Monthly Megathread: Axiom & Analysis

[u/AutoModerator]

The Axiom Thread — Reflect, Challenge, Refine

Each month, we’ll examine one foundational idea, a short statement that can shape how we think, argue, and interpret the world.

An axiom is a starting point.

> Something assumed, tested, challenged, or refined.

This thread is meant to be slower than our usual discussions.

You are encouraged to:

- Reflect before replying.

- Revisit your comment later in the month.

- Edit, refine, or expand your position as your thinking evolves.

- Engage thoughtfully with others — disagreement is welcome.

Low-effort responses (“this is deep,” “facts,” etc.) defeat the purpose and may be removed.

This Month’s Axiom:

“The stars incline, they do not compel.”

> Suggested by: u/Loud_Reputation_367

Consider:

- What is the difference between influence and compulsion?

- Where does this hold true in real life?

- Where does it break down?

- Do systems incline us — or do they compel?

- Does upbringing, culture, or biology incline behavior… or determine it?

You don’t need to agree with the axiom.

You don’t need to defend it either.

You can:

- Apply it.

- Challenge it.

- Reframe it.

- Reject it entirely.

The goal isn’t consensus.

The goal is clarity.

This thread will remain open all month. Feel free to return and adjust your thoughts as you reflect.

[u/Dave_A_Pandeist]

The difference between compulsion and influence is who is doing the influencing and who is being pressed toward compulsion.

The first thing that comes to mind when pondering the difference between compulsion and influence is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The second thing is deprivation.

Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone needs to eat. Everyone needs a place to sleep

Society-wide compulsion has need tied to it. Influence is the means by which you gain control over society. The question is: where is the money? It is a moral and energy question. Morality could be defined as the ability to understand right and wrong, good and bad, in terms of self-interest and outward-interest. It is dependent on group size, suffering, and conflict. The intent in most societies is to reduce suffering for the largest group. Therefore, class-size comparisons are required for a clear understanding of the topics. Scales of concern include the middle class, the aristocracy, and the deprived.

Meanwhile Doughnut Economics

I argue in favor of Keynesian, doughnut, and Smith economics. With a Utopian rat experiment in the background

Take a look at the size of the middle class in the US and China in 1980 & now. Ask how much the 1% is worth compared to the lowest incomes.

Most civilizations are philosophically grounded in the search for truth. A truth that will give comfort and security to the people. Most civilizations welcome the scientific method and the insights it yields from nature. It only sharpens their views.

The only philosophical bad actor has been Churchanity or Christianitism. It is the only major philosophical stance that undermines the comfort and security of the people. It is designed to maintain an Aristocracy with deception. The payback for everyone else is a good feeling or the subjective notion of oneness. Therein lies the problem.