Introduction
In "The Right Side of History," conservative commentator Ben Shapiro presents a passionate defense of Western civilization and its philosophical foundations. He argues that the West's success is built on the twin pillars of Jerusalem (the Bible) and Athens (ancient Greek philosophy), which together have given us concepts like human equality, free will, moral purpose, and scientific inquiry. Shapiro contends that modern society has lost sight of these crucial foundations, leading to widespread unhappiness, anger, and social division.
The book takes readers on a journey through the philosophical underpinnings of Western civilization, exploring how the combination of Judeo-Christian values and Greek rationalism has shaped our understanding of morality, science, and individual liberty. Shapiro argues that by turning away from these foundational principles, we risk losing the very things that have made Western civilization great.
The Nature of True Happiness
Shapiro begins by addressing a fundamental question: Why are so many people in the West unhappy despite living in societies that offer unprecedented levels of comfort and freedom? He suggests that the root of this discontent lies in a misunderstanding of what true happiness entails.
Happiness as Moral Purpose
According to Shapiro, both the Bible and ancient Greek philosophy teach us that genuine happiness comes not from pleasure or material comfort, but from living a life of moral purpose. He points out that in the Hebrew Bible, the word for happiness (simcha) is closely tied to the idea of fulfilling God's will and rejoicing in one's work.
Similarly, Aristotle and other Greek philosophers viewed happiness as the result of living a virtuous life in accordance with reason. For them, a good life wasn't about subjective pleasure but about fulfilling one's purpose as a human being capable of rational thought and moral action.
The Importance of Meaning
Shapiro argues that this understanding of happiness as moral purpose is crucial for finding meaning in life, even in the face of great adversity. He cites the work of Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, who observed that those who found meaning and purpose in their lives were better equipped to survive the horrors of concentration camps.
By losing sight of this deeper conception of happiness, Shapiro suggests, modern society has become fixated on superficial pleasures and instant gratification, leading to a pervasive sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction.
The Judeo-Christian Foundation of Western Civilization
Shapiro devotes considerable attention to the role of Judeo-Christian thought in shaping Western civilization. He argues that many of the concepts we take for granted today – such as human equality, free will, and the idea of progress – have their roots in biblical teachings.
Human Equality and Free Will
The author contrasts the biblical view of humanity with that of ancient pagan societies, where rulers were often seen as divine or semi-divine beings. The Bible, he argues, introduced the revolutionary idea that all humans are created in God's image, regardless of their social status or lineage. This concept laid the groundwork for modern notions of human equality and dignity.
Moreover, Shapiro emphasizes that the Bible introduced the concept of free will, as exemplified in the story of Adam and Eve. This idea that humans have the freedom to choose between right and wrong became a cornerstone of Western moral and legal thought.
The Concept of Progress
Another crucial contribution of Judeo-Christian thought, according to Shapiro, is the concept of progress. He points out that many ancient cultures viewed history as cyclical, with no real sense of advancement or improvement over time. The biblical narrative, however, presents a linear view of history, with God actively intervening to guide humanity towards a better future.
This idea of progress, Shapiro argues, has been instrumental in shaping Western political thought and our belief in the possibility of societal improvement.
The Legacy of Athens: Reason and Scientific Inquiry
While Jerusalem provided the moral foundation for Western civilization, Shapiro credits Athens – specifically, the ancient Greek philosophers – with giving us the tools of reason and scientific inquiry.
The Power of Reason
The Greek philosophers, Shapiro explains, elevated human reason as a unique and powerful faculty. They taught that humans, through their capacity for logical thought, could explore and understand the world around them. This emphasis on reason laid the groundwork for the development of democracy, as people began to apply rational thinking to questions of governance and social organization.
The Roots of Modern Science
Shapiro argues that the Greek philosophical tradition, with its emphasis on understanding the natural world through reason, was crucial in paving the way for modern science. He cites examples of early Greek thinkers like Pythagoras and Heraclitus, who sought to uncover the underlying principles governing the universe.
This spirit of inquiry, combined with the belief that the universe was orderly and comprehensible, set the stage for the scientific revolution that would later transform the Western world.
Christianity and the Advancement of Science
Contrary to the popular notion that religion has been an impediment to scientific progress, Shapiro argues that Christianity actually played a crucial role in fostering scientific inquiry.
Religious Scientists
The author points out that many of the greatest scientists in history were deeply religious individuals who saw their scientific work as a way of understanding God's creation. He mentions figures like Nicole Oresme, a 14th-century bishop who discovered that the Earth rotates on its axis, and Nicolaus Copernicus, whose revolutionary ideas about the solar system were presented alongside a letter to the Pope.
Science as a Path to God
Shapiro emphasizes that even when the Church resisted certain scientific theories (such as in the case of Galileo), many scientists continued to view their work as a means of exploring God's universe. The belief that the world was created by a rational God encouraged the idea that nature could be understood through rational inquiry.
The Rise of Individual Rights
Alongside the development of scientific thinking, Shapiro traces the evolution of the concept of individual rights in Western thought.
John Locke and Natural Rights
The author highlights the importance of John Locke's philosophy in shaping modern ideas about individual rights and the role of government. Locke argued that humans have natural rights to life, liberty, and property, which stem from our moral duties (e.g., the duty not to kill gives rise to the right to life).
Limited Government
Shapiro explains how Locke's ideas influenced the concept of limited government, with the primary role of the state being to protect citizens' natural rights. This philosophy would later play a crucial role in shaping the American system of government.
