Superiority

 

Published 12/21/04

 

In his book “Passionate Sage” Joseph J. Ellis quotes John Adams, our second president, concerning one of his views of mankind;

 

“I believe there is no one Principle, which predominates in human Nature so much…..as this Passion for Superiority…Every human Being compares itself in its own Imagination, with every other round about it, and will find some Superiority over every other…..”

 

Many Americans display this desire by actually trying to BE superior; by educating themselves and striving to be the best in their field of endeavor.  Others try to gain this feeling of superiority by pointing out the faults, presumed or real, of others and proclaiming that “since I’m not like THEM, I’m SUPERIOR!”

 

The desire to feel superior to everyone else lends itself well to exploitation by the “leaders” among us.

 

How easy it is for a politician to gain public acclaim by railing against people smoking in private businesses or engaging, privately, in certain sex acts.

 

Our clergy are not immune to taking advantage of this human trait.  How often do we hear them condemning the consumption of alcohol or the participation in acts of prostitution?  These two “sins,” in particular, are a bit surprising, since Jesus was known to have drunk wine AND to have consorted with prostitutes. (And is believed by many scholars to have married one)

 

The “scandal” last month over alleged prostitution involving escort services provoked the typical self-righteous comments and condemnation by many of our citizens and leaders.

 

These people should ask themselves if their professed aversion to “the world’s oldest profession” is due to a sincere concern for “society” or their need to attain a feeling of superiority on the cheap.