Eric Posner on American Exceptionalism

Home > European Union, Political Survival Kit, Quotes

Eric Posner on American Exceptionalism

Friday, November 7th, 2008 | European Union, Political Survival Kit, Quotes |

“There are two versions of American exceptionalism. American-American exceptionalism is “we’re richer because we’re better.” European-American exceptionalism is “you’re better because you’re richer.” Both sides agree on exceptionalism, and just see different causes and implications. The Europeans expect us, on account of our wealth, to live up to (their) ideals, while we think that our wealth ought to prove to them that our ideals are better than theirs.”
– Eric Posner

Hat tip to Instapundit.

1 Comment to Eric Posner on American Exceptionalism

theirritablearchitect
November 7, 2008

“The Europeans expect us, on account of our wealth, to live up to (their) ideals…”

This is the root problem with any modern “liberal” reasoning, it insists that outside expectations and influence must be forced upon someone, or something else.

It’s a value judgement coming from those who are unaffected, and it’s a morally corrupt way of thinking.

Rand uses this extensively in Atlas Shrugged with Galt. Generally, the idea is, “I’m not going to live my life by your standards, leave me alone.” And that is correct.

Repeatedly use that mantra to beat people over the head until they wake up from their self imposed stupor, painted over to be made to look like altruism.

Disgusting.