The Principle of Universality

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Original Article at http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_jim_prue_060614_the_principle_of_uni.htm


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June 14, 2006

The Principle of Universality

By Jim Prues

In these unsettled times where corporations control traditional media and the government seems completely divorced from understanding the needs of their citizenry, it would seem useful to review principles for a healthy society. Very near the top would be the principle of universality.

Simply put, this principle states the idea that the same rules apply to everyone or everything in a given situation. In science, this is exhibited in gravity and electromagnetic forces, which follow consistent laws regardless of where they are in the universe. Gravity may act differently near a black hole, but it will always act the same near similar black holes.

In finance the principle of universality would suggest that the same rules of lending and borrowing be applicable to all. That doesn't preclude, say, higher interest rates for a higher risk borrower, but it does preclude the assumptions so often used to stereotype someone as “high risk.” The risk must be based on personal past experience, not neighborhood, ethnicity or other likely bogus “formulas” currently used to rip off our less well off neighbors.

In the area of society and culture, it's the same. We might describe it with the old adage, “what's good for the goose is good for the gander.” Restated: the same rules apply to everyone, regardless of ethnicity, class, color, religion, sexual preference, beauty, stature, etc. Jefferson's core idea in the Declaration of Independence echoes this concept, “that all men are created equal.”

When written, Mr. Jefferson didn't necessarily mean to include persons of color or women in the statement. And yet over the last 230 years we've come to appreciate that the principle of universality must apply to that statement, and by implication to the rest of the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution. It's a lovely thought.


Authors Website: http://world5.org

Authors Bio: Jim Prues is a entrepreneur and small business principal whose interests include writing, music, culture, ecology and the human condition. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

THE REST OF THE ARTICLE IS WELL WORTH THE READ! IT DESCRIBES THE BUSH POLICIY OF TOTALITY (WHENCE COMETH TOTALITARIANISM, NO DOUBT). CONCISE AND SUCCINCT EXPLORATION OF DIFFERING PHILOSOPHIES IN GOVERNMENT.