What truths do we hold?

By Klaus Döeing

“Assertions to bear” usually refers to bringing facts or emphatic statements forward to prove a point. Depending on context, it could mean citing evidence to back up a claim, the rules used in software testing, or management claims in financial audits.

We love to complain! Many times, we don’t have reasons at all to do so — but we love to complain. Especially nowadays. Our world is full of mess — isn’t it? Of course, somehow it is, indeed, if you look around.

We bring many more assertions to bear: first, in the past, we were thriftier and more economical, more religious and devout, more patriotic, industrious, hardworking, keen and obedient. And, second, above everything and all: in the past, we had more idealists. Third, nowadays, we have mostly material things in mind — what a disgrace.

Materialists or idealists? Materialism or idealism? Whom or what do you love? Love most?

I just quoted Vox Populi…

A “materialist” has indeed become a swear word. I don’t mean by “material” the accumulated data out of which a writer creates a work of literary, historical, or scientific value. A materialist is easily described as someone with an attitude who ignores spiritual values, compared with an idealist, who has the tendency to seek the highest spiritual perfection.

Idealism means the doctrine that appearance is purely the perception, the idea of subjects, and that the world is to be regarded as consisting of mind. The coquetry of higher philosophy makes it difficult to bear the ups and downs in our daily life.

Sure, we all know that “our last earthly dress has no pockets anymore.” Striving for earthly and terrestrial possessions, property and estate might be the hitman of idealism. That’s how we have been taught. “Wine, women and song,” having the unpleasant feeling of fullness, egoism and bragging, as well as showing off — are these the materialist’s real attitudes?

Is the idealist, many times not being able to stand on earth with both feet, the only one who occupies himself with religion and virtuousness — so to speak, with celestial and heavenly things? Is that really so? Can we make such a distinction? Sure, it’s easy to do so: it’s manageable and comfortable. But well, why is the enjoyment of having a tasty meal BAD, and listening to a recital composed by Johann Sebastian Bach BETTER? Why should art be better than roasted pork and a bottle of wine? Value judgments and moral concepts …

Owning a house and lot and a car — or even more than one — are earthly properties, as are bank savings accounts, profitable insurance and advantageous investments in stocks. Is a terribly underpaid nurse or a book author an idealist because he or she doesn’t work for the filthy lucre but for higher values?

Was Jesus an idealist because He accepted renunciation and died without terrestrial possession? Was Jesus a materialist because He fed thousands of people on the breadline? Are we idealists if we bequeath nothing to our families and might die without a single centavo because earthly things are bad?

Worth thinking about …

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