Author: cedarsphilosophy

18 Tribes, One Civilization

A Secularist Philosophy Based on Omnism

Secularism involves the separation of religion from civic affairs and the state institutions. Principles typically emphasize equality before law and state neutrality to religious affairs. It has been applied differently across different parts of the world. Some regimes, such as the US or Canada, are secular but theists. All citizens are equal before the law, but the concept of credo in one God is emphasized … Continue reading A Secularist Philosophy Based on Omnism

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18 Tribes, One Civilization

Why Identity Matters

Sami is a bankrupt individual struggling to pay bills, searching for a way to get back on his feet. He is seeking a career change but holds conflicted goals and is confused about his purpose in life.  He decides to rush into a new career route, only to decide once again it wasn’t meant for him. He loses motivation at work, ends up getting fired … Continue reading Why Identity Matters

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18 Tribes, One Civilization

Common misconceptions about identity

Despite there being no evidence of any successful nation in the world without a shared collective national identity, many Lebanese are quick to dismiss any serious discussion about the need for such an identity.  Firstly, prejudice against the notion emerged, due to tribal, cultural or religious sensitivities, even though none of the Abrahamic religious books actually contradict any features of Lebanese history.  It is important … Continue reading Common misconceptions about identity

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The Cedars Philosophy

What are Ideologies?

Ideologies represent categorized sets of belief systems about the nature of the world and human society.  Belief systems have existed since humans first developed cognitive abilities, but the term “ideology” was not categorized in a formal way until the French Renaissance period, when the understanding of ideologies evolved from purely religious and metaphysical beliefs, to rational systems of ideas.  Coined in 1796 by Antoine Destutt, … Continue reading What are Ideologies?

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Politics

Parliamentary elections

With the much-anticipated elections planned for the end of March, the registration of diaspora voters is currently taking place and ends on November 20.  Early parliamentary elections had been a key demand point in the thawra’s demands for the past couple of years, and now the time has finally come to test the ground and change the status quo.  While preparations have not been finalized … Continue reading Parliamentary elections

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Sovereignty & Diplomacy

Basics of Diplomacy

Besides identity politics based on sectarian affiliations, foreign relations issues are probably the second most widespread factor that dictates the voting patterns of Lebanese society.  Lebanese society is heavily fragmented in terms of who they consider to be the “enemies” and the “benevolent” political forces in the region and in the world. These clashes in perception are often heavily influenced by sectarian identities, ideological leanings, … Continue reading Basics of Diplomacy

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The Great Collapse

The greatest theft in history

The Lebanese public has fallen victim to what could be described as the greatest theft in human history. The amount of stolen funds tied to corrupt practices committed by Lebanese politicians and their business partners since 1990 is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Narrower estimates point to a figure of around $80bn (not to be confused with the separate but … Continue reading The greatest theft in history

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The Great Collapse

Why corruption occurs

While much of Lebanese society has a general idea of who stole the money, though judicial accountability is still pending, it is less frequently discussed the reasons why the money was stolen.  Corruption has been present as far back as the Ottoman era, although it was taken to extravangant heights under the rule of the cartel for the past 30 years.  One could go by … Continue reading Why corruption occurs

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Sovereignty & Diplomacy

The rise of nation-states

States are political entities with the authority to govern over particular geographic areas. Nations are large bodies of people united by common descent, history, culture and/or language. When the two converge, a nation-state arises, with the state acting as the official representative of a single nation. Today, all sovereign states in the world can be categorized as either nation-states or multi-national states – in which … Continue reading The rise of nation-states

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18 Tribes, One Civilization

Why tribalism exists

Tribes are the oldest human organization structure known and seem to be the default type. Since early days as hunter-gatherers, humans formed bonds with one another, creating groups of tribes that shared communal norms and rules. Over time, as agricultural and trade settlements occurred, tribes united to form larger collective groups, bringing into existence cities, nations, and states. Tribes preserved their customs and/or integrated into … Continue reading Why tribalism exists

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