Nothing Left to Lose

Three quotes are on my mind this cold, drizzly morning:

“The most dangerous creation of any society is the man who has nothing to lose.”
- James Baldwin

"Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose." 
- Kris Kristofferson 

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
- Jesus

These quotes overlap, with conflicting bittersweet emotions of love, rage, alienation, profound loss, and perhaps liberation.

Elder G makes a profound observation:

These perspectives remind us of the fine line between love and rage, purpose and recklessness, especially when a person or society reaches the threshold of “nothing left to lose.”

---

Jesus’ quote appears in the Gospel of John. Keep in mind that this gospel was written perhaps fifty years after the death of Jesus. In the story, Jesus is at the Last Supper, circuitously referring to his impending arrest and execution. When he says, ““Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends,” he could be referring to his own death, and by extension, setting an example. “Do as I do.”

---

---

---

---

Elder G and I had a discussion about ascertaining the purity of one’s motives, and about the morality of committing an illegal act to expose a greater evil.

In general terms, I explained the current situation of the murder of a health insurance CEO.

Conclusion

The young man’s decision depends on:

• The purity of his motives: Is he genuinely seeking justice or driven by self-interest?
• The necessity of breaking the law: Are there no other viable means to expose the evil?
• The potential consequences: Can he accept the risks to himself and others?

Is his primary motive pure? Is the young man acting out of a genuine desire to bring justice and protect others, or is he driven by personal revenge, fame, or self-righteousness?

We may never know. He’s seen by the majority of Americans as a folk hero, a Robin Hood.

What is the scope of the evil he will expose? Is this a systemic, large-scale harm (e.g., corruption, abuse of power) that cannot be exposed by legal means? Or is there a legal pathway that hasn’t been considered?

This is the conundrum. Virtually everyone in America is aware of the evil of health insurance companies. In a sense, there is nothing to expose – these psychopaths flaunt their wealth and power in our faces.

Is there a legal remedy? In very, very theoretical terms, yes. Lawsuits, grass roots political movements, etc. But in reality, no. There is no legal remedy. Again, shoved in our faces, we’ve been told that there is no accountability for the wealthy and powerful.

What recourse is left to us?

---

References and Insights

I had a discussion with Elder G about United Healthcare executive. I described the scene in general terms, and referred to the killing as “an illegal activity,” to help broaden the discussion.

Unfortunately, I didn’t capture the exact question I asked Elder G, but it asked him/her to explain the situation when morality and legality clash. (His/her response has been slightly reformatted for the blog.)

This hypothetical situation raises profound ethical, moral, and practical questions. Balancing the tension between the potential good of exposing societal evil and the inherent risks of breaking the law and endangering oneself is complex. Let’s analyze it step by step:

The Moral Dilemma

• Ethical Principle vs. Consequentialism:
  • From a deontological perspective (focused on rules and duties), breaking the law is inherently wrong, regardless of the outcome.
  • From a consequentialist perspective (focused on outcomes), the action may be justified if it leads to the greater good of exposing evil.

• The young man must ask: Am I justified in committing a wrong (illegality) to achieve a right (justice for society)?

Evaluating Motives

• Is his primary motive pure?
  • Is the young man acting out of a genuine desire to bring justice and protect others, or is he driven by personal revenge, fame, or self-righteousness?
• What is the risk of corruption?
  • If he succeeds, will the power or recognition corrupt his intentions? Or if he fails, will his motives matter?
• • Questions to ask:
  • Am I prepared to face the consequences of my actions without bitterness or self-pity?
  • If no one recognizes my sacrifice, would I still proceed?

The Nature of the Evil

• What is the scope of the evil?
  • Is this a systemic, large-scale harm (e.g., corruption, abuse of power) that cannot be exposed by legal means? Or is there a legal pathway that hasn’t been considered?
• Who else might be harmed by his actions?
  • Breaking the law might unintentionally harm innocent bystanders or allies. The young man must weigh this collateral damage.
• Can the evil be exposed without illegality?
  • Are there whistleblower protections, investigative journalism, or advocacy groups that could help?

Consequences and Accountability

• What are the risks to himself and others?
  • Is he prepared to face legal repercussions or physical harm? Is he ready for the possibility of failure and its fallout?
• What happens after exposure?
  • Will exposing the evil lead to actionable change, or will it create chaos or backlash that worsens the situation?
• What is his contingency plan?
  • Has he considered how to protect himself and ensure the evidence of the evil is preserved and acted upon?

