Early May 2019, several European countries “launched an appeal to boost EU climate action”, in view of a summit on the future of Europe. Germany, Italy and Poland did not sign this document (EurActiv). On 20 June 2019, the EU Energy Roadmap 2050, aiming at “decarbonising the energy system”, collapsed after a Polish veto (eg, Forbes, Trouw).
The above is an example of a mismatch between the 3 main stages of societies, being: Needs, Wants & Beliefs. No country has ever reached the stage of Awakening; only individuals seem to be capable of reaching that 4th stage. The above is also an example of arrogance versus (alleged) ignorance. Let me elaborate on this.
Many non-Europeans (like to) view Europe as one entity, like a Federation. Well, they are wrong. Europe is a group of nations which are in different phases of their development when viewed from a civil, economic, political, religious, social or whatever other angle.
Some eastern European countries are still in the Needs stage, similar to countries in Africa. Some western European countries are in the Beliefs stage, similar to UK and USA. The other European countries are in the Wants stage, which is characterized by consumerism.
The Polish veto is a conflict between their Wants and others‘ Beliefs. Only wealthy people and/or countries can afford to be in the Beliefs stage. Such people and/or countries are financially independent and have the luxury of what is sometimes called Fuck-You money. In other words, they do no longer care about the opinions of others and just follow their beliefs.
The aforementioned is also the link with arrogance versus (alleged) ignorance. People in the Beliefs stage are that sure about their opinions (ie, arrogance) that they consider the opinions of others, who are still in the Needs or Wants stage, as unknowledgeable and thus ignorant.
The above solves one of my dilemmas: why are the Left arrogant and the Right (allegedly) ignorant? The Left is usually already in the Beliefs stage, while the Right is usually still in a consumerism or Wants stage. Deeming people as ignorant – who are (only) interested in a house, a garden, a pet and/or a car – defines arrogance.
The Polish veto helps prevent that Europe enters the Beliefs stage like the UK or USA, where “everyone” seems to be in the Beliefs stage, with (utter) disregard for the opinions of others (ie, us and them mentality).
A quote from a 2010 book called It’s Not Him, It’s You by Christie Hartman:
“Don’t confuse confidence with arrogance. Arrogance is being full of yourself, feeling you’re always right, and believing your accomplishments or abilities make you better than other people. People often believe arrogance is excessive confidence, but it’s really a lack of confidence. Arrogant people are insecure, and often repel others. Truly confident people feel good about themselves and attract others to them.”
Mismatch (1977) by Harry Chapin (1942-1981)
artist, lyrics, video, Wiki-1, Wiki-2
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless stated otherwise
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