How To Think Politically: By Graeme Garrard and James Bernard Murphy

 

As we’re transitioning into the season of hoodies and sweatshirts, it’s the ideal time to snuggle under the blanket with a book in one hand and a warm drink in the other. Politics may not be a topic one would ought to debate and wrangle on, in this cozy atmosphere. However, how to think politically, by Graeme Garrard and James Bernard Murphy, is nothing close to the standard political books you once had an eye on. Political books discuss heavy case studies and detailed theories. But this journey has a twist into it. With every page flip, you’ll get to meet an important and widely known political leader or philosopher. the book I’m settling on this time, is another light and warm conversation-based book. 

 

In this expedition, you’ll get to meet 30 of the most important and extravagant leaders and thinkers who are still being acknowledged, and theories studied. However, for the sake of keeping our conversation short and warm, I’ll be introducing you to two of the most outstanding philosophers and teachers from my own viewpoint.  

 

Ahead of turning you all into politicians and theologians. Allow me to start this conversation with a very short political introductory and fine definition from well-known thinkers and authors who have annotated and illustrated the meaning of politics and the world of politics in the introduction section of the book.

 

·      Bernard Crick defined the world of politics as an artistic action and feeling that enforces and allows people to act accordingly, as he said, "it is the alternative to controlling people by force or fraud alone".

·      Our authors have defined politics and power as a joint force that are not only interconnected, but inseparable too. As stated in the book "So politics is the intersection of power and justice: power that is justified and justice that’s empowered. Politics is when right is made mighty and when might is exercised rightly. The activity of politics is the attempt to bring a conception of justice to power".

 

You might have thought to yourself, why is politics important and why should I read political books or articles, they’re boring and dystopian. The answer to such a question is brought to you by Leon Trotsky as he stated. "You may not care about Politics, but politics cares about you".

 

Let’s pretend that this is a written talk-show, where we’ll be meeting our guests through words and quotes. Shall we?. I believe this is a definite yes. 

 

Our first guest lived 25 centuries ago. He’s known as (Master Kong) by the Chinese, due to his dedication to philosophy and his teachings that are being studied and lived by, up to this day. 

 

Confucius is known for his teachings that were mostly dedicated to virtue and the right way of living. As stated in the book "his ethics, like that of Socrates and of Jesus, is an ethics of being, more than it is an ethics doing". 

 

Although Confucius started his journey at an early age and was attacked all along. He worked acquiescently and fulfilled his ethical duty with what he believed is right. Thus, his teachings and beliefs reshaped the ethical system of the past and present societies. As he described his journey "At fifteen I set my heart on learning: at thirty I took my sand: at forty I came to be free from doubts: at fifty I understand the Decree of Heaven: at Sixty my ear was attuned: at Seventy I followed my heart’s desire without overstepping the ling".

 

His ethical and philosophical work have exceeded into not only lessons, but teachings that societies still live by. So, let’s jump into the major enlightenments Confucius have philosophized on.

 

·      Learning

Nowadays, we would consider learning as knowing only. But for Confucius it’s the way of life, it’s the art of being and not doing as the authors argued. Yet, for Confucius, learning comes from within your heart, it’s not about memorizing texts, it’s about understanding the meaning of the words you’re reading and applying them in your own personal life. As stated in the book "The goal is not merely to memorize but to live but to live the classical texts. Confucianism is more than just a political theory: it is a way of life."

 

·      Becoming Free from Doubt

To overcome confusion, let’s not mix the idea of doubt into religion. In the Confucian teaching, for one to be free from doubt is to be free from worry and any other materialistic obstacles that cause distraction and disorder. As stated in the book "Becoming free from doubt means becoming free from any fear or worry it means never suffering from psychic conflict or remorse, never being two mind".

 

·      Understanding the Decree of Heaven

Philosophers are known to engage the idea of religion and heaven into their work and debates. Nonetheless, Confucius’s teachings are known to be less spiritual, as it is a way of living. However, our philosopher still has points to add regarding this matter. He believes that our lives are fit and connected to the cosmos as a whole. To be more specific, what happens in your life now has to do with fate and ancestors. As stated in the book "For him, the drama of human life must accord with the larger drama of cosmic life, perhaps including fate and the sacred realm of the ancestors ". 

