Out in the Wild

It is hard for us to comprehend a slave culture and it was equally perplexing to Aristotle. He, in his usual manner, organizes it into simple concepts. These concepts have applications today. Slavery comes in different forms and this examination may surprise you.

The principle of slave and master is found naturally in everything. We see laws exist in the universe and even on a molecular level there is a semblance of obedience. When we confine ourselves to the earth and consider natural laws, we also find an order at work. Looking at animals, we find that they are slaves to their appetites. They roam, dig in, and obey instincts. The more advanced or free an animal is, the less this is a consideration. With pets, they are pampered almost as a child but it would be a different story out in the wild. When they are confined, with a good master, they have it better than if they were in the wild.

With men, we see that some need the guidance of another. We range from diligent, self-controlled to destructive and lazy individuals. At times those who are in charge are incompetent while the servants are intelligent. There is a natural order that is at odds with human made associations at times. We see things work better when this natural order is followed. A person who lacks leadership qualities is by no means less valuable but it is better to have the right people in the right positions.

There is a class entitlement that societies give in defiance to natural order. A caste system makes the claim that due to genetics, some should be masters and others slaves. This is perplexing and full of conflicts for those who see the obvious natural order. Ancient writings lament about this. The Bible has a theme of contrasts where bad leadership is replaced by normal people who were elevated out of good character. Native born entitlement has been in place for all of history and we enjoy stories when paupers becoming royalty. We like it when the natural laws usurp class systems.

Another form of slavery comes through laws. When a nation conquered another it was customary to make the citizens of the defeated country slaves. Those who receive majority political advantage feel those who don't agree or don't belong should serve them. But even when this is in operation, we all suffer when due to politics, incompetent people are put in charge. When the natural laws of competence and good character are violated, it doesn't matter what the political persuasion, everyone suffers.

Within ourselves Aristotle saw a natural order too. Our appetites want to lead us into areas that are bad for us. When the rational part of our soul is in charge, we do what is best. Most of the damaging things we to to ourselves are done when appetites overrun rational thought. There is a part of us that looks out for our best and wants lasting happiness in our lives. When things are out of order, the body is in charge and we call it vice. But making it obey helps us achieve virtue. Generally Greeks believed that the natural world, since it is temporal, is where corruption was based. Purity is found in the spiritual or contemplative part of our being. All of Mankind has a connection to it and the principles it holds. As we take time to contemplate, truth can be found that leads us to the mastery of life. Those who choose to live by appetites alone, miss out on this connection and are no better than animals. We have the saying," Think about what you are doing".  Of course we all enjoy letting go occasionally. There is a certain pleasure in getting out from under the master's rule. But no one wants to be stuck out in the wild either.