4 Notes On Corruption - The Corrosive Trends of This World

(Background music)

Article Synopsis by Mr. C. Kingsley and Co.

Introduction

I've compiled a series of notes based on questions I've received long ago. I have drawn from my understanding of the topic and personal reflections.

In this discourse, we'll delve into the multifaceted nature of this societal scourge, examining its causes, consequences, and potential solutions. With me, we'll examine the interplay between punishment, education, societal impact, cultural understanding, and the role of technology in combating corruption.

Feel free to explore the original article for a more in-depth analysis. The article is known as: The Rubinshteinic Theory of Corruption -- How to Reduce Corruption.

Thanks and enjoy.

1. Punishment and Education

To effectively deter corruption, it is essential to impose strict punishments on those who violate the law. It is important to not just punish, however, but also rehabilitate, so criminals would know that the State can not only be an enemy, but also a friend, depending on their choices. 

This includes imprisonment, fines, and other methods related to the fostering of regret. However, during this punishment period, fostering a culture of integrity through education is crucial for their redemption. Without these two elements synthesized, it would be unnecessarily harder for criminals to change for the greater good. 

The need for moral instruction, compels schools and other institutions alike to emphasize social harmony, ethical behavior, and the importance of transparency and accountability. To further highlight its importance, it should be taught that they are important for other fields of human activity as well, such as in health and even in the world of romantic love.

As George Orwell said in his book, “1984”, “Ignorance is strength”, and indeed, without awareness of corruption, we as citizens can accidentally give more power to corrupt figures of authority by underestimating the severity of corruption.

2. Corruption's Impact on Society

Corruption undermines the ability to trust each other, diminishes the credibility of democratic institutions, and stagnates economic development. Numerous examples throughout history demonstrate the devastating consequences of corrupt leadership. 

3. Cultural and Legal Perspectives

Cultural norms and legal frameworks play a significant role in shaping shared perceptions and responses to corruption. While cultural differences can influence attitudes towards corruption, strong legal systems and a unified cooperation are essential for combating it effectively. Without the functionally-proper attitude and without an effective anti-corruption efforts, countries as well as organizations can be destroyed not only from the outside but also from within themselves.

Such is the double-edged sword of people's revolutionary potential. It has a high possibility for the betterment of lives, as well as the subversion of this agenda, intentionally or otherwise.

This is why different moralities are dictated by the sovereignty of those prestigious enough to be considered serious authorities. This also applies not only to morality in general but also to rights. Such are the dangers of poor critical thinking.

According to that logic, a crime made in North Korea would not likely be considered a crime in any other country. For example, listening to K-Pop music can be illegal in North Korea due to their high-priority of preserving the integrity of their own culture against what they perceive as the "corrupting influence of the Western World". That is how corruption is seen from the lens of isolationism: Other, foreign people are bad for they are not like us (or, socially-engineered tribal bias). Some other collectives, such as the uncontacted Sentinelese tribe, might feel the same towards the external world.

Even I share such sentiments, but I digress.

The main similarity between North Korea, the Sentinelese and unwilling/partisan factions, stems from a right called "the right to remain uncontacted", or, "the right to be left alone". And indeed, the external world can be seen as too corrupt to make people, individuals and groups alike, desire to be involved in it to very diminished extents.

Without a demonstrated and examined loyalty to a moral code, the external world might not be able to save such groups from their own internal corruption.

In the absence of contra-globalist influence, the severity of a punishment is also more subjective than one might think. Punishment, as well, depends on the subjective prioritization of values, which is one of the ways people mature. As such, as long as the crime is made in NK, the violator has no choice but to carry the consequence of their grave mistake. The mature prioritization of collective values compels the violator to submit to a regime he is too weak to overcome. It's the sadness of realism.

Every local culture is different in both its nature and the level of intervention in the individual's life. This is why the role of culture is more significant than one might think, and it goes beyond the mere consumption of local fictional media.

With the ever-growing influence of technology and its virtual realm, long gone are the days when locality had a significant influence on the individual. Most people, nowadays spend their time in disconnection from their neighbors and generally from the people in their local vicinity... Let's explore how even technology can lead to societal deterioration.

4. The Role of Technology

Technology can be a double-edged sword in the fight against corruption. Within technological realms, it is imperative to develop the habit of looking both ways. Otherwise, we would be blinded by either pro-tradition philosophies, or the novelty fallacy. A balanced approach is crucial here.

While the innovative mindset in technological advancements facilitate transparency and accountability, it can also be exploited for depraved, ulterior purposes. It is crucial to harness technology's potential for good while implementing safeguards to prevent its misuse. Otherwise, it can be normalized to cause a great deal of suffering on this world, including assuring mutual destruction of entire countries.

This can be done under the "justification" of rhetoric, which appeals to biases and emotions, therefore reducing protests to dangerous plans.

Isolating oneself from society through technology, as peaceful as it can be, means you're alone in the virtual world. This can make you susceptible to foreign influence which could make yourself more of a problem than you might desire to be. With the rise of fake news and AI technology, it can be quite easy to turn an entire populace against itself, as the manipulator is far, far away, whose true self is veiled in secrecy.

As such, technology merely increases our influence in this world. Our choice of ethical conduct with it, is largely ours. Perhaps, larger than we think.

Conclusions

Addressing corruption requires a multifaceted approach involving strict enforcement of laws, ethical education, international cooperation, and the effective use of technology. By working together, individuals, organizations, and governments can create a more just and equitable society. However, without effective communication between each other, our ability to do so, despite such a common interest, would only shoot ourselves in the foot.

Corruption, a societal illness, can have devastating consequences for both individuals and communities. While the allure of power found in material wealth may initially seem tempting, the long-term ramifications of corrupt behavior are far-reaching and often disastrous. This is why long-term thinking must be applied here.

Historical evidence abounds with examples of nations crippled by corruption. From the fall of empires to the collapse of state economies for personal gain, the destructive power of corruption is undeniable. As such, corruption is something that is greatly capable of influencing all walks of human life within societies, businesses and even between groups of friends, diminishing the value of friendship.

Corruption is something that anyone is capable of, undermining the rule of law from both within and outside society. This shows us how interconnected everything truly is. 

When government officials prioritize personal gain over public service, citizens lose faith in the democratic process and become disillusioned with their leaders. This can lead to social unrest, protests, and even violence.

Ultimately, corruption can hurt the corrupt the most. Their reputation is tarnished, and their dear ones may suffer as well. It is also how they tarnish not only themselves but also their legacies.

Furthermore, corruption can create a culture of fear and intimidation, where individuals are afraid to speak out against wrongdoing, despite freedom of speech. Thus, corruption is not only anti-democracy, but anti-humanity.