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RE: BRUTALLY HONEST: You are free to believe whatever you want, that doesn't mean I'll agree with it and that I won't analyze it, agree with it, criticize it, or eviscerate it...
I was arguing with someone about this and I said that it was better to let the greater good take care of itself. She said I was being Utopian - unable see how her statement was a projection on behalf of those who think they can manage the greater good.
I am not a fan of the phrase greater good. I see it often using to conceal evil. For example: I truly despise the term collateral damage. To me that is something that should be an accident and everything should be done to make sure it doesn't happen again. Instead it is treated as acceptable loss for the "greater good" and that to me is an evil thing.
So you won't hear me use the term Greater Good, or Collateral Damage except when I am talking about them in this way.
I DO get your sentiment, but I did want to explain WHY I avoid that term. What you choose to do and say is of course completely up to you... :) Viva free speech, viva free thought. Free Thinking for the win.
There's always a risk when using your opponent's weapons against them, especially in idealogical disagreements. Since she was able to take the opportunity to call me Utopian, it was not the best choice on my part. One thing I took away from the experience is how in a battle of ideas it's better to think in terms of generosity, instead trying to use the other's rhetoric.
Well as you study critical thinking you'll also see her choice was to attack the messenger NOT the message. She used an ad hominem attack on you when she chose to label you Utopian. People should always have goals. Anything better than we are now can seem Utopian. Does that mean we shouldn't try?