Perhaps the most salient features of the past century are the developments of a complex political bureaucracy (whether on the right or left) and an incomprehensible and uncontrollable economic system.
These twin developments are now firmly in control of the development of each society and limit the free movement of people throughout the planet. People have few choices in their lives after they are born. Most of our lives are spent working to support ourselves and maintain our families.
Within the high walls of technology, the media and popular culture, we spend our lives spinning like a top, with virtually no time to stop and reflect on our lives. We are surrounded by the vertiginous material environment that has been built up over the past century, as well as the systems that have led to its construction.
Few are able to escape the restrictions of a formalized life to search for other possibilities. Marxists scoffed at the utopian socialists of the 19th century, but utopian thought has all but vanished from the minds of those living in the present.
Competition between individuals and states -- what was once thought to be vulgar social Darwinian ideas -- ?are now concepts firmly entrenched in mainstream thought. Economic development is seen as the goal of all activities and has created a world where humanity is ruled by material progress.
The "alienation" that Marx spoke of is more and more visible in the world and makes one ponder how humanity has progressed over the past hundred odd years.
Perhaps the above is too "philosophical," but philosophy, which concerns itself with the universal aspects of humanity, may be the ideal ground for discussing how the "Third Way" is applicable to both Taiwan and other countries such as Britain, Germany or France.
The "Third Way" is a product of contradictions between the "right" and "left." Taiwan's political spectrum is not divided into a traditional right and left, but there are plenty of contradictions within Taiwan, as well as between Taiwan and other countries, including: economic development and social justice; democracy or populism; struggles between vested interests and the disenfranchised; and globalization and the continuation of historical characteristics.
Taiwan shares many of these problems with countries throughout the world and it has the ability to solve its problems. Unfortunately, the government is both blind to these problems and is itself the creator of a host of difficulties. It's hopeless to expect the government to put forth a plan for social development that is based on a respect for life.
The future is not without hope, however. The contradictions of globalization are playing themselves out throughout the world. An American model of production is spreading to the far reaches of the globe and Hollywood culture is setting the standard for world culture. This may last for some time, but the growing inequalities between the North and South and the inhumane workings of a depersonalized bureaucratic system will necessarily bring about resistance in the other direction.
Taiwan may not be able to initiate a dialogue about world development, but will inevitably be forced to enter into a discussion by the vagaries of globalization.
During his inaugural speech as President of (what was then) Czechoslovakia, Vaclev Havel said that he would not talk about national development. Rather, he hoped people would search for development, beauty and perfection in their own lives.
I hope that the people of Taiwan can one day elect such a president and create a government where such such a reality would be possible.
Wang To is a DPP legislator.
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