Rats and Cockroaches

[Wickerman]

Ever tire of Conservatives telling you how great Capitalism is and how Walmart is simply fulfilling the law of supply and demand? A friend sent me this quote the other day and I think it so succinctly defines the difference, without actually saying it, between conservatism and progressivism:


Wendell Berry "Rats and roaches live by competition under the laws of supply and demand; it is the privilege of human beings to live under the laws of justice and mercy."


Ever read any Wendell Berry? He sounds interesting.

His nonfiction serves as a long defense of the life in which he finds value. According to Berry, this good life includes: sustainable agriculture, appropriate technologies, healthy rural communities, the Gospels, connection to place, the pleasures of good food, stewardship of Creation, husbandry, good work, local economics, the miracle of life, fidelity, frugality, reverence, peacemaking and the interconnectedness of life. The threats Berry finds to this good life include: industrial farming and the industrialization of life, ignorance, hubris, greed, violence against others and against the natural world, our declining topsoil, global economics, environmental destruction.

Wendell Berry is often cited as a defender of agrarian ideals and frequently voices his appreciation for the Amish
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Berry

[wicket]

1. Great quote!

Thanks for posting.

[sui generis]

2. rats and roaches serve a purpose in the chain of life

BUT, I agree - and gaming theory backs him up. Cooperation always trumps competition. We know that innately - that's why politicians like to point out "external" dangers and scapegoats - it gets competing philosophies to cooperate to defeat a common enemy.

[Wickerman]

4. and Conservatives don't, right?

:D

No, I understand and well stated.

[TahitiNut]

3. "Every day do something that won't compute. ...

"Every day do something that won't compute. Love the Lord. Love the world. Work for nothing...Love someone who doesn't deserve it...Plant sequoias...Practice resurrection."

"There is no sense and no sanity in objecting to the desecration of the American flag when we tolerate, encourage, and as a daily business promote the desecration of the Country for which it stands."

:wow: :applause:

[Wickerman]

5. Where do I sign on to the The Mad Farmer Liberation Front?

Hey Mike, more nice quotes. :hi:

[TahitiNut]

7. This guy's a fundie I can support! I adore his perspective.

He fully comprehends 'win-win' ... he truly comprehends the message of all great faith traditions.

[politicaholic]

6. Level headed socially conscious politics has no place in the world...

Another good quote is from a poet in San Francisco which goes:

"Politics...poly = many, ticks = blood sucking insects." -Jamey Kennedy-

[OneBlueSky]

8. Wendell Berry is a "geologian" . . . and a perceptive writer . . . n/t

.

[MsUSA]

9. I'm going to use that for my new tag line.........

Wendell Berry "Rats and roaches live by competition under the laws of supply and demand; it is the privilege of human beings to live under the laws of justice and mercy." Love it.

[meganmonkey]

10. Wendell Berry is AWESOME!

I recommend him to anyone who likes to read - there is something for you - nonfiction, fiction, short stories, essays,

He is a wise man, his style is very accessible, and he was a HUGE influence on my life.