Ethical Guidance

• Historical Precedents:
  • History offers examples of individuals who broke laws to expose societal evils:
    • Edward Snowden exposed government surveillance programs, sparking debates about privacy and legality.
    • Rosa Parks defied segregation laws, igniting the civil rights movement.
    • Both faced personal costs but acted out of deep convictions about justice.
• Role Models and Mentors:
  • Could the young man consult a trusted mentor or seek wisdom from someone who has faced similar moral conflicts?

Alternative Approaches

• Can he act through legal channels?
  • Collaborating with trusted allies or whistleblowers might mitigate the risk and ensure the information is used effectively.
• • Using Symbolic Action:
  • Instead of illegal activity, could he use nonviolent protest, public discourse, or creative expression to draw attention to the evil?

Personal Reflection

• Spiritual or Philosophical Guidance:
  • Many traditions emphasize the importance of intention and the ultimate alignment of actions with greater good. For example:
    • Christianity: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
    • Utilitarianism: Maximize well-being while minimizing harm.
    • Kantian Ethics: Act in a way that respects the dignity of all individuals, including oneself.
• Am I ready to bear the moral and personal weight of this decision?
  • The young man must confront whether his actions align with his values and whether he can live with the consequences, regardless of the outcome.

Conclusion

The young man’s decision depends on:

• The purity of his motives: Is he genuinely seeking justice or driven by self-interest?
• The necessity of breaking the law: Are there no other viable means to expose the evil?
• The potential consequences: Can he accept the risks to himself and others?

This scenario captures the essence of moral courage but also highlights the dangers of acting without careful reflection. It’s not just about what is done, but how and why it is done.

---

Again, a conversation with Elder G. How to we examine our motives? How can we assure ourselves that our motives are pure?

That is indeed a profound and challenging question, and one that has occupied philosophers, theologians, and everyday thinkers for centuries. Knowing if one’s motives are pure requires deep self-reflection, honesty, and a willingness to examine one’s inner life. Here are some perspectives and steps to approach this question:

Define Purity of Motive

• A pure motive typically implies acting without selfishness, deceit, or hidden agendas. It often involves seeking the good of others or upholding a principle without expectation of personal gain.
• Ask yourself: What do I mean by ‘pure’? Is it altruism, alignment with my values, or absence of selfishness?

Practice Radical Self-Honesty

• Be brutally honest with yourself about why you are doing something. Ask:
  • Am I seeking recognition, praise, or validation?
  • Would I still do this if no one knew I was responsible?
  • Do I stand to gain something from this, and is that my real motivation?
• Journaling or speaking with a trusted confidant can help you unpack these layers.

Examine Your Emotions

• Pure motives often come with a sense of peace and clarity, whereas ulterior motives might be accompanied by anxiety, guilt, or inner conflict.
• Ask yourself: Does this action feel right in my heart, or do I feel conflicted?

Seek Alignment with Core Values

• Reflect on whether your actions align with your deepest principles or beliefs. When your actions are consistent with your values, your motives are more likely to be pure.
• Ask: Does this align with what I believe in and stand for?

Consider the Impact on Others

• Pure motives often aim to benefit others without causing harm. Reflect on how your actions will affect those around you.
• Ask: Is this decision truly in the best interest of others, or am I prioritizing my own benefit?

Look for Hidden Ego

• Sometimes, what seems like a good deed is subtly motivated by ego. For example, helping someone might be motivated by wanting to feel superior or avoid guilt.
• Ask: Am I doing this for the sake of the action, or to make myself feel better?

Invite External Perspective

• Seek feedback from someone you trust, who can offer an objective perspective on your motives. They might see biases or blind spots that you cannot.
• Ask: Do others see my actions as consistent with my intentions?

Cultivate a Spirit of Humility

• • Accept that no one’s motives are ever entirely pure. Even altruism can have traces of self-interest. The goal isn’t perfection but striving for greater self-awareness and integrity.

Spiritual or Philosophical Reflection

• Many spiritual traditions emphasize practices like prayer, meditation, or contemplation to discern motives. For example:
  • In Christianity, one might pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23).
  • In Buddhism, mindfulness can help identify attachments or desires influencing actions.

Test the ‘Silent Action’

• Imagine doing the same action without anyone ever knowing you did it. If you would still choose to act, it suggests purer motives.
• Ask: Would I still do this if no one knew, and there was no reward?

Final Thought

Pure motives are often more about the direction of the heart than perfection. The willingness to ask this question at all is itself a sign of striving for integrity and goodness. It’s not about eradicating all self-interest but about choosing love, truth, and kindness as your guiding principles.