned by Plato in the 4th century BCE, this Socratic dialogue remains a foundational work in political philosophy, ethics, and metaphysics. Jowett's translation, undertaken in the 19th century, preserves the essence of Plato's probing inquiries and dialectical brilliance, allowing readers to engage with the profound ideas that continue to shape the foundations of Western thought.

Plato's magnum opus unfolds as a series of dialogues, primarily led by Socrates, engaging with various interlocutors. The central exploration revolves around the question of justice, which becomes a metaphorical vessel for the examination of the ideal state, the role of individuals within society, and the nature of knowledge itself. The allegory of the cave, the tripartite division of the soul, and the philosopher-king are just a few facets of this multifaceted work that have reverberated through the corridors of academia for centuries.

The dialogue begins with an inquiry into the nature of justice as Socrates engages with characters like Thrasymachus, Glaucon, and Adeimantus. The discourse takes a dramatic turn as Plato introduces the allegory of the cave, an enduring metaphor for the journey from ignorance to enlightenment. This vivid imagery captures the transformative power of education and the philosopher's duty to ascend from the shadows of ignorance into the illuminating realm of true knowledge.

"The Republic" also ventures into the construction of an ideal state, led by philosopher-kings who possess both intellectual acumen and a commitment to the common good. Plato's vision challenges conventional notions of governance and explores the intricacies of a society governed by wisdom rather than mere political expediency. The dialogue delves into the organization of classes, the role of education, and the philosopher's ability to perceive the ultimate Form of the Good.

Benjamin Jowett's translation captures the nuances of Plato's intricate prose while maintaining accessibility for modern readers. His careful rendering of Socratic dialogues preserves the conversational tone and intellectual rigor that characterize the original work. Jowett's translation, though dated, remains widely used and respected, emphasizing the enduring appeal and significance of "The Republic" across generations.

"The Republic" is not merely an exploration of political theory; it is a profound meditation on the human condition. Plato's insights into the nature of knowledge, the complexities of justice, and the philosopher's role in society transcend the historical and cultural contexts in which they were conceived. The work prompts readers to question the foundations of their beliefs, to examine the societal structures they inhabit, and to consider the eternal pursuit of wisdom as a guiding principle.

In conclusion, "The Republic" by Plato, in Benjamin Jowett's translation, is a philosophical masterpiece that continues to shape the intellectual landscape. Its profound inquiries into justice, governance, and the nature of reality invite readers to embark on a philosophical journey that transcends time. The enduring relevance of Plato's ideas, coupled with Jowett's insightful translation, ensures that "The Republic" remains an indispensable text for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of human existence and the perennial quest for a just society.

Plato's "The Republic" is available in Amazon in paperback 16.99$ and hardcover 24.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 471

Language: English

Rating: 10/10

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

3 notes · View notes

turanga4 · 1 year

Text

Another morning on the picket line, outside my school. I learn a little more about the teachers I’m blessed to teach with, do some email advocacy for upcoming students. It is colder outside than any of us expected: my principal crosses the line to sell me a school hoodie.

A second grade teacher has a butterfly habitat in a little mesh frame, set outside the gate. Kids who have come to the line with their families take a look and she explains things, in English and Spanish. We discuss the upcoming School Board meeting…until the Board cancels the meeting. Then we discuss how we’re gonna show up anyway, gonna rally at the meeting site because it is simply unfathomable to have NOTHING there.

When morning picket’s over, we thank the neighbor for the blankets she leant us and I drive to the Peet’s parking lot, to get a coffee and charge my phone a little bit before my daily little shift at the Solidarity/Strike School.

And I’m scanning through my What’s App messages, sipping my vanilla latte, when a man sits down at the table next to me. Dispassionately, eyes on the floor, he begins reciting a story that he’s telling to himself, about how tonight, he'll commit suicide.

I look around me. There’s one man frozen at the counter, looking at the man who is speaking next to me. That man’s expression tells me, I’m hearing this right.

I’m sipping a latte and closing What’s App and messaging the strike school that I’ll be a bit late. My phone is up to 60% and I’m using it to text my friend from Berkeley Free Clinic and ask him what the fuck I should do next. Hello hello there is a suicidal person sitting next to me in Oakland who can I contact other than the police?

