New ideas in one realm can impact ideas in other realms. For example, socialism was a new idea in the economic realm (mid 1800's). Yet, Marx's view of capital is remarkably similar to Adam Smith's theory written in 1776. The difference is that Marx's analysis is infused with democratic political ideals. The rights of the worker replaced the rights of the citizen. The laborer and the owner were to be considered equal, the same as the citizen and the king.
During the American and French Revolutions, economic theories were used to support a political view. As the idea of socialism spread a century later, economic theories became more contentious, and political ideas were used to support the economic view. The priority of belief shifted. Islamic revolutions represent an ascendency of religious ideas.
Which Idea is on Top? by Steve Consilvio
Philosophies, empires and organizations may change quickly or slowly, regress or progress, but they all endure. Our needs are fixed and unchanging, and we plow through different combinations of ideas in a search for improvement and balance between the one and the many. In the same manner as generations passing through the cycles of life, important ideas get lost and rediscovered. Within organizations, the vision of leadership changes with different occupants. We see that acutely in presidential elections. Traditions can change with new people (liberalism), or be reattempted as a new solution (conservatism). Change is a constant battle between new ideas and a reprise of old ideas.
Peace and prosperity is a universal goal. The question is How? People who disagree cannot accomplish anything. We need to produce to consume, so the results of wrong and right choices eventually present themselves. We suffer or thrive primarily by our own hand. Do we want peace or war? Are we attempting to enslave one another or trying to work cooperatively? The differences between what, why and how we do things can be quite stark. Dissonance adds many layers of hypocrisy and confusion.
Money is common to all. This book argues that inflation and debt are the primary source of trouble. There are other issues, however, which this chapter and the next two will explore. How we think is as important as what we think and how we use numbers.
What is the priority?
The three empires, and the individual organizations within them, must form a hierarchy of priorities. Within the overlap area, one idea category must take precedence over the other. For example, in government, should rights or economic policy be the priority in decision making? Whose rights, and which economic priority? Since government is the social realm, it is automatically taking sides.
In churches, should the truth or peaceful coexistence with non-members be the priority? Should we love others or judge others?
In businesses, should personal, employer, investor, community or the environmental conditions be the priority? Which mouths should be fed first?
Every organization is providing a service to society, but a hierarchy of values effects the Quality of Life for everyone. Decisions must be made between competing values.
Competing Values by Steve Consilvio
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