2010 May 28                                              from G. Edward Griffin
Answers to
philosophical questions

The German editions of Creature from Jekyll Island and World without Cancer have become very popular, which prompted the Junge Freiheit (New Freedom) press service to request an interview. I was happy to participate but, to my surprise, the questions had nothing to do with my books but were philosophical in nature. When the task was complete, it occurred to me that there may be some interest among our readers as well; so, at the risk of being presumptuous that anyone cares about my personal views, I decided to publish it on the assumption that, if the readers of Junge Freiheit are interested, maybe the readers of Unfiltered News and the members of Freedom Force might be also.

Where would you like to be at this very moment?
That question suggests several answers. Geographically and spatially, I am exactly where I want to be. Temporally, I am grateful to live in the present era, not because it is tranquil, but because it is in turmoil, which provides an opportunity to participate in struggles of immense significance to the future of mankind. Chronologically and physiologically, I must admit that I would prefer to be about 30 years younger, because there is so much to be accomplished and so little time.

What would you give anything for?
Anything is a big concept. It includes any amount of material possessions, any amount of pride, any adherence to principles, any loyalty to friends and family, and any respect for others. Therefore, there is nothing for which I would give anything.

What does home mean to you?
To me, home means the physical location of my family and closest friends. It is a place of shelter, friendship, security, and support.

What do you consider important in life?
The most important things in life are the respect and support of family and friends, work that is meaningful beyond mere monetary reward and the knowledge of having created something that will outlive me and be of intellectual or spiritual value to those who follow.

What book has left a lasting impression on you?
There are so many that it is hard to select one; but, if I must, it would be Tamerlane the Earth Shaker by Harold Lamb. If all history books were written like that one, I would have been a history major in school.

What music do you like?
I like all types of music but not all compositions within each genre. I tend to prefer music with identifiable structure and interesting chordal combinations. A lot depends on my mood at the time of selection.

Which event in history has been the most incisive and far-reaching for the world?
I believe it was the drafting of the United States Constitution. Although that document was far from perfect (I consider it to be an excellent beta model), it was the first time in history that the winners in war declined to appoint themselves as new masters over the people and, instead, placed restrictions on their own power and the power of those who would follow them.

What would you want to change?
The most important thing I would like to change – and that is the task to which I now have dedicated my life – is the public embrace of collectivism based on the belief that all problems can and should be solved by government decree. In place of that suicidal mindset, I would like to see a universal appreciation for the ideology of individualism in which the state is servant instead of master. To that end, I have created Freedom Force International, and anyone wishing to know more about this clash of ideas is invited to visit us at: www.freedomforceinternational.org.

What do you believe in?
I believe in many things, all of which have passed the test of my personal experience and logic. They are too numerous to list in their entirety but at the top of that list would be such beliefs as:
> Human intelligence is not great enough to understand existence.
> Nothing can be created by nothing.
> Something for nothing is impossible.
> Every action must overcome resistance.
> Every living thing is potential food for some other living thing.
> Life goes on.
> Everything is cyclical.
> Although we do not understand it, everything is unfolding exactly as it must.
> Those who are not interested in politics forever will be ruled by those who are.
> 3% of the population always will rule. The rest have no taste for deep conviction or extended conflict and will follow the trend.
> Financial dependence on the state is the foundation of modern serfdom.
> The proper function of the state is to protect the life, liberty, and property of its citizens; nothing more.
> Collectivism and freedom are mortal enemies. Only one will survive.

Which values should we pass down to our children?
Values are ethical principles that determine how people should act, especially when interacting with others. Values vary greatly between cultures and individuals within those cultures. Each person has his own values and, whatever they are, those are the ones they will want to pass down to their children. We should respect the values of others even if they are different from ours, provided, of course, that they do not infringe on our right to life, liberty, and property. But, then, that is one of my values that I hope to pass to my children. So, here are some of the others: honesty, equality under law, charity without coercion, freedom to choose, responsibility for self and family, hard work, self discipline, respect for those who are different, compassion for those in need, sanctity of personal property – to name but a few.

What does death mean to you?
To me, death is confirmation of one of my beliefs stated previously: Everything is cyclical. All observable things have a span of existence with a beginning and an end – even the rocks, the planets, the sun, and the galaxies themselves. No one wants to die, but isn’t it a good thing we do? Otherwise, every human, scorpion, and horsefly that was ever brought to life would still be with us (except those that met with fatal accidents) and the earth would be an unbearable habitat. The oldest humans would have a tremendous advantage over all but the most gifted youths, and there would be a natural tyranny of age. So, to me, death merely means that it will be time to make room for the next generation, to take stock of my life and, hopefully, feel good about having created something that will carry a small part of me into the next cycle. Through my descendents and through my works, my physical and intellectual essence will continue. That is a pleasant thought.