Politics | Wisdom

4 Political Topics of Today

Wisdom from the past

I mostly avoid writing about politics, especially in the current politically charged atmosphere. However, a great deal of wisdom exists from some incredibly insightful people that should not go unnoticed.

Let’s look at what four politically astute people had to say about four relevant topics of today.

Four relevant topics

In this article, we will look at wisdom from the past about four areas often discussed in the political arena. They include:

• Schools
• Legislation
• Small business
• Information transparency

I will share a few words about each area to bring the topics into today. None of the authors are living, although their words continue to carry much wisdom and great weight. We can learn a lot from the past, and ignoring what these people had to say would be ignorant.

As the wisest man to ever live, Solomon pointed out 3,000 years ago, nothing is new under the sun. We would be wise to use the following lessons and warnings to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Schools

A true genius from early in the last century had much to say about schools, a hot topic of today.

“Schools need not preach political doctrine to defend democracy. If they shape men [and women] capable of critical thought and trained in social attitudes, that is all that is necessary.” Albert Einstein (1874–1955)

It would seem Einstein was aware of political indoctrination entering our educational system early in the last century. It is only common sense that political doctrine should not be allowed in our school and university systems. Its infiltration only undermines our constitutional republic. The results are manifesting themselves before our very eyes. Will it ever stop? What do you think?

Legislation

While this person lived in Germany and France, he speaks to the political situations in the United States and much of the world.

“Politicians think that by stopping up the chimney they can stop its smoking. They try the experiment, they drive the smoke back, and there is more smoke than ever; but they do not see that their want of common sense has increased the evil they would have prevented.” Ludwig Borne (1786–1937)

Borne’s words are more valid today than they have ever been. Too many politicians lack real-world experience, creating catastrophic results for our people and country. We see their detrimental effects at our border, with wildfires, in business, and our country’s debt and devaluation of the dollar, to name a few. Will enough people ever wake up to address the wrong actions of the government? What do you think?

Small Business

A founding father and a true patriot, he was one of the first, if not the first, in our country to write about small business.

“The more people who own little businesses of their own, the safer our country will be, and the better off its cities and towns; for the people who have a stake in their country and their community are its best citizens.” John Hancock (1770–1772)

We all know how important small businesses are to our country’s health and prosperity. Until I found this quote, I did not realize this was as true more than 200 years ago as it is today.

What fascinates me about Hancock’s words is how he tied the safety of our country to them! Does this not contain a great truth? What do you think about his thoughts?

Information Transparency

A topic discussed in recent years that politics have too often clouded is information transparency. In the early part of the last century, this politician and lawyer spoke a truth that still resonates today. It is vital to our citizens, their freedom, and our system of government.

“The experience of a century and a half has demonstrated that our system of free government functions best when the maximum degree of information is made available to our people. In fact, free and candid discussion of vexing problems is the bedrock of democracy and it may be our surest safeguard for peace.” Brien McMahon (1903–1952)

With countless failed promises and misrepresentations, is it any wonder trust in our government continues to erode? Will true transparency ever be the norm, or will continual hiding and covering up remain?

Ours is supposed to be a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, but it lacks in many ways. A significant number believe the lack of transparency is a dereliction of duty and something the citizens of our country must address sooner rather than later. What are your thoughts on this subject?

Final thoughts

Many topics of discussion exist regarding our country, patriotism, and politics, with differing views on every side. In future articles, I will present more time-tested truths from the past that remain relevant today.

“Historical knowledge is indispensable for those who want to build a better world” Ludwig von Mises (1881–1973)

We all want to build a better world. What better way to build it than to lean on those who passed before us and learn from the lessons of history?

May we all do our civic duty and vote!

If you enjoy content of this nature, I would appreciate it if you could leave a comment below.

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Bill Abbate Leadership Writer and Editor in ILLUMINATION

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