152. Where’s The Line Between Politics And Morality?

When can we legislate an opinion? Who is to say that an opinion is a fact? The left has long called to bring the personal into politics, while also calling to keep politics away from people’s private decisions. These two things cannot exist together in one’s mind.

“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”

-Plato

After a long Twitter discussion, I realized that this was the question at the heart of the debate. Is there a point that we can legislate morality? If so, what is that point? And, is there really an objective morality that can be applied in politics?

Abortion Politics

The discussion I found myself in was one about abortion, whether one can be personally opposed to it, but legislatively allow it. I think this principle is sound, but that it has limits. Here’s the tweet:

Legislation and Politics

So, today we’ll take a look at this principle to see if there is a threshold that allows us to “legislate morality.” And, I want to look at the political situation to see what is and what isn’t appropriate to legislate. This is an important discussion if we are to have a functioning society.

Personal Beliefs

We can have beliefs about what is right and wrong, and we should. We ought to learn about the world and living properly in it. That is a virtuous and noble endeavor. And, I think that it is useful to engage in dialogue with others about the beliefs we hold. That is when it turns toward politics because politics is the way in which we learn how to live together.

Political Opinions

Our political opinions are those opinions about right and wrong, and how they ought to be enacted in society. Our beliefs on politics are not simply what is wrong or right. Instead, it’s whether or not that action should be punished, how it ought to be regulated, and who is required to follow those rules. This is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak, and it is here that we begin to decide what is right and wrong for society.

When Politics and Personal Meet

When we start to go from our personal beliefs to the political ones, it can be hard to have that discussion. If we talk about banning something or punishing an action, there are others who will be affected, and they may take that personally. It’s important to be delicate but clear in these discussions so we can let people know we aren’t attacking them, but are trying to curb the effect of something that is wrong or harmful.

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155. Book Review | How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie – Conversation of Our Generation

About the author, Dale Carnegie Dale Carnegie’s life is a story of success – a true rags to riches tale. Though he shares the last name of the steel titan, Andrew Carnegie, they aren’t related. Dale Carnegie actually changed the spelling of his last name to match the industrialist’s spelling to gain clout. But, this book review is not about that. It’s a look at How to Win Friends & Influence People, a fantastic guide to dealing with people. Why I chose to review this book: I found this book tremendously helpful as I left college and entered the business world. It was difficult to talk to experienced professionals, and I needed a confidence boost. Before graduating college, I worked in retail and had no problem talking to customers. But, being thrust into a new world, I was out of my element and needed help. If you ask me, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to lead a successful life. “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” -Dale Carnegie Readability of the book: I find it easily readable. Written in a conversational tone, it’s like he’s transcribing some advice he gave a friend. The stories are intriguing, although sometimes a bit outlandish. That said, the lessons you draw from them make it feel more like a parable than a lie or hyperbole. Grab your copy of How to Win Friends & Influence People here. Sections of the book: Twelve Things This Book Will Do For You Fundamental Techniques in Handling People Six Ways to Make People Like You Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment — This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

1. 155. Book Review | How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie 14:54
2. 154. How To Become A Published Author 36:35
3. 153. Book Review | Anatomy of the State by Murray Rothbard 13:12
4. 152. Where’s The Line Between Politics And Morality? 38:14
5. 151. Book Review | The Importance of Being Earnest By Oscar Wilde 13:24
6. 150. Unplug To Recharge 31:24
7. 149. Book Review | The Screwtape Letters By C.S. Lewis 13:10
8. 148. Justice of the Ancient World and Today 34:35
9. 147. Book Review | Fools, Frauds, and Firebrands by Roger Scruton 14:18
10. 146. Observing Politics Without Going Crazy 35:24