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- A normal existence is an existence with many causes. The bad is not always the worst. To prepare oneself for the bad without preparing oneself for the worst: This is the spiritual challenge of a liberal order.
- But the real problem with typological thinking about history is that it is not historical thinking at all. It is ahistorical thinking. It obscures and obliterates all the differences between historical circumstances in favor of a gross, immutable, edifying similarity. It is an insufficiently worldly way to judge the world.
This entire piece was a pleasure to read. I didn't look at the date, and I didn't realize it was 10 years old until Sharon was mentioned; it could have been written yesterday, as Netanyahu is again the Leader of Israel and Obama has been derided as anti-Israel since he took office. Ahistorical thinking is pervasive in politics, not just in Israel. I think it is necessary to support many policy positions that would otherwise be untenable.
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thenewgreen · 4623 days ago · link ·
Thanks for badging, I did read it as a result and I agree that it's a very relevant post. Like you, I hadn't realized that it was older until they referenced Arafat as if he were still in command.