I am always amazed when I am accused of generalizing; Oh..., not that the accusations are not warranted, for they surely are, but rather that anyone has such a high opinion of me that they think that I can avoid it. In defense against such accusations, and for easy cut and paste purposes, I am posting below another man's analysis on the matter.
The following quote is found in the classic Democracy In America written by the Frenchman Alexis de Tocqueville and published in the 1830's as a contemporary expose of a young United States.
"God is able to see the differences between all individuals so it follows therefore that God has no need of general ideas, that is to say, He never feels the necessity of giving the same label to a considerable number of analogous objects in order to think about them more conveniently. Not so with man who in our impressive limitations need all the help we can get from such general ideas lest we get lost in the dazzling plethora of details that passes in a hazy hurry before us all. General ideas have excellent quality, that they permit human minds to pass judgment quickly on a great number of things, but the conceptions they convey are always incomplete, and what is gained in extent is always lost in exactitude."
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11 comments:
As my wife constantly point out, 'you're analogy is flawed.'
I love analogies, and use them whenever convienient (or possible).
Her meaning, of course, is that because my analogy is not exact and precise as to the issue, the conclusion is accordingly invalid.
No analogy is exact, otherwise it would not be an analogy, it would be a restatement of the original issue.
Ditto with generalizations. Since they are not exact on each and every anectdotal instance, many charlatains and ne'er-do-wells will dismiss any use of generalizations and reason that their users are incorrect, invalid and, dare it say it; evil.
But, don't get me started with this crowd who dismiss generalizations, ...
I am always amazed when I am accused of generalizing; Oh..., not that the accusations are not warranted, for they surely are, but rather that anyone has such a high opinion of me that they think that I can avoid it.
LOL!
Speaking broadly Dan, people will make generalizations.
But the measuring line concerning whether the generalization is to be considered accurate usually seems to be based on whether it is a flattering lens through which to view the overall group. If not, then generally speaking, it is prudent to be prepared to hear from those who feel they are the exception rather than the rule.
Usually.
Heather
"Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great. " Tocqueville
as per your post below- the 'Black Regiment" (Pastors) and Christians in general- must 'put their toe to the line'!!!
Carol-CS
BTW- the 'Black Regiment" (Pastors) and Christians in general- must 'put their toe to the line'!
the above is my take--perhaps it is not yours- my friend...
carol-CS
Alexis de Toqueville had the concept down, as the saying goes.
This reminds me of a short-lived series on Canadian TV back in the 1990s called Daily Tips for Modern Living. A very funny actor from Newfoundland named Greg Thomey was the star of the show, which spoofed the Martha Stewart Living series. As he'd interview guests, something would invariably capture his imagination and he'd look off to one side (to be caught by another camera) and provide a "useful tip" to the viewing audience. These tips tips were always ironic and/or humourous, and never amounted to anything sensible. Once, he'd been talking to someone and jumped to an unreasonable (but funny) conclusion. His guest then fussed and took him to task for generalizing. At that point, Thomey said, "Well, there's a good tip," and then he looked at the side camera, and stated darkly, "All generalizations are wrong."
Heh! Good times, good times.
As you point out, there is only God who is capable of avoiding generalizations. The rest of us are more or less forced to put up with them.
You are generally right.
Fredd
I'm convinced that many cannot distinguish between themselves and the groups with which they associate themselves. This is why they are offended when you point out a truth about their group that is not necessarily true for them.
Heather
Agreed, see above.
Carol
I have heard the quote you cited many times. As a matter of fact that quote is the reason why I began reading the book. While I agree with the truth of that statement, and I think that our culture is bearing it out, there are claims that Tocqueville did not say this in this book. I'll let you know if I see it.
I'm not sure what you mean by "putting their toe to the line".
ECI
I'm going to look for clips on You Tube. Love the humor when someone takes an argument to its absurd end, which incidentally, is all the more funny when that end is far off.
Joe
Generally, yes, which, generally speaking, I know.
"Hiding behind Tocqueville doesn't immunize you from criticism."
As you prove.
Since you won't comment on the substance of my argument, I'll try a different tack.
"Those dirty rotten conservatives are always generalizing!"
I'll direct this at you, not all conservatives. Your generalizations are based on small minorities of the group you're generalizing about. If your generalizations carry any weight, you should be able to back it up.
You said,
Most conservatives can kind of see that serious Muslims want to implement Sharia law world wide and that liberals provide quite a useful idiot toward such an end.
I suppose we can play with the phrase 'serious Muslim' but where is your evidence for a majority of Muslims wanting this? How are liberals advancing or helpful in their reaching their goal of Total World Domination.
I would submit that it is the anti-religious freedom crowd (you) who want to frame this as Christian vs. Muslim 'war' who are fanning the flames of militant Islam.
"Since you won't comment on the substance of my argument, I'll try a different tack."
Such strong words for someone who never responded to my arguments on the last post.
Fair enough. I'm working on it.
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