The man is detached and slow enough, I am well enough into crisis mode, that I’m able to have a whole-ass text and google search and email exchange under the table while I simultaneously hold down a conversation with him. It all tumbles out and I don’t remember all of it, but yes, he’s suicidal. “Inside my heart is a terrible place,” he tells me. “I have a demon inside of my soul.” He is lucid, and not. But the thing he says, again and again, is, “I don’t know who can help me, but I think I need help.” His eyes glaze a bit, he looks down at the floor again, and I go up to the man who is standing at the counter. He asks me, “are you calling 911?” I shake my head, because the friend that I’ve been texting with helped me LAST time when the cop thing wasn’t great.

The man stands, walks out of the cafe. I follow him; my friend’s got me directly connected now to a volunteer from Oakland’s MH First program. Behind the scenes, she activates a support thread: the man sees me, thanks me for listening, apologizes for bothering me. I tell him, “You said you think you need help. I am here because I think I may know people who can help you. I’m not going to leave until they come. They’re not cops.”

Message from dispatcher: ten minutes away.

The man sits and talks fragments about cops and people and hurting and helping, repeats the things about the demon, says again that he needs help. Says, “people haven’t helped me, before. You’re the first.” I think of the man who watched, frozen at the counter. I think of all the help my colleagues are fighting to get for all of our kids. I think, dammit, I don’t know if THESE people can help either, but at least they’re not a cop and at least I’ve done this much.

“You deserve to be helped. You deserve to be listened to. I’m here because I want you to have what you deserve. I’m one person. There are others. You don’t have to deal with the demons by yourself.”

Then I tell him, “I know what it’s like to need help. I’m not saying it’s the same, but I’ve needed help, myself.”

He fixes me with a stare more direct and intense than any of the looks that he’s given me so far. “You know, then, what the world is like?”

It takes me awhile to figure out how to answer that. “I think I know some of it. I know that the world is full of very hard things, but it has good things, too, and you deserve those things. I know that the world is a place that can get better.”

The fixed look again. “What if it doesn’t?”

And there—right there—is the thing that I’ve been fighting. All week, through this strike. All my life, in other ways.

Eye contact is a thing that I will never find easy, but I try.

“I can’t lie to you. I don’t know what happens then. All I know is, we’re not there yet.”

The van pulls up, and the man stays seated, passive, on the curb while I move back to talk to the unit. I introduce the man to my new friend, Keith, and step back to let them talk. As I move away, another member of the unit reaches out to shake my hand. Gestures to my union shirt, says, “I know why you are striking.”

I nod. I thank him. I tell him, “yeah. Pretty much for THIS.”

And then I cry in the hills above Dimond Park for ten minutes, before heading down to the picnic tables to help out at the strike school.

#real life #common good #broken world #we do what we can

14 notes · View notes

dreaminginthedeepsouth · 1 year

Link

The editors of AJC offer a reason to the GOP's "nothing can be done" position on gun control:

We don’t have to live this way. We don’t have to live in fear of visiting the doctor, or taking a trip to the supermarket, or sending our children to school. We don’t have to duck and cover. Our children don’t have to participate in lockdown drills. We don’t have to sit and watch our streets turn into a combat zone on live television. We don’t have to mourn a 38-year-old mother who devoted her career to public health. We don’t have to pray all night that four other women fighting for their lives will survive. We don’t have to debate whether guns kill people or people kill people. (They both do.) We don’t have to argue about whether mental health is a crisis in this country.

#AJC #Atlanta Journal Constitution #gun violence #gun control #we don't have to live this way.#common good #common Sense #Andre Morse

8 notes · View notes

nosferdoc · 1 year

Text

#quotes #Harvey Mansfield #yuval levin #national affairs #conservatism #common good #aristotle #philosophy #politics #liberalism

4 notes · View notes

omegaphilosophia · 10 months

Text

Capitalism and the Search for Truth: Unveiling the Hindrances

In today's globalized world, capitalism has become the dominant economic system, shaping societies, institutions, and even our pursuit of knowledge. While capitalism has its benefits, it is essential to examine its impact on the search for truth and the quest for knowledge. In this blog post, we will explore how capitalism can act as a hindrance to the pursuit of truth, stifling intellectual freedom, distorting information, and prioritizing profit over the common good.

