To think that people have the principles they can afford?

[Hullygully]

Do you have, or know anyone that does, principles that would absolutely not be ditched in the event of greater wealth?

I think it's still weak Hully. Not in a bad way, or in a way that makes a bad person. But if you don't know the truth about your own opinions then that's not exactly strong is it?

It's all very hard

But then when red nose day comes along and I have a choice between sticking to my principle or allowing my child to be left out of something, I abandon my principle like a hot brick! I don't like it, but it's the lesser of two evils to me.

I agree with that - I am also very against making my children fight for my principles, to their detriment.

I really must work, very grateful for all the thoughts.

Would still like a system.

tewe I htik you are right.

In my yoof I held very strong principles on economics while knoiwng little about it. I also held principles on business while having never run one.

Now I know somehting of economics and have run my own business...I have a rather more enlightened approach.

I'll start a thread about belief systems later.

Now I know somehting of economics and have run my own business...I have a rather more enlightened approach.

Me too - I have also somewhat downgraded my youthfully optimistic views on human nature.

So you want to find some principles? Surely it's not something you can pick up off a thread on MN (partly also because you could pick up some VERY odd and random principles) but something that develops over time. Also, in what arena? Be principled about what you eat?Where you live? Your mode of transport? If it's something you feel strongly about you probs would have develped some kind of principle around this previously.

Yes abs, but I am being told I am not allowed t have mine because they are in contradiction with my life. I am trying to work out some kind of acceptable (to me) synthesis I suppose.

Can you tell us the dilemma?

Yes, come and tell us. We won't judge much

What principles aren't you allowed to have because of your life Hully?

Undoubtedly some do, yes. I can think of a few who've ditched principles on several things when convenient, and I think it's a bit lame.

But it's a leap to say that all principles are contingent.

So, you have left wing principles and a right wing lifestlye

I am not allowed my socialist beliefs because I live like a capitalist

Not a right wing lifestyle, but a capitalist one, yes.

Not private school or medicine (tho did have a few brief private school years for dc)

Hully - I have this constant argument with my DP. I'll say "I want to move to a bigger house." He says, "But you call yourself a socialist!" as if this is some kind of clinching argument. Personally, I don't see why socialists shouldn't be able to live in big houses if they want to. It's not as if the money we save by living in a smaller house is going to build wells for people in rural Uganda or something.

i really can't see how having more money wouldn't allow us to follow our principles more rather than less,

less compromise would be necessary.

I am a champagne socialist

out and proud

Surely we all do the best we can to live a good life.

As long as you are not hurting anyone or trampling people underfoot you can have a clear conscience - no?

what is the difference between 'right-wing' lifestyle and 'capitalist'?

It's how you get the money, edgar. Apparently.

Well, it depends on what kind of socialist beliefs. In the Communist Manifesto it names free universal education and healthcare as being a communist ideal. Bar many Americans, most people living in "capitalist" societies would not object to either of those.

Right wing/Left wing/Capitalist/Socialist principles are much more fluid than they used to be.

Edgar - I mean I live in a capitalist system and work within it for my own and my family and friends advantage, but I am not right wing and do not hold right wing views.