Good Intentions, Bad Approach

Have you come across the saying "The path to damnation is often paved with noble intentions"? This statement holds true and can help us comprehend why malevolence thrives in the world. Consider the 20th century, recorded as the most violent era in history. Despotic regimes were responsible for the slaughter of around 100 million innocent civilians. Remarkably, these despotic regimes predominantly adhered to communism. What's intriguing is that many of those who supported communism, both within and beyond its borders, believed they were contributing to the greater good. These individuals carried a firm conviction in their good intentions, and many were compassionate souls - loving parents, thoughtful neighbors, and considerate acquaintances.

Within this tumultuous epoch, the Soviet Communist Party orchestrated the death of 20 to 40 million individuals, while the Cambodian Communist regime committed a horrifying quarter of Cambodia's populace to mass annihilation. China's Communist regime went further, claiming the lives of over 60 million of its own citizens. It is worth noting that these paths towards devastation were not tread by those harboring malicious intent, but by those driven by perceived benevolence. If not for these well-intentioned supporters, the malevolent actors behind these genocides might never have gained power. A pertinent example lies in the collaboration of American and British individuals, many of whom carried honorable motives, in providing Joseph Stalin, a mass murderer, with the knowledge to construct an atomic bomb. These individuals too were likely good-hearted.

While there may not be large-scale genocidal movements in present-day America, we find smaller paths to distress paved by well-meaning people who believe they are acting with virtuous intent. Numerous educators, driven by good intentions, introduce topics that infringe upon the innocence of young minds. A substantial number of Americans who vote for politicians advocating the defunding of law enforcement agencies, oblivious to the resulting surge in heinous crimes, sincerely believe they are advancing the common welfare. Similarly, those advocating the censorship of hate speech possess laudable motives, though they inadvertently endanger the cherished principle of free expression.

The saying "The path to hell is paved with good intentions" resonates due to the paradox that many who support detrimental causes, and even those who perpetrate evil, are often guided by what they perceive as virtuous intentions. Their rationale follows a simple logic: "I am well-intentioned, therefore my actions are just, making me virtuous. Conversely, if you oppose me, you must harbor ill will, which disqualifies you from being virtuous." Thus, the path to catastrophe is forged by those who consider their good intentions the ultimate benchmark of righteousness.

Given that good intentions frequently prove morally insufficient, how then can we amplify goodness in society? Alternatively, if good intentions can lead to calamity, what substance should we employ to construct a brighter world? The answer lies in wisdom, an understanding that encompasses the repercussions of our stances on life. Wisdom prompts us to question not merely what is well-intentioned, but rather what is truly good. Good intentions, coupled with kindness, devoid of wisdom, often yield malevolent outcomes.

The concern for America and Western civilization does not stem from the malevolent intentions of our leaders, but rather from the lack of wisdom that permeates their ranks. Rather than being driven by malice, these elites are often misguided due to a lack of discernment. The word that aptly describes such a deficiency is "foolishness."

This condition of lacking wisdom manifests in many college presidents, professors, educators, journalists, business leaders, and so-called experts. The question arises: Why do these accomplished individuals often lack sagacity? The root cause lies in the absence of a concerted pursuit of wisdom. Much like studying physics equips one to become a physicist, one must engage in the study of wisdom to become wise.

The acquisition of wisdom increases the likelihood of becoming wise, while its absence renders one susceptible to foolishness. It is the latter group, the foolish, who often inadvertently cause considerable harm. Tragically, the instruction of wisdom is no longer a priority for most parents or educational institutions. In the early 20th century, American students were expected to familiarize themselves with the eminent fountains of wisdom, including ancient Greek and Roman writers, Shakespeare, and most significantly, the Bible.

Regrettably, America's trajectory changed course, shifting away from the pursuit of wisdom. It ceased to emphasize the teachings of the aforementioned sources. Thus, the path towards a virtuous world is not lined with good intentions alone; it is constructed upon the foundation of wisdom. Kindness and noble intentions, when bereft of wisdom, are inadequate.