2. Explanation by Way of Example: An Imminent Nuclear War

2.1 Stating the Problem

In order for the view of the writer to gradually come to the fore, it may now be allowed to revert to an enlightening example. The writer once again recalls the provisional character of his remarks that require further elaboration, as it lies within the nature of the subject matter that it can never to be completed nor proven in a light-hearted and rapid manner.

An exemplary situation will be chosen, which through its enlarged and coarse dimension may perhaps have a greater impact than a situation that is closer to the experiences of our everyday way of life. It is certain,  so may be imagined for a moment  that, despite ongoing negotiations between the two parties involved, a war with the deployment of all the modern weapons of mass destruction will soon break out. Until that moment, all that remains are the efforts by both opposing parties to accuse each other of being the guilty and responsible one. Only a few weeks or, at best, months will expire until the first atomic bomb is dropped. Only this deadline, but at least this deadline, still lies before the imminent catastrophe. How will the inhabitants of the area directly involved, in view of the force majeure of such a prospect now behave?

The inability and failure of those driven to the verge of their existence are not described here. The cases of despair, paralysis and cynicism remain beyond the starting points of this example. On the other hand, attention will be focused, to begin with, on two groups of people, whose actions and reactions constitute inborn modes of action and behavior recognizable as basic human traits in each of us.

2.2 The Community-building Meaning of Outward Action

The members of one of the groups turn with all the power at their disposal to the improvement and expansion of protective structures and precautionary measures. Be it that they want to sedate their fear, be it that fear gives them wings, or be it that they expect a real easing of their situation or otherwise attempt to secure such above all for others – all members of this group in any case deploy everything they are capable of in an outward direction. They deem it justified to also spur those who are doubtful and unwilling even under duress to do the same. For they are convinced that it is allowed even under coercion to demand from everyone what society requires for its own well-being and that therefore also the cavalier or refusenik cannot be omitted if they do not want to perish themselves and not be held responsible for the destruction of others. Most of the representatives of this viewpoint reject the most extreme  coercive measures, yet many among them agree that, with respect to the benefit and use of the facilities constructed and administered by them, those unwilling to accept their reasonable bid are to be given a secondary position behind the privileged ones, if not to be excluded at all.

2.3 The Community-building Meaning of Inward Behavior

The members of the second group behave in a completely different fashion. They do not seek their salvation in outward- but in inward-going efforts. They largely if not completely turn away from the above-mentioned activity and unite in conversation, study, prayer and meditation, in so far as they do not withdraw in a solitary retreat to devote themselves to silent contemplation. Thus they believe to prepare themselves in the most efficient way possible in view of the inevitability of the eminent disaster, and perhaps by omitting external resistance also to withstand it from the inside. For to them, it only appears important to carry the experience of external destruction, with human dignity and conscious of one’s fate, across the threshold of death. Those with this mindset may thereby not only think of themselves, but may also be convinced that the charisma of their efforts does not merely reach those who decline to participate in it, but also even those who despise it, and that furthermore what they have achieved inwardly has the power to significantly transform the outer occurrence  or even to avert it. For by abandoning the intention to seize the moment,  which it cannot concede, may be bound up the confidence of a future settlement.

2.4 The Community-building Meaning of an Attitude Summarizing the Two Previously Mentioned Directions

Now beside those who have broken down, who are left out here, there are still others, whose main interest is focused on neither groups. Among them two specially characteristic groups can in turn be distinguished.

The members of one of these groups view it as their task to establish a connection and consensus between both before-mentioned groups. They want to provide, on the one hand, a variety of possibilities as they understand it and, on the other hand, the regularity and order for what is being undertaken and thereby secure the best possible efficiency for both directions. They see to it that the contemplative group receives support from those especially disposed to that, such as the physically handicapped and invalids, women, interested young and older  people and also from those with special contemplative talents, while they attempt to supply the pro-active group with experts and wise men with practical experience. Setting up a line of communication between both groups is also part of their business, because as experience has shown such correspondences further the overall outcome and it is a dictate of magnanimity satisfactory to everyone to lend one’s support to all-encompassing goals. Furthermore, they settle disputes, bridge the gulf between opposites, provide transitions from one side to the other and seek to arouse interest and concern for the aspirations exerted on both sides, albeit in the framework of their overall concept. However, they are also, where it is deemed necessary, unrelenting  against those who, according to their concept, have to be regarded as stubborn and unteachable, inasmuch such deviates do not appear in great numbers. For the concept of number constitutes in this concept an important basis for understanding and negotiation. Beside their regulatory work these successful men of practice participate, according to the best of their ability, furthermore in the numerous trading companies in which both main directions are differentiated. The concept they follow thereby concerns in essence an accord among the different aspirations which can count on the approval of the greatest possible number of participants.

All this can naturally only function somewhat satisfactory, if certain rules are observed by all participants and if those go-getters, who see their task in this sort of synthesis, are given the authority to issue the orders they consider just. Because these “synthesizers” are reputed to be experienced as well as energetic, it is not difficult for them to obtain recognition and endorsement and to gain the power of authority that they require as the administrators of what life teaches us and what the marksmanship of the man of practice demands. They understand it, after all, to use the simplest and catchiest arguments in making their intentions and success stories known. Because there is hardly anything more evident than the appeal to the insight that the more difficult the situation and the greater the task is, the more urgent certain regulatory principles and powers to act are needed and furthermore that, on the one hand, everyone willing to cooperate within the framework of shared views and putting any disturbing outlandishness aside can indeed belong to the circle of those who according to the best of their ability look after the well-being of all, but that, on the other hand, the delivery of necessities to those who are not able and willing to work together in this way, especially since this is in their own interest, must be reserved for those who have proven themselves qualified for this.  In this way, as is known, a certain orderliness is sustained in the procedures and processes in public life, which is gladly recognized and supported by the majority. And such regularities are required, as is assured with conviction and under applause, most urgently in times of difficulties and need.