Basic Principles
Axiomatic statements that help explain historical processes, describing human behavior as it is, not how we might like it to be. You can use them to summarize trends through history. How are they revealed by persons and events of the past?
From Chapter 1
There is no such thing as the “good ol’ days,” except in a limited way for a few people.
From Chapter 2
Humans know they are going to die; therefore, most people form supernatural beliefs about what their purpose is in this life and what happens after death.
Only people who can bear children are those with the necessary reproductive organs; everything else about people’s social roles is up for discussion.
Knowledge is power.
Land is wealth; wealth is power.
The only certainty in civilization is death and taxes. The essential questions are these: Who pays and how much?
From Chapter 4
Democracy is difficult.
From Chapter 5
Sometimes politicians do the exact opposite of what they say they are doing.
From Chapter 8
Questioning authority is dangerous.
From Chapter 9
There is no such thing as an entirely free market; all markets have rules and costs.
From Chapter 10
Science is the only testable and generally accessible method of understanding facts about the universe; every other means of explanation is opinion.
Every religion has elements that are nonsesical to a rational outsider; nonsense or not, belief in some form of religion fulfills a vital need for most people.
From Chapter 12
The greatest problem for nationalism is how to define exactly who belongs or who does not.
From Chapter 13
No revolution can succeed against a relatively competent government.
From Chapter 14
Nobody wanted World War III because it would mean the end of the world.
For Chapter 15
To be worth discussing, opinions must be based on facts from reliable and well-researched sources.
