Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
(Yuval Noah Harari, 2011)
“Every culture has its typical beliefs, norms and values, but these are in constant flux.
The culture may transform itself in response to changes in its environment or through interaction with neighbouring cultures.
But cultures also undergo transitions due to their own internal dynamics. Even a completely isolated culture existing in an ecologically stable environment cannot avoid change.
Unlike the laws of physics, which are free of inconsistencies, every man-made order is packed with internal contradictions. Cultures are constantly trying to reconcile these contradictions, and this process fuels change.”
“equality and individual freedom”
“Ever since the French Revolution, people throughout the world have gradually come to see both equality and individual freedom as fundamental values.
Yet the two values contradict each other. Equality can be ensured only by curtailing the freedoms of those who are better of.
Guaranteeing that every individual will be free to do as he wishes inevitably short-changes equality.
The entire political history of the world since 1789 can be seen as a series of attempts to reconcile this contradiction.”
“Consistency is the playground of dull minds”
“But this is no defect. Such contradictions are an inseparable part of every human culture. In fact, they are culture’s engines, responsible for the creativity and dynamism of our species.
Just as when two clashing musical notes played together force a piece of music forward, so discord in our thoughts, ideas and values compel us to think, reevaluate and criticise. Consistency is the playground of dull minds.
If tensions, conflicts and irresolvable dilemmas are the spice of every culture, a human being who belongs to any particular culture must hold contradictory beliefs and be riven by incompatible values.
It’s such an essential feature of any culture that it even has a name: cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance is often considered a failure of the human psyche.
In fact, it is a vital asset. Had people been unable to hold contradictory beliefs and values, it would probably have been impossible to establish and maintain any human culture.”
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