Vanishing Intellectual Diversity – an essay by MC

[Kahlessa]

Here’s an essay that Michael Crichton wrote in March 2006 for the International Leadership Forum:

Vanishing Intellectual Diversity
By Michael Crichton

If loss of biodiversity is important, then loss of intellectual diversity in the marketplace of ideas is important for all the same reasons. For a healthy and vigorous intellectual life, we are dependent on new ideas, contrary viewpoints, and a constant challenge to conventional wisdom. Without them we risk ossification both individually and culturally. Yet I see intellectual diversity disappearing all around us, and I see tolerance and respect for opposing views vanishing at the same time...
ilfpost.org/?p=47

[Kahlessa]

Here is a link for all the essays Michael Crichton has posted for the International Leadership Forum, “a non-partisan, Internet-based think tank composed entirely of top leaders who meet annually in La Jolla, California, and in policy forums online throughout the year, to discuss the major issues facing our global society and to communicate the ideas and wisdom generated in these deliberations to policymakers and to the general public.”

ilfpost.org/?cat=6
“Environmentalism as Religion”
Monday, April 24th, 2006

“This Essay Breaks the Law”
Sunday, April 2nd, 2006

“Vanishing Intellectual Diversity”
Wednesday, March 15th, 2006

The site says “Reflections and comments to the posts of the Contributing Authors are welcomed.” There are many interesting essays here in addition to Dr. Crichton’s.

[Eleanor]

I haven't read any Michael Crichton books (though Kahlessa keeps suggesting it) but this is quite a lovely piece. Very on target, especially as concerns internet discussions where people just try to shout each other down all the time.

[Kahlessa]

I thought this was right on target:

“Concomitantly, we are losing the ability to argue disinterestedly. The notion of arguing a topic, and not arguing ad hominem, is a concept lacking in the younger generation raised on television food fights. Shouting down your opponent is increasingly tolerated, even by supposedly respected commentators and political representatives. Such excess is particularly common in policy areas that have taken on a fundamentalist tone.”

We certainly have seen this in regards to global warming and environmentalism, especially in the wake of Crichton’s novel State of Fear. In November 2005, Barnes & Noble University held an online discussion with Michael Crichton. Most of those participating were civil, though one man, Aaron, seemed to have joined up just to get in Dr. Crichton’s face. The moderator dealt with him as best he could and finally Michael Crichton posted this:

Aaron, debate---including spirited debate--- is enjoyable, interesting and informative. It sometimes even changes peoples' minds.

But you have to be open to it, you have to be courteous, and you have to be careful about sarcasm and snottiness.

And especially you have to be mindful, as Mill observed, to state your opponents' views correctly and with care.

You don't.

So there's no discussion possible with you.

Very, very well said!