Laws Of Discord
The Left are too clever by half. It’s a problem for us. We see the complex issues facing our world and we come up with complex solutions. We consider ourselves intelligent, thoughtful and analytical, but these characteristics lead us into direct collision with the Three Laws of Social Discord.
1st Law
The first law of social discord is this:
Intelligence plus Complexity equals Diversity ( I + C = D)
In other words: the harder a social or ethical problem is to solve, and the greater the numbers and intelligence of those attempting to solve it, the greater will be the number of solutions proposed.
2nd Law
The second law of social discord is this:
Complex answers to social issues invariably outnumber simple answers (Ca > Sa)
In other words: there are only a limited number of simple solutions that can be rationally proposed for any specific social or ethical question, but an innumerable number of complex ones. Therefore, among thoughtful people who seek to respond intelligently to complex issues, viewpoints proliferate.
3rd Law
The third law of social discord is this:
There will always be discord between the adherents of differing answers to social or ethical questions, no matter how marginal the difference (If a1 # a2 then Dis )
In other words: the creators of any solution or theory understandably favour their own conclusions; adherents are attracted to solutions which match their temperaments and which they then defend; belief systems calcify.
Outcome
These laws invariably result in dissent, with the Left producing a spectrum of differing, complex answers (1st Law), which tend to be greater in number than the simplistic answers of the Right (2nd Law), and between any two of which there will always be discord (3rd Law). It’s hardly surprising, then, that the total discord between the more complex answers offered by left-wing thinkers is greater than the total discord between the fewer and simpler answers of the Right.
A Lesson
If intelligence and complexity contribute to left-wing factionalism, is there a way to remedy this?
I believe there is.
It is difficult for critical and intelligent thinkers to agree on the fine detail of solutions to complex social and moral issues. That’s a given.
Further, complexity and fine detail are hard to communicate in a mass media environment. That, too, is inarguable.
So, if the Left are to unite and present a clear and accessible message, we need to take a lesson from the playbook of the Right.
We need to learn the lesson of simplicity.
Be Like Einstein
Einstein’s formula e = mc2 stands on the back of complex theorising and proof – the detailed fine print of genius. Nevertheless, it hits the eye with a visceral and elegant simplicity.
This simplicity is what the Left now need to achieve.
Where do we begin?
It is possible to isolate within the dissonant world of left-wing thinking three key areas of dissent: values, objectives and implementation.
All sorts of complex and ingenious answers have been suggested for what the central values of the Left should be, what objectives the Left should strive towards, and how these objectives, even where tentatively agreed on, can or should be implemented.
This plurality weakens us.
The Right are empowered by their often stupid simplicity; the Left, in their engagement with complexity, are in disarray. We need to follow Einstein’s path toward elegant, intelligent simplicity. We urgently need to unite behind:
– A simplified and easily communicable set of values
– A simplified, restricted and relatable set of objectives
– A simple plan
Values
Values are important.
When you need to work alongside others it helps if you share values. That’s a key function of morality: to bind groups and societies together.
In my book Intelligent Ethics (2019) I argue for three simple and uncontroversial values, behind which anyone on the Left can easily unite. They are:
– Caring for those around you
– Caring for all humanity
– Caring for the biological world
The first two of these are common to many of our existing belief systems; they do not require a tremendous leap of faith. Meanwhile, the third value is essential for the survival of our species.
Consolidate behind these values and we create an impregnable shield against the seductive but malign simplicity of the Right.
Objectives
Our detailed analyses of economics and geopolitics may differ…
Our sophisticated templates for a new world of justice and sustainability may differ…
The great minds of the past with whom we align ourselves may differ…
…but if we are to achieve anything, it is essential we bypass the Third Law of Social Discord and unite behind a small number of accessible and easily-communicated objectives.
Objectives like these:
– Save the NHS
– Tax the rich
– Nationalise essential services
– Grow the green economy
– Reform the media
– Oppose militarism and war
And that’s it…
Nothing else need obscure the enormous benefits that meeting these objectives would deliver to ordinary people.
Agree on a limited set of objectives like these and postpone all others. Push for changes we can all agree on. Shelve the aspirations that divide us.
Implementation
Any achievable plan for change needs the following elements:
- Limited, agreed and measurable objectives
- Answers to the question, ‘Who?’ Who’s going to deliver this? Who’s impacted? Whose assistance do we need and whose resistance do we need to assuage? Who provides the effort and who provides the funds?
- A means of delivery: how we organise ourselves while respecting our core values; the shape or form of our organisation
- Answers to the question, ‘How?’ How will we implement our plan? What specific actions do we need to take and what risks do we need to avoid?
It is impossible to totally avoid complexity if we are to make lasting, positive change in a complex world, but the entire purpose of a plan is to dissolve this into simple, achievable steps. We need to harness simplicity and make it our ally, not our adversary.
Unity
Can the Left unite?
Of course we can.
Can Your Party be at the heart of this?
Of course it can.
But only if we tackle the causes of our disunity. One cause is the multitude of complex answers we offer to the question, ‘How should society be organised to the best advantage of us all?’
We need to simplify our answers so that they become something not only the Left can unite behind but which can also unite the 99% – answers not just for the few but for the many. This is our priority. The world is in crisis. Corporations, oligarchs and the Right are united in their simple philosophy of power-hunger and greed. They are united in their readiness to leverage the chaos which they themselves have brought about.
It is essential that the Left also unite, both within Your Party and with all who support our easily understood and relatable objectives.
United, we stand.
Divided?
Well, everyone knows the answer to that…
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Luke Andreski
Luke Andreski is a founding member of the @EthicalRenewal and Ethical Intelligence collectives. His books include Intelligent Ethics (2019), Ethical Intelligence (2019), Short Conversations: During The Plague (2020) and Short Conversations: During the Storm (2021).
You can connect with Luke on LinkedIn, https://uk.linkedin.com/in/luke-andreski-ethics, or via @EthicalRenewal on X https://twitter.com/EthicalRenewal
