Systems and Abstraction

Systems are useful. They organize and streamline human efforts. With good systems, impossibly large tasks can be accomplished.

Moral pursuits are no exception. Organizing the world in a more moral way is a noble and powerful pursuit. We want our acts of service to be effective, so efficiency is no enemy to goodness.

But beware. Systems also abstract the elements of the system from one another. They isolate on side from the other, using channels and intermediaries to achieve connection. While this can have a streamlining effect, it can also distance people from each other in dangerous ways.

Give money to organizations that serve the poor. But also, go down and ask a poor person what they need, and then make it or buy it for them.

Vote for bills that support education. But also, tutor some kids in subjects they don't understand.

Never loose sight of the fact that we are called to see the world with compassion, not strategy. Don't loose sight of the power of merciful actions. We are called to have the hands of the divine. It is great to support good.

You should also go into the actual world and do some, too.