[January 16, 2022] For the common good. When someone asked why they visited disgrace upon those Spartans among them who lost their shields but did not do the same thing to those who lost their helmets or breastplates, the Spartan King Demaratus is said to have replied:
“Because the latter they put on for their own protection, but the shield for the common good of the whole line.” – as found in the writings of Plutarch (45-120 BC), Greek philosopher, historian, and biographer
In the U.S. military, it is not the shield but the rifle that symbolizes the common good of the team. In my experience while in the Army, there was nothing worse than losing your rifle. Without your weapon, you exposed your entire team to unnecessary danger. That is why we memorized its serial number, qualified with it on a range, and took great care to clean and lubricate it properly. We protect our rifles with a vengeance.
Many often speak of those things we share or achieve and benefit all members of a group, community, or nation in political circles. Referred to as the common good, no longer is there agreement to what it means. The original writings of Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero have fallen to the wayside.
Today, we often speak of the common good as “rights,” those things that are given to us because we exist. While we have rights, this new interpretation of the common good is not grounded in the ancient understanding of responsibility for the whole. To hold onto your shied in ancient times or onto your rifle in a modern military is what protects the whole. It is your responsibility, above all else, to protect your team from harm.
The common good has been an essential ethical concept for at least two millennia. There is a change underway, and the results of this redefinition have not yet been worked out. Perhaps that is why we see so much social violence. No one agrees upon the common good today; environmentalism, feminism, and healthcare all compete for our priority and best efforts.
The common good does not just happen. It requires effort and sacrifice. It requires an ethos; it is never easy, always a struggle, yet the results are worthwhile. That is not to be in our modern and individualistic society.
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Please read my new book, “Our Longest Year in Iraq,” at Amazon (link here).
The fallacies of the common good by Kim R. Holmes
https://newcriterion.com/issues/2022/1/the-fallacies-of-the-common-good
I recommend this article to all. It is very interesting and deals with the common good in a new light, at least one that I haven’t read about.
Thanks Willie, yes, I was unaware of the debate.
Good points Willie and thanks for the link. Things are never as simple as they may appear on the surface.
If common sense was lard, most people wouldn’t be able to grease a pan.
Good discussion all. This is the kind of thing that makes us want to read more. I’m thrilled to read more about this idea of the common good. An idea that has become perverted by mainstream media and college professors who are all in on communism and the destruction of individualism.
Excellent article. Made me think., ✔
As it should ….. and why I keep coming back here to read what Gen. Satterfield writes. I did miss him for those few days recently he was ill. Hang in there Gen.S. We love your website and what you write.
Free speech is neither a conservative nor liberal idea. It is an eternally radical idea. Free speech is THE classic common good but not always accepted. Colleges and universities are ground zero for successful attacks on free speech. Shame on them. Go kick a few butts and see how quickly the squeamish radicals run to their mommies.
Great article on the arguments regarding free speech, “Answers to 12 Bad Anti-Free Speech Arguments: Featuring That XKCD Cartoon Everyone Likes to Quote!”
https://areomagazine.com/2021/05/25/answers-to-12-bad-anti-free-speech-arguments-featuring-that-xkcd-cartoon-everyone-likes-to-quote/
Thanks, yes I read it and good hip-pocket list.
Rowen, I and the rest of us appreciate you locating this website. FIRE has been around a while but I’ve not been reading their info. Now, I will.
Gen. Satterfield wrote, “The original writings of Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero have fallen to the wayside.” Yep! Couldn’t have said it better.
Good one, Plato. This is true of course, as there is a tendency for all organizations/institutions to slowly become corrupt as time moves on. It is up to the leadership of those to oversee the de-evolution of corruption. Politicians are known for corruption (many forms of corruption are acknowledged here) and yet a very few will push back. We see today in the US a highly corrupt federal govt in Joe Biden WH, the DOJ, and of course the FBI (as Jelly has graciously pointed out). Keep up the faith and don’t let the snowflake progressives get to you.
If you want to read something good, read Gen. Satterfield’s blog (here) and his book (on Amazon). —— and “NO” he doesn’t pay me to push his book —– hahahahahahah. Altho, I am a long time reader of his leadership blog. Which, BTW, I think is the best.
Hi Kenny, Yes, I think most of us believe the same thing. I’m too a long-time reader and contributor to the blog. Gen. Satterfield is an example of a good, moral man.
Big big big fan here of Army Vet and Gen. Satterfield, nothing like a real man in uniform to make us girls take notice. More importantly, I believe deeply that they are the type of men who are there to help save the world from communists and socialists like we have in America. 👍
Army Vet, great to hear from you again. Our small contributions to liberty and freedom is not without sacrifice, but, like you, I have no regrets.
Gen. Satterfield, thanks!!!!!!
Good comment. Yes, I agree, buy the book. Support folks that do good things.
This is excellent. And, connected to your ‘daily favorites’ on free speech you’ve created a great link. The common good is free speech.
Nice connect, idiot savant. I didn’t make the connection.