The Absence of AbsolutesThe essence of man is his ability to make rational decisions. The word “essence” is defined as that which constitutes the particular nature of a being and which distinguishes it from all others (Webster's American English Dictionary, 1825). A decision involves choosing between or among alternatives. Removing any basis by which he may make a correct decision destroys a man, for the individual’s essence is extinguished. Eliminate the concept of absolutes and it is impossible for one to know if he has made a correct decision. One may try to believe otherwise, but must avoid thinking to maintain such a belief. As more and more citizens adopt this philosophy, society begins to collapse until anarchy reigns. What can parents really teach their children, if there are no absolutes? Why should children pay any attention to what their parents teach anyway? Increased crime is the result of the destruction of man’s ability to make correct decisions. Non-absolute thinking is recognizable by the terms used in society to attempt to decide on a course of action. Does one look for the right course of action or does he submit to the consensus course of action? Terms such as “fairness”, “consensus” and “socially acceptable” reveal the lack of absolute thinking in the individuals who use them.
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