Epilogue 253poorly-thought-out schemes. This is not to say that the imple
mentation of the process will solve problems. There are often
unseen and unavoidable results which cannot be predicted. But
the chances of success are increased by the application of a well-
thought-out approach to the problem.
If however, we never solve a single problem that exists in the
world, we still can develop our own ability to understand the
problem, some of the causes of the problem, the difficulties in
dealing with the problem, and also develop some tolerance for
those entrusted with the responsibility for dealing with the
actual problem.
Surveys have shown that many people have voted for candi
dates who were running for political office and when asked to
articulate their position on the issues found that their opinions
were contrary to those of the candidate. What was shown was
that often, people vote for the wrong man—not the wrong man
on the basis of another’s opinion, but the wrong man, based on
their own opinion. If we apply our well-thought-out premises to
questions that arise, we many come up with the wrong answer in
the eyes of others, but we certainly will be, to a large extent, at
peace with ourselves. And that, hopefully, will lead us to the
most important lesson of all.
If we cultivate our opinions with an understanding that they
are based on certain reasonable premises and follow logically
from those premises, not only on the particular issue confronted,
but on all like issues, then we should be able to understand,
appreciate, and be tolerant of the opinions of others who have,
based on their own premises, come to a different opinion. It is
because of this concept that we have been able to study the
differing premises of a Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Hume, and
Nietzsche while still recognizing the value of their individual
contributions. Also, if we can recognize that individuals have
different concerns— Plato with the ideal, Aristotle with the
practical, Locke with the rational, Rousseau with the emotional,
and Sartre with the subjective— and still appreciate their per
spective— that is a sign of intellectual and emotional maturity.
Obviously, the process of becoming a reasoning, thoughtful
person requires a lifelong commitment. It is not easy, nor is it
always possible—but it is a goal that we would do well to pursue.
Often, being able to recognize our mistakes or the mistakes of