increases the effectiveness of curiosity in advancing knowledge. For instance,

Athens (including its colony, Alexandria) developed much math and science out of

pure curiosity while the Romans made almost no contribution to either math or

science. They instead concentrated their attention on the “practical”

engineering of mines, roads, aqueducts, etc. Curiosity, enhanced by the best of

modern education (which is by definition a minority part in many places), much

helps man to prevent or reduce bad consequences arising from other psychological

tendencies. The curious are also provided with much fun and wisdom long after

formal education has ended.

 

Seven: Kantian Fairness Tendency

 

Kant was famous for his “categorical imperative,” a sort of a “golden rule” that

required humans to follow those behavior patterns that, if followed by all

others, would make the surrounding human system work best for everybody. And it

is not too much to say that modern acculturated man displays, and expects from

others, a lot of fairness as thus defined by Kant.

 

In a small community having a one-way bridge or tunnel for autos, it is the norm

in the United States to see a lot of reciprocal courtesy, despite the absence of

signs or signals. And many freeway drivers, including myself, will often let

other drivers come in front of them, in lane changes or the like, because that

is the courtesy they desire when roles are reversed. Moreover, there is, in

modern human culture, a lot of courteous lining up by strangers so that all are

served on a “first-come-first-served” basis.