On Oct 20, 2008, at 11:42 AM, David B. Shemano wrote:
Ravi writes:
Remember that old patronising conservative bit about giving a man a
fish, etc?
I believe that "old patronising conservative bit" is a paraphrase of
Maimonides (http://www.charitywatch.org/articles/eightrungs.html),
so are you saying that Maimonides was a conservative as we now think
of conservatives? Was the "bit" a good idea in a pre-capitalist
society, but became patronizing in a capitalist society?
The linked to web page lists a ladder of increasing virtue when it
comes to "giving". Some (perhaps me!) would argue that "giving" is
indeed a "conservative" idea i.e., that we live in an environment
where many are in need of the "charity" of others. And with regards to
Maimonides ladder, I do think that #8 has an internal logical error,
and it contradicts the implication of #1 -- (a) the assumption that
human beings are or can be "self-reliant", and (b) if one is to give
without grudge and without imposing shame on the recipient, then one
should not make the assumption that one knows best or needs to judge
how another can become "self-reliant". That's his or her quest.
--ravi
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