The American Experiment: Embracing Jerusalem and Athens
Shapiro presents the founding of the United States as a pivotal moment in Western civilization, where the best elements of both Jerusalem and Athens were consciously incorporated into a new system of government.
The Declaration of Independence
The author analyzes the Declaration of Independence, showing how it drew on both biblical concepts (such as human equality) and Enlightenment philosophy (particularly Locke's ideas about natural rights). He argues that this document represents a unique attempt to ground a nation's founding in explicit philosophical principles.
Freedom of Religion
Shapiro emphasizes the importance the Founding Fathers placed on religious freedom, seeing virtue-seeking believers as essential to a healthy society. This approach, he argues, allowed for a harmonious integration of religious values and rational governance.
The French Revolution: A Cautionary Tale
In contrast to the American Revolution, Shapiro presents the French Revolution as an example of what can go wrong when a society rejects its philosophical and religious heritage.
Rejection of Tradition
The author describes how the leaders of the French Revolution explicitly rejected centuries of Western thought, attempting to create a new society based solely on reason and the will of the people. This included a rejection of traditional religious values and institutions.
The Reign of Terror
Shapiro argues that by severing ties with their cultural and philosophical roots, the French revolutionaries paved the way for the violent excesses of the Reign of Terror. He contrasts the bloodshed and chaos of the French Revolution with the relative stability and success of the American experiment.
The Dangers of Collectivism
Building on the example of the French Revolution, Shapiro explores how prioritizing the collective over the individual has led to disastrous consequences throughout history.
Communist Russia
The author examines the rhetoric and actions of communist leaders in Russia, showing how their emphasis on the collective good led to the suppression and elimination of entire groups of people deemed enemies of the revolution.
Progressive Eugenics
Shapiro also criticizes early 20th-century progressive thinkers in America who advocated for eugenics programs. He argues that their willingness to sacrifice individual rights for the perceived good of society represents a dangerous departure from Western values.
The Modern Left and Identity Politics
Shapiro contends that the contemporary political left has abandoned the principles of Western civilization in favor of a divisive form of identity politics.
Intersectionality
The author critiques the concept of intersectionality, arguing that it reduces individuals to members of oppressed or oppressor groups based on immutable characteristics like race and gender. He suggests that this approach undermines the Western ideal of individual rights and responsibilities.
Rejection of Reason and Science
Shapiro expresses concern over what he sees as a growing tendency on the left to dismiss scientific findings or rational arguments that conflict with ideological positions. He argues that this represents a dangerous departure from the Western tradition of valuing reason and empirical evidence.
The Rise of Tribalism
One of Shapiro's central arguments is that by turning away from the foundational principles of Western civilization, modern society is regressing into a form of tribalism.
Identity-Based Politics
The author observes that both the far left and the far right are increasingly defining themselves in terms of group identity rather than shared values or ideas. He argues that this trend threatens to erode the social cohesion necessary for a functioning democracy.
The Erosion of Common Values
Shapiro warns that as society becomes more fragmented along identity lines, we risk losing the common philosophical and moral framework that has historically united Western civilization. This, he argues, makes it difficult to engage in productive dialogue or find common ground on important issues.
The Importance of Rediscovering Western Values
In the face of these challenges, Shapiro calls for a renewed appreciation of the philosophical heritage that has shaped Western civilization.
Embracing Moral Purpose
The author argues that rediscovering the concept of happiness as moral purpose could help address the sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction that plagues modern society. He suggests that by embracing the idea that our lives have inherent meaning and purpose, we can find greater fulfillment and motivation to contribute positively to society.
Valuing Reason and Individual Rights
Shapiro emphasizes the need to reaffirm our commitment to reason, scientific inquiry, and individual rights. He argues that these principles, rooted in the traditions of both Jerusalem and Athens, are essential for maintaining a free and prosperous society.
Balancing Individual and Collective Interests
While critical of extreme collectivism, Shapiro acknowledges the need for a balance between individual rights and social responsibility. He suggests that the Western tradition, properly understood, provides a framework for achieving this balance without sacrificing essential liberties.
Conclusion: The Future of Western Civilization
In concluding "The Right Side of History," Shapiro presents both a warning and a call to action. He cautions that if we continue to turn our backs on the foundational principles of Western civilization, we risk losing the very things that have made our societies free, prosperous, and innovative.
At the same time, he expresses hope that by rediscovering and reaffirming these principles, we can address the challenges facing modern society and build a better future. Shapiro argues that the values inherited from Jerusalem and Athens – human dignity, individual liberty, reason, and moral purpose – remain as relevant and powerful today as they were centuries ago.
The author calls on readers to engage critically with their cultural and philosophical heritage, to understand the ideas that have shaped Western civilization, and to actively work to preserve and promote these values in their personal lives and in the public sphere.
Ultimately, "The Right Side of History" is a passionate defense of Western civilization and a reminder of the intellectual and moral foundations that have made it great. Whether one agrees with all of Shapiro's arguments or not, the book provides a thought-provoking exploration of the ideas that have shaped our world and challenges readers to consider their role in carrying this legacy forward.
By emphasizing the importance of both faith and reason, moral purpose and individual liberty, Shapiro presents a vision of Western civilization that he believes can address the spiritual and social crises of our time. His work serves as a call to reconnect with the best aspects of our cultural heritage and to apply these timeless principles to the challenges of the modern world.