Commercialization of Knowledge: Under capitalism, knowledge and information become commodified, subject to market forces and profit-driven motives. The commodification of knowledge can lead to the prioritization of research and information that is financially profitable rather than necessarily advancing truth and understanding. This bias can limit the exploration of unconventional or unprofitable ideas, hindering intellectual diversity and innovation.

Influence of Corporate Interests: In a capitalist society, corporations wield significant influence over the dissemination and production of knowledge. Corporate funding and sponsorship can shape research agendas, academic programs, and media narratives. This influence may result in conflicts of interest, where research and information are tailored to fit corporate agendas or protect corporate interests, potentially suppressing findings that challenge prevailing narratives or threaten profit-driven industries.

Inequality and Access to Education: Capitalism's inherent economic disparities can hinder the pursuit of truth by limiting access to education and opportunities for intellectual development. Unequal access to quality education, resources, and research facilities disproportionately affects marginalized communities. This deprivation of opportunities and knowledge perpetuates systemic inequalities, preventing diverse voices and perspectives from contributing to the collective search for truth.

Media Consolidation and Sensationalism: Under the capitalist media landscape, media outlets are often driven by profit motives, sensationalism, and the need for higher ratings. This focus on attracting viewers and maximizing profits can lead to a distortion of information and a prioritization of sensational stories over factual accuracy. The pursuit of truth can be undermined as media organizations strive to capture audience attention and generate advertising revenue, compromising the integrity of news reporting.

Intellectual Property and Patents: Capitalism's emphasis on individual ownership and proprietary rights can hinder the free exchange of knowledge. Intellectual property laws and patents can limit the dissemination of information, hindering collaborative efforts and impeding the collective search for truth. Profit-oriented motives may incentivize withholding or restricting access to vital scientific discoveries, impeding progress in fields that require open collaboration and sharing of knowledge.

While capitalism has fostered economic growth and innovation, it is important to critically examine its impact on the pursuit of truth and knowledge. By commodifying knowledge, promoting corporate interests, perpetuating educational inequalities, distorting information through media sensationalism, and prioritizing intellectual property rights, capitalism can pose significant challenges to the search for truth. As we navigate the complexities of our capitalist society, it is crucial to foster intellectual freedom, promote equitable access to education, encourage independent and critical thinking, and prioritize the common good over narrow profit-driven motives. By recognizing and addressing these hindrances, we can strive for a more inclusive and truth-seeking society that values the pursuit of knowledge for the betterment of all.

3 notes · View notes

bethetiesthatbind · 1 year

Text

"Seek as much as [God] has given you, and from that take what suffices; other things, superfluous things, are the necessities of others. The superfluous things of the wealthy are the necessities of the poor. When superfluous things are possessed, others' property is possessed."

- St. Augustine

#st augustine #common good #property is theft #liberation theology #theology #marxism

4 notes · View notes

reading-writing-revolution · 8 months

Text

#politics #common good

15 notes · View notes

amplexi · 1 year

Link

You can comment at the link through April 3.

#government #bureaucracy #DOE #let's go brandon #human rights #civil rights #common good #solidarity #subsidiarity #hall monitors #bill of rights

2 notes · View notes

wisdomfish · 2 years

Quote

If desecration is the default of our culture, then it is not simply going to end with disturbing the occasional Mass. Religious freedom itself will ultimately fall. The First Amendment is only safe as long as a majority of people think that it serves the common good. Once that majority comes to see the common good in purely profane terms, all reminders of the sacred will need to be erased.

Carl R. Trueman

#desecration #culture #freedom of speech #common good #profane

6 notes · View notes

poligraf · 11 months

Text

The good, which each follower of virtue seeks for himself, he will desire also for others.

— Baruch Spinoza

#quote #quotes #life quotes #wisdom #spinoza #baruch spinoza #reciprocity #golden rule #oneness #wholeness #interconnectedness #unity #good #common good #virtue

4 notes · View notes

biblebloodhound · 1 year

Text

The Divine Warrior (Isaiah 59:15b-21)

The Lord looked and saw there was no justice. He did not like what he saw.

The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene;so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him.He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head;he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a…

View On WordPress

2 notes · View notes