[Noisebridge-discuss] Ennoblement through degradation, or, An infected gash

[Wladyslaw Zbikowski]

History teaches us that that the best-preserved tribe is the one whose
members share a living communal sense due to the similarity of their
long-standing, incontrovertible principles; that is, their common
faith. In such a case, good, sound practices strengthen them; they
learn to subordinate their individual interests and cultivate a more
and more solid character.

The danger in these strong communities, founded on similar, steadfast
individual members, is an increasing, inherited stupidity, which
follows all stability like a shadow. In such communities, spiritual
progress depends on those individuals who are less bound, much less
certain, and morally weaker; those who try new things, and many
different things.

Because of their weakness, countless such individuals are destroyed
without having much visible effect; but in general, especially if they
have descendants, they loosen things up, and, from time to time,
deliver a wound to the stable element of a community. Precisely at
this wounded, weakened place, the common body is inoculated, so to
speak, with something new; however, the community's overall strength,
has to be great enough to take this new thing into its bloodstream and
assimilate it.

Wherever progress is to ensue, deviating natures are of greatest
importance. Every progress of the whole must be preceded by a partial
weakening. The strongest natures retain the type; the weaker ones help
to advance it.