 

·      Hierarchy

Hierarchy is a heavy word that can be branched into several different connotations from multiple perspectives. However, hierarchy in the Confucius teachings refer to respect and social order. The idea behind hierarchy and order might be a hard pill to swallow for some, but this is how a balanced social household was seen to be. A balanced relationship which is based on obedience and respect of the younger generation to their elderlies. Confucius theory in regard to hierarchy and respecting the leader is kind of similar to Hobbes theory of Leviathan, but unlike Confucius, Hobbes terms were dedicated to political security rather than spirituality and serenity. Regardless of where both stand, Confucius’s argument in regard to obedience and virtue combines both spiritual and political values. As he argued: "The virtue of the ruler is like the wind; the weakness of the people is like the grass; the wind must blow over the grass".

 

In the beginning of his philosophical life, Confucius was attacked and then praised and then attacked again. This kind of rollercoaster was endless, especially in the Chinese society. As stated in the book, his theories in regard to learning were seen to be backdated and classical, especially the social ideas on hierarchy, patriarchy, and lack of scientific teachings that modern China focuses on. 

 

Nonetheless, he is still being praised and seen as the highly respected teacher that enlightens one to live the ideal serene life. 

 

Our second guest was insinuated on in our conversation with the master himself. Hobbes of course is a well-known philosopher who unlike Confucius, focused on the modern political life and virtue instead of shifting his whole attention to spiritual teachings, aiming to live a serene life. 

 

Politics is and has been and will always be a heavy subject to speak of and enjoy. If that’s what you think of politics, then I believe you will be delighted with our  next guest.

 

Yes fear and politics are inseparable. However, once you get to know Hobbes, you would ultimately see that fear and Hobbes are inseparable too. Long story short, let the political feast begin!

According to Hobbes, fear drives people to think politically and act in relation to it.  As indicated in the book "Hobbes believed that it was fear of the state that pushes us into politics". Logically speaking, if we tend to apply his statement into today’s political world and situation, we will conclude that each and every political event, past and present was motivated by fear. Fortunately, this is not how international relations work.  

 

As a result of Hobbes attachment to fear and its extended materialistic outcomes, he theorized a solution which ought to be the one and only way for one to secure his own life and skin, and that is by seeking protection and security under any rule/ruler. To him, as long as you’re safe and alive it doesn’t matter who the ruler is and how is the country you live in is ruled. To hint, this  is also a short introduction to his well-known theory and work Leviathan.

 

The idea behind Leviathan is that safety comes first, which is why we need to surrender to any type of rule as long as we’re alive. Hobbes also argued that the ruler has to be in control and in charge of everything, in order to assure the security and safety of citizens and stabilize the society. 

 

In the end, I would like to acknowledge the fact that I didn’t mean any disrespect to any of the other 28 theoreticians mentioned in the book. Yet, as I previously stated, to keep this talk light and going, I have introduced you to two of the most outstanding life teachers to me personally. All in all, this is an amazing political and philosophical publication by two amazing authors who collaborated and worked as one. Nonetheless, all of the 30 politicians and philosophers are indeed highly respected and known by the world. As a result, each chapter will teach you not one, but multiple lessons that would not only shape your mindset but would also turn you into an active thinker and doer.  

 

 

Recommended pages from the Book

-       Defining politics; Bernard Crick (Pg.2).

-       Defining politics; Leon Trotsky (Pg.2).

-       Defining Power (Pg. 6).

 

-       Confucianism; introduction and quote on virtue(Pg.14).

-       Confucius quote about his life (Pg.15).

-       Confucius and learning (Pg.16).

-       The idea of Heaven (Pg. 16).

-       Morality; The Sage and the Gentleman (Pg.17).

-       Hierarchy and respect according to Confucius (Pg. 18).

-       Virtue to the ruler (Pg.18).

-       Confucius and modernization (Pg.19).

-       Modern education VS Confucianism (Pg. 20).

 

-       Hobbes; Fear and Politics (Pg., 85).

-       Hobbes and Fear (Pg., 86).

-       Hobbes; Fear of death and conflict (Pg., 88).

-       The idea that the ruler has to be in control of everything and Leviathan as a solution (Pg., 89-90).

-       Protection under any ruler (Pg., 91)