Reflections on Josef Pieper's Philosophy in the Time of Covid

Introduction

Josef Pieper, a renowned German philosopher, is known for his work in the tradition of Plato, Aristotle, and Aquinas. Recently, I had a conversation with a friend about the profound changes that have occurred in his professional and political orientation during the Covid era from 2020 to 2022. He expressed a shift in trust and respect for certain individuals, a sentiment that resonates with many others who have had their perspectives reshaped by the pandemic.

Unexpected Alliances

Interestingly, the pandemic has brought together people from diverse backgrounds and ideologies. These individuals, who once viewed each other across vast divides of politics, philosophy, culture, religion, education, and profession, have been unexpectedly united by the revolutionary events of the Covid era.

Reflecting on the Crisis

Looking back, the crisis has resulted in the mass destruction of Australian small businesses, a significant increase in government debt, compulsory vaccination with an experimental drug, and the refusal of effective early treatments for those infected by the virus. It has also led to the abandonment of national health decision-making to a global health bureaucracy and the failure of the federal government to uphold the free movement of people across state borders. Furthermore, it has enabled the imposition of vaccine passports by State and Territory governments.

The Inaugural Conference of Australians for Science and Freedom

Last year, I attended the inaugural conference of Australians for Science and Freedom in Sydney. The event brought together people from various political and ideological backgrounds who had been affected by the Covid reality. The conference provided a platform for these individuals to understand what had happened and to discuss potential countermeasures against future crises of a similar nature.

The Storm of Events

While the Covid pandemic has been a significant event, it is not the only convulsion of our time. However, it has played a crucial role in alerting and crystallising networks of potential new leaders who are ready to contemplate deeper insights into our turbulent times.

The American Perspective

Rod Dreher, an American writer living in Hungary, has provided a vivid depiction of the current American situation and its implications. Dreher's critique of the American establishment and its handling of various issues, including the Covid pandemic, resonates with many Australians who have also experienced similar challenges.

The Power of Language

Several years before the Covid pandemic, I revisited Josef Pieper's essay "Abuse of Language – Abuse of Power." The essay left a lasting impression on me, particularly Pieper's assertion that we can only talk about reality. This insight led me to understand that if we do not speak about what is real, we are essentially communicating about nothing. Furthermore, if we persist in speaking about this nothing, it raises questions about the motive behind it.

Endemic Vulnerability to Tyranny

Pieper further argues that public discourse, when it becomes neutralised with regard to a strict standard of truth, can be manipulated by those in power to pursue their agendas. This situation creates an atmosphere of endemic vulnerability to tyranny, a condition that many of us have experienced during the Covid era.

The Emergence of a Countervailing Vanguard

In light of these challenges, there is a potential for the emergence of a countervailing vanguard. For such a movement to be effective, it requires not just an organisation and a reform agenda, but a resolute decision for virtue, patience, mutual forbearance, and a commitment to truth, as advocated by Pieper.

Bottom Line

The Covid era has undoubtedly brought about significant changes in our society, politics, and personal lives. It has also highlighted the importance of truth and reality in public discourse, as emphasised by Josef Pieper. As we navigate these turbulent times, it is crucial to reflect on these insights and consider the potential emergence of a new vanguard committed to virtue and truth. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think such a movement is possible, and how can it be fostered? Share your thoughts with your friends and join us for the Daily Briefing every day at 6pm.