I have been thinking about the concept of obedience and its relationship to virtue. In the Marine Corps, and also in many police departments, the training begins with instilling discipline and the ability to instantly and willingly carry out orders. The instructor gives a command, and the recruits carry it out with as much speed and intensity as they can muster. If the instructor senses the recruits are holding back any effort at all, there will be punishment and then they will start over. This creates discipline, respect for authority and chain of command, and an ability to act out the organization or unit’s intent without hesitation. All of these are virtues when the organization is functioning properly and oriented towards truth and the good. But what about when the organization starts to slide and become corrupted? When it is no longer oriented towards truth or the good, when it is hijacked by bad actors or totalitarians then obedience becomes a tool of oppression and evil.
Outstanding piece brother!!!!!
Thanks dude! Appreciate the support!
Henry David Thoreau talked about civil disobedience. Maybe you could take a gander.