Protecting Private Property - Term Paper Example

Protecting Private Property Hitler appeared to adopt a capitalist stance here by emphasizing and elevating the value of private property. It is a known fact that capitalism derives from the need to provide individuals with the opportunity to enrich themselves using whatever means possible as well as the need to create classes of people depending on access to wealth and resources (Sen 14). Capitalism also derives from the need to develop fast and efficient manufacturing and production methods to support rapid growth. In the process, it creates, directly or indirectly, clear distinctions between various classes of people. It is quite surprising that Hitler used this phrase; there are several ironies in such an utterance coming from a person of his ilk. Hitler was, after all, the leader of the biggest and most powerful socialist movement in Europe from the early 1930s to the end of the Second World War. Socialism, like communism, stresses communal development and growth, not advancement of a few at the expense of others. I, therefore, find it astounding that Hitler even fathoms to associate himself with the protection of private property. What he should be saying, according to his ideology, is that the absolute protection of private property is not part of his psyche (Sen 14). I believe that this saying is one of the most uncommon quotes that can be associated with Hitler. If he truly believed in the absolute protection of private property, why did he promote the destruction of Jewish properties and businesses when he came to power? Why did he allow his storm troopers to terrorize German Jews to the extent that they could not do business in Nazi Germany but instead spent their lives in death camps in their own country? Such actions betray the validity of this statement, especially coming from Hitler. Also, how come he encouraged the grabbing of Jewish property – he even participated in the grabbing himself – and their subsequent redistribution to government officials and supporters of the Nazi Party? The fact is that Hitler was a socialist, but he also betrayed his socialist principles by promoting the enrichment of a few individuals at the expense of the populace (Sen 21). Despite its massive industrialization and military development at the height of Nazi rule, the German economy was not thriving, and economic growth did not trickle down to the peasants. Looking at this statement at face value suggests that Hitler was a capitalist. However, as a capitalist, he should not have been encouraging and participating in the destruction and grabbing of private Jewish property and businesses (Sen 23). The irony is ridiculous, to say the least. Man must be put in a Position to Develop Freely the Talents that God has given Him I totally agree with this statement. From religious and philosophical perspectives, it is obvious that God created every one of us with a special talent and wanted the best for mankind. In the book of Genesis, God says during the creation that He created man in His own image and likeness. From the little we know about God, He is omnipotent, omnibenevolent, omniscience and omnipresence (Sen 25). Since we were created in His image and likeness, we should be able to demonstrate limited aspects of these attributes because we cannot be exactly like Him. However, we have abilities that God gave us and only Him – not another man – can deny us the opportunity to develop those God-given human talents and abilities. It is often said that one is born with a talent or ability, or “was meant” to do something (Sen 26). It is important to understand that since we cannot give ourselves talent, God is responsible for making us with talent so that when we go out into the world we feel an inner urge and ability to do something. It is also important to distinguish between developed and inherent abilities. God-given talent cannot be replicated, and variants of it are often inferior – in one way or the other – to it (Sen 34). Not everybody can be born a Stephen Hawking or a Michael Jordan. Such talent is God-given, and since God wants the best for mankind, nobody should put obstacles in the way of developing them. Unlike talent, passion and ability can be developed. From a human perspective, the world needs more people who know and are not afraid to develop their abilities. Today, the world is beset by various problems ranging from terminal diseases and an acute need for better technologies and innovations. Such dilemmas can only be solved by people with abilities in such fields (Sen 39). For example, medical researchers should continue investigating the possibility of finding cures for cancer and AIDS. Engineers should continue looking for ways to build more sustainable structures while IT professional should continue developing better technologies and innovations to improve global connectivity (Sen 39). We must allow individuals to develop their talents freely to solve the world’s biggest problems, or we will remain stuck in ruts. Restricting people’s urge to develop their abilities and explore their passions freely creates a level of intellectual and creative inequality that is almost impossible to reverse. For example, African leaders who terrorize their own people and create conditions that stifle creativity are losing and have been losing – to western countries – individuals who talented, capable and passionate in various disciplines (Sen 45). Known as brain drain, this phenomenon makes affected African countries continue lagging behind developed nations scientifically, technologically, and creatively (Sen 48). Setting the best Man at the Head of the State – that is the most difficult problem in the World to Solve I am in agreement with most of this statement because it speaks the truth about the ethical and political challenges associated with electing or choosing heads of states and governments. One does not need to work hard to prove the validity of the first part of this statement (Sen 53). Examples are everywhere, from African countries to Eastern European nations that have had leadership challenges for as long as they have existed. Developed countries are often lauded for their effective and capable heads of state, but history shows that it took some of them decades, even centuries, to get to the point where they can elect or choose the best candidates to lead their countries (Sen 58). The United States, for example, has a democracy that is over 200 years old. In the beginning, it faced numerous problems in trying to install the best heads of state. Some were assassinated while others were denied the opportunity to contest elections. However, these problems have defined the relative success in electing the best presidential candidates. I disagree with the assertion that setting the best man at the head of state is the most difficult problem in the world to solve. For all intents and purposes, it is not (Sen 61). There are bigger challenges facing the world – diseases and underdevelopment – that even the best heads of state would be unable to surmount. Of course, effective and good leadership can solve most of the world’s problems. However, it is not a magic bullet. Effective leadership will not find the cures for terminal illnesses or end global poverty. Setting the best man at the head of the state is, therefore, not the most difficult problem in the world to solve (Sen 63). What the world needs is a combination of a variety of factors. These include innovation, technological development, effective leadership, goodwill, and commitment. Voters can elect the best candidates in all electoral processes but if other important factors lack then they will have taken just the first step in the right direction (Sen 67). The journey to development and prosperity will remain long and arduous. Work Cited Sen, Zekai. Philosophical. Cham: Springer International AG, 2014. Print. Read More