By Randy Brunson
DULUTH, Ga. | Thomas Sowell tackled the fundamental challenge with world peace in his book, A Conflict of Visions.
Brunson
In the United States since at least the late 19th century, there has been a divergence of visions, or approaches, or belief systems, regarding the state of man and the best way to move forward toward lasting solutions, which would include world peace.
There are (at least) two generally conflicting views or visions of the state of man.
One view is that man is inherently good. And that for those who struggle with life, if we simply provide enough education, support of various kinds, or cash flow/income, man will be at peace, healthy, and productive. Man will have no need of war as he will be educated, employed/have basic income, and otherwise mentally and emotionally healthy.
Embedded in this view is that many or most fall victim to circumstances and events outside their control. And that if those circumstances/events can be managed, controlled, or regulated, then man will have better opportunities. Billions, nay trillions, of dollars, from both government/your taxes and non-governmental organizations (NGO) coffers have been invested in myriad programs in an effort to restore man, under this philosophy. Many elected officials and government bureaucrats have supported these programs and philosophies.
Another view is that man is inherently flawed. In this view, man is in desperate need of redemption and restoration, and in need of a redeemer and restorer. Embedded in this view is that man is not a victim of external forces. That man is, in effect, a victim of his own choices. Many NGOs and some governments have invested billions and trillions in self-help programs for man under this philosophy.
There is much more to add. However, unless and until man has enough education, counseling, and income on the one hand, or enough navel-gazing/come-to-Jesus sessions on the other, man will have personal challenges. And as long as man has personal challenges, there will be war.
This is just a few vague and general paragraphs. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a treatise on the state of man.
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