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Roberto Rachewsky
In defense of Liberty and Individual Rights - Writer and Speaker

Catch 22

In essence, the global population can be categorized into two distinct factions: individuals who employ rationality as a guiding principle, and those who resort to the utilization of physical coercion. All other domains, including ethics, politics, economics, and aesthetics, stem from this fundamental and unbridgeable division.

The prospect of achieving peaceful coexistence between these two opposing poles is highly improbable. When the faction advocating for rationality suggests to the faction advocating for coercion that they also adopt rationality, the likelihood of this occurring is nonexistent due to the impracticality associated with the utilization of reason by violent barbarians. The cognitive process of focusing the mind, employing rationality to synthesize empirical observations with abstract concepts in order to construct persuasive arguments is a product of evolutionary development. However, not all individuals possess the capacity to comprehend and actively engage in this process, primarily due to the indispensable role played by rationality and objectivity.

The ability to overcome a cognitive barrier necessitates the prior establishment of this ability, which is cultivated during the educational journey and facilitates the automatic generation of subconscious responses rooted in experiential knowledge and logical reasoning. This developmental stage primarily occurs during childhood and adolescence, when cognitive skills are developed. The cognitive disparity that renders the attainment of rationality unfeasible gives rise to what is commonly referred to as a “conundrum” in American parlance, or colloquially, a “catch 22.” Without successfully completing the initial stage of the process, the subsequent actions cannot be realized.

The utilization of force is a rudimentary tool that individuals who possess rationality are able to control and, due to their enhanced cognitive abilities, will consistently outperform the group that, by definition, solely relies on the basic tool of initiating force, as reasoning is beyond their capabilities. The advent of technological advancements has bestowed a significant edge upon individuals who exhibit rational behavior, despite the regrettable fact that governments or terrorist organizations, specifically nihilist agitators, religious or secular misticals, have acquired military capabilities that should not be at their disposal.

Individuals who employ rationality possess the ability to create, produce and trade, whereas those who resort to force are incapable of producing anything substantial, but rather engage in acts of destruction or plunder.

In societies that prioritize rationality as a mode of interpersonal engagement, the reciprocal nature of life operates as follows: rationality attracts rationality, resulting in the generation of value and mutual advantages. This process occurs in a progressive and favorable manner, leading individuals to thrive and prosper in accordance with their merit, productive capabilities, self-esteem, and adherence to rational ethical principles.

In societies where force is employed as a method of interpersonal interaction, and coercion is utilized to acquire unmerited advantages, the concept of “qui pro quo” is absent, as there is a lack of voluntary exchanges. The sole outcome observed is the depreciation of value or, at most, a zero-sum transaction wherein the producer is deprived of possession of their produced goods.

The establishment of peace between the two aforementioned factions, referred to as the civilized and the barbarians, can only be achieved through three essential prerequisites. Firstly, the disarmament of violent individuals lacking the capacity for rationality is imperative. Secondly, the removal from society of those hindering the cultivation of reason within themselves is necessary, after due legal process, trial and condemnation. Lastly, the cognitive reprogramming of the younger generation, encompassing children and adolescents, must be undertaken to enable the utilization of reason.

Societies that prioritize the cultivation of servile obedience and the strict adherence to duty, which obliterates reason, as dictated by those who possess a monopoly on coercive power used to initiate it, find themselves trapped in a detrimental cycle that hinders progress and ultimately results in their own demise. The process of self-destruction is expedited when the faction employing physical coercion emerges victorious in conflict against the faction advocating rationality. Otherwise, it diverts attention from the value producers imbued in the creation of wealth, to the destructive activity of war.

Historical accounts document the cyclical patterns of civilizations, depicting their ascent and late decline in the midst of encounters with barbaric forces. This phenomenon has manifested itself when individuals who employ rationality exhibit leniency and entertain the notion that comprehension can be achieved with individuals lacking civilized behavior. In order to foster mutual understanding, it is imperative that both parties engage in rational discourse. However, it is important to note that this cognitive process is not inherent to a barbaric mindset.

In the context of a conflict between rational individuals and barbarian groups, it can be argued that communication is limited to the language of force. For the rational party to achieve peace, it becomes necessary to secure victory by neutralizing the enemy’s capacity for violence and imposing an irreversible capitulation, characterized by an unconditional surrender. Nevertheless, it is imperative but not comprehensive. In order for a service to achieve comprehensive and enduring fulfillment, it is imperative for individuals of sound reasoning to emancipate the minds of those who have been subjected to obligations and subservient compliance.

In order to achieve peace, Israel must continue to make progress in overcoming its adversaries who act irrationally murdering Israelis and seeking for the destruction of Israel. By doing so, Israel can effectively resolve the complex challenge, commonly referred to as a “conundrum” or a “catch-22,” which was initially discussed in this article. It is important to note that this endeavor requires the utilization of rationality as the sole means to attain success, doable only by Israelis because barbarians can´t grasp and reach such virtue.

Ceasefire and peace are desirable. However, only after victory has been conquered and the hostages are set free.

About the Author
Roberto Rachewsky was born in 1955, in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. His great-grandparents came from Bessarabia (Moldova and Ukraine), fleeing the pogroms of Tsar Nicholas II. Belonging to a family of traders, Roberto is the owner of an international logistics company and is an active supporter of laisse-faire capitalism for which he co-founded several institutions to spread the ideas of freedom. He recently published the book "The Greek, the Friar and the Heroine", which deals with the philosophical connection between Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas and Ayn Rand.
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