As we are challenged, as western (and eastern) societies, we need to ask ourselves; what are we good at, what are our qualities?

Are we better workers than the Chinese, probably not. Are we better warriors than the Japanese, yes, but the difference is not that marked.

So what are we really good at? We have the best philosophers. Not just by a little, but at a massive margin.

China is built upon a German philosopher.

This lends us the opportunity to change our societies, when it is needed, and make high quality societal constructions.

Like Adam Smith and his ideas about trade and production that are right now having a come back in the world of the Anglo Saxon’s.

This is all and good, but as a philosopher, it is actually not that simple. I may be just a leaf of that grand and old European tree of philosophy, the next step on the Frankfurterschool, the heir to Kierkegaard. But look at my life, it’s not easy.

My point is, we may have the best philosophers, but as always, a good lightbringer a truth seeker is always hated and reviled by those whom the Changes apply.

Add to this, as both Plato and Schopenhauer says, if we do not seek truth for truth own sake, we will just be sophists. Dealers of teaching not true and aloof makers of original thought.

So IS the dance between philosopher and society. Yes, I will serve my roots and culture. And yet, the service to truth and light is as important as ever, leaving me exposed when the powers in my culture is not civilized enough.

We fight by CHANGING, yet the change is more than difficult.

Will the European Union be the purveyors of freedom, as probably the wise and philosophy loving French will demand? Be true democratic harbingers of good, as Napoleon and the Cisalpine Republic or an empire?

Just the realization of this ambivalence within the Union is the core, and a truth. But it will only function as a true republic if it grants freedom to the Citoyens.

G-d bless my attempt at figuring out the balance between the utility of philosophy and its sacred relationship to light and truth.