A quote attributed to Albert Einstein is phrased slightly differently, depending on the presenter of the attribution:
The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing. (from GoodReads.com)
The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it. (from BrainyQuote.com)
While the difference in phrasing does not change the meaning in any significant way, it reminds me that information labeled as “factual” may be modified, incrementally, from its origin. Because the variations do not alter the meaning, we tend to dismiss them as immaterial. There is a danger in disregarding minor adjustments to “facts.” Over time, and through cumulative “minor’ editorial revisions, “facts” can decay into stories that change reality into fantasy; truth into lies. The sources from which the two internet presentations (shown above) were derived is unknown to me; the variations may well have been caused by simple mistake. Regardless, one (or both) of them is erroneous. In this example, the difference has no appreciable impact, but one can easily see how dangerous such minor differences can make. For example, modifications to original instructions on how to save a choking person or disarm a nuclear device could be catastrophic.
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Yesterday, when trying to start the car to make the short trip to my oncologist’s office to get an injection, I discovered that the battery apparently had died. Fortunately, the other car was operable, so I made the appointment. Normally, I would have returned home and jumped the dead battery, but I remain weak. My low energy level does not permit me to easily do something so simple. Today, perhaps after the temperature reaches its expected peak of just over 60°F, I will give it a try. It would be more than a little embarrassing to call AAA for something so minor, but if it comes to that, so be it. Mi novia might insist on doing it herself, but I pay AAA for just this sort of inconvenience; my dues would be wasted if I fail to take advantage of the service. My ambivalence is frustrating.
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When I refuse to let my irrational paranoia take control of my thoughts, I believe Republicans and Democrats (AKA conservatives and progressives, respectively) generally seek very similar social objectives. The differences between them largely are found in the methods they want to use to accomplish those aims. Common ground between their two philosophical approaches can best be found in the following ways: First, refrain from referring to the “other side” as monsters, demons, murderers, etc. Second, using language that is as inoffensive as possible, articulate their objectives regarding each target without referring to the means by which they wish to achieve them. Third, where their ultimate objectives are closely aligned, express each aim as simply as possible. Fourth, evaluate each side’s preferred tactics for achieving their common or near-common goals. Fifth, debate tactics, with the intent of reaching compromise that will adequately satisfy the aims of each and will minimize points of disagreement. Easy-peasy. But, as the Ken Yates song says, Surviving is Easy (but living is hard).
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Music accompanying lyrics is more expressive than the words, alone. The third verse of a Jackson Browne tune (sung by Joan Baez in the video below) is a good example of that.
Now for you and me it may not be that hard to reach our dreams
But that magic feeling never seems to last
And while the future’s there for anyone to change
Still you know it seems
It would be easier sometimes to change the past
