[sudo-discuss] A "Jedi" can apologize for being wrong. The sith "dealing in absolutes"."

[Andrew]

"there is no good and evil, only fun and boring" - The Plague
On Nov 8, 2013 1:39 AM, "spectral imix" <solarimix at yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>  A "Sith"-like attitude insists on an innate "goodness" and "badness" (or
> more appropriately "us-ness" and "them-ness") in everything. The "Jedi"
> understand that no object or action is intrinsically good or evil.
> Intention and effect matter, turning black and white into shades of gray.
> The fundamental difference between the sides is not "good" and "evil".
> (Everyone has the potential for both.) The real difference is between a
> desire to control one's environment for personal power and security, and
> the desire to serve the greater good of all. A "Sith" believes in
> him/herself, forming temporary alliances only for the purpose of gaining
> greater personal advantage. A "Jedi" seeks and fosters the good in
> everyone, risking and sacrificing personal safety and reputation to benefit
> the whole. Their actions may occasionally resemble each other but their
> motivations are very different.
>
> The "Jedi" mentality DOES have "absolutes" of a sort. The preservation of
> life (particularly intelligent life), freedom (physical and intellectual),
> justice (without regard to status) and the like are enduring values for
> "Jedi"-like people. But they understand that the universe is morally
> neutral, that often one value is pitted against another by the
> unscrupulous, and that sometimes the best that can be done is a moral
> compromise.
>
> The "Sith" prefer to concretize their "morality". Disloyalty to THIS
> leader is wrong. Partaking in THAT specific activity is evil. An uncensored
> discussion of social alternatives is morally decadent. Categorically,
> without exception, never mind the intent. A "virtuous" act is always
> "good". A troublemaker is always "bad".
>
> A "Jedi" can observe the ethical situation, note changes, and change his
> mind about a good idea implemented badly, or a disreputable strategy that
> actually produces good. A "Jedi" can apologize for being wrong. A "Sith"
> cannot afford to be inconsistent for fear of losing credibility. Any change
> in allegiance must be framed and propagandized to appear as part of the
> plan all along. The "Sith" is about appearances rather than reality. The
> world is never black and white, but the "Sith" pretends it is. That is what
> is meant by "dealing in absolutes"."
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