graphic: H. Gellert

Materialists aren't looking for an "ideal" society, a paradise-on-earth, only something better than what we have now.

Once we are rid of the problems we have, then we can start thinking about what an "ideal" society might look like.  Until we get these problems off our backs, it makes little or no sense to "live in a hut and dream of mansions." Living in a dream-world is another distraction from the real, material task of changing the real, material world.

What is probably the most greed-driven system ever to emerge on Earth tells us not to be materialist!

If you're busy sandpapering sins off your own soul, or getting in touch with your inner id,  searching for the perfect orgasm or deciding what shade you want the sky to be in your world, there's one thing sure--you won't be bothering the people in charge!  Idealism is immobilizing, which is exactly what those in power want. If when "justice thunders condemnation" you're off measuring the spiritual currents in your parlor, the dwellers in the corridors of power have nothing to worry about from you!  And, if enough people can be neutralized completely enough--aaah, blessed silence!  The world's "rightful rulers" can go about their business (war, exploitation, corruption, getting filthy rich off of other people's work) in peace at last.  

But, people who care have other ideas...

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Owen M. Williamson     

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