I think it matters quite a lot when it comes to assessing where to go from here: in particular, how cautious and conservative to be, and how favourable towards untested radical change.
If things have gotten way better and are likely to continue to get way better in the foreseeable future, then we should probably broadly stick with what we’re doing – some tinkering around the edges to fix obvious abuses, but no root-and-branch restructuring unless something goes obviously and profoundly wrong.
Whereas if things are failing to get better, or are actively getting worse, then it might be worth taking big risks in order to get out of the hole.
I’ve often had conversations with people to my left where they seem way too willing to smash stuff in the process of getting to deep systemic change, which is potentially sensible if you think we’re in a very bad place and getting worse but madness if you think we’re in an extremely unusually good place and getting better.
I think it matters quite a lot when it comes to assessing where to go from here: in particular, how cautious and conservative to be, and how favourable towards untested radical change.
If things have gotten way better and are likely to continue to get way better in the foreseeable future, then we should probably broadly stick with what we’re doing – some tinkering around the edges to fix obvious abuses, but no root-and-branch restructuring unless something goes obviously and profoundly wrong.
Whereas if things are failing to get better, or are actively getting worse, then it might be worth taking big risks in order to get out of the hole.
I’ve often had conversations with people to my left where they seem way too willing to smash stuff in the process of getting to deep systemic change, which is potentially sensible if you think we’re in a very bad place and getting worse but madness if you think we’re in an extremely unusually good place and getting better.