A Quotation

Skepticism, Aron wrote,

is perhaps for the addict [to ideology] an indispensable phase of withdrawal; it is not, however, the cure. The addict is cured only on the day when he is capable of faith without illusion.

Experience is a far better grounding of our faith.Mind-altering substances and idealism offer the illusion of a world that cannot be.Wonderful as the sensations of the moment can be, opium’s effects fade requiring ever higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect.Idealisms like Marxism and Capitalism too must distort reality more and more as reality resists their theories.The result in both cases is death.

So let us expose the false truths of the poppy and the ivory tower through a skeptical approach to idealism.Let us hold our ideals tentatively, knowing they matter a great deal while also recognizing their limitations.Let our experience of them be their prudent measure.As Jesus wisely said, by their fruits you will know them.

And finally, let us realize that a good life is led prudently seeking a reasoned faith without illusions.