On Catallaxy, Civilization, And Persuasion

My column titled "Catallaxy: Key to an Open Society," has been published in Mint today. In this column I downplay the political value of "community," which is collectivist and closed, and has brought down the West. I trace the word "catallaxy" back to its roots in ancient Greece, showing how their success lied in openness and not xenophobia. The article is on the side of civilization and open borders, on the side of cosmopolitanism, against "narrow domestic walls." I favour free immigration and free trade and assert that tourism must be India's biggest industry.

Read the column here.

As I surfed the web this morning, I found a post from Aristotle the Geek that ought to be read along with my column. It is titled "Persuasion" and carries the following quote:

“The creation of the world — said Plato — is the victory of persuasion over force… Civilization is the maintenance of social order, by its own inherent persuasiveness as embodying the nobler alternative. The recourse to force, however unavoidable, is a disclosure of the failure of civilization, either in the general society or in a remnant of individuals…

“Now the intercourse between individuals and between social groups takes one of these two forms: force or persuasion. Commerce is the great example of intercourse by way of persuasion. War, slavery, and governmental compulsion exemplify the reign of force."

The Geek then goes on to say:

Professor Whitehead’s vision of civilized society as the triumph of persuasion over force should become paramount in the mind of all civic-minded individuals and government leaders. It should serve as the guideline for the political ideal.

Let me suggest, therefore, a new political creed: The triumph of persuasion over force is the sign of a civilized society.

I couldn't agree more.