For the past 15 years I have published in Explore I have tried to make the point that social values determine social outcomes, based on objective quantifiable social outcome data. And that on the basis of that data, it is clear that when forming social policy the best option is always the one that is the most compassionate, life-affirming and fostering of wellbeing. That option proves always easier to implement than the alternatives: more productive, more efficient, nicer to live under, longer enduring, and much much cheaper.1
I know this is going to be controversial, but I want to talk about a second point this data teaches, a trend that is shaping the United States in many ways. It’s components are frequently discussed, but the over-arching trend is rarely mentioned. I am speaking here of the objectively verified failure of conservative social policies to foster wellbeing. Where conservative social policies prevail, Americans, men, women, children, regardless of race or gender, are less healthy and have shorter more miserable lives than people in other developed nations. So it may be controversial but I […]
What a great essay! I just wish that all the Republican voters would read this carefully and understand it and change their opinion on who they vote for, especially in Georgia where they are still going to be able to vote in their special election which could change the history of our country. The sooner we make drastic changes, the better!
You’re cultivation of love, compassion and humility does not go un-acknowledged Stephen. There’s something really powerful about consistency here. I’d like to see more articles like-this-one!