The objection is that he could" and having the potential to do these things is unacceptable.
But are these just stories we (are predisposed to) tell ourselves?
If the only thing keeping us is in check is the lack of power (ability or tech), then surely we weren't fit to have influence in the first place. (Not that folks acquire influence based of their moral standing")
So are we seeking to make sure that no one person or group has the ability to have real influence in the world? Is that our set point as a species? In case they do harm?
Star Trek tackled this problem with their Prime Directive, which
states that they are forbidden by Federation law, and their version of
morality, to interfere with the affairs of another race, planet or
culture. This way, they allow societies to make their own mistakes, and
evolve naturally without interference from their superior tech and
morals.
This seems a tidy way of dealing with things once we get out into the galaxy, but can we really do this?
Apply this to home, and this means allowing domestic violence to continue, right under our noses.
It means not re-educating our kids that every human being is born equal regardless of the colour of their skin, the beliefs of their parents, or which genitals they have.
It means not providing aid when hundreds and thousands of people are fleeing their homes because of famine, or terror.
It means not doing anything about the extra energy accumulating in the atmosphere daily: the equivalent of 400,000 Hiroshima bombs. Daily.
Knowing that doing nothing is leading to our own imminent destruction, maybe we need to consider the alternative: interfering.
Sure, there will be unintended consequences along the way. There is no single answer to solving any problem, and there probably isn't one moral argument that will serve us as we navigate each instance where we exert an influence.
The way forward is to know our own inner demons, the parts of ourselves that we need to question, as well as the doubts and programming that keep us in inaction. Then we need to think carefully about all the critical factors involved in the situations we are trying to change.
And then we need to work in think tanks to build these critical factors into working models, and challenge the F*** out of our assumptions.
And then go make good sh*t happen.
This is precisely what we'll be doing after the Storytelling For Social Profit Summit, soon.
There is much to do.
Check out Laura Leigh's interview with Rob Kall and get details on the conference here
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