The Corrupt Society by Robert Payne published by Praeger Publishers, NY 1975. The strength of cultures, and their weakness cannot be measured exactly by any known measuring rods. We simply do not know how much residual strength lies in a culture when it is confronted by a powerful enemy determined to destroy it.

The five faces of corruption are old age, conquest, tyranny, treachery and subversion, and clash of cultures

Corruption by Treachery and Subversion

A society invaded from within can give all the appearance of health, but it reality the signs were clear to see it was not healthy One of the best corrupters from within was Hitler and France. Starting in 1938, the Germans spent vast amounts in France to give money to the press from editor to journalist; lawyers, army and navy officers, and many politicians. The Germans compiled a list of thousands of people biography and asking how to push the right buttons that they would accept bribes. When the Germans crossed the French line, little bloodshed happened.

Corruption does have its limitations, people and countries play both sides off to become neutral.

Corruption by Clash of Cultures

Mr. Payne is talking about the wasteland of books such as those by Dostoyevsky which a character of a nihilist emerge. They believe in nothing, has no roots, does not abide by human values, rejects all authority and regards himself outside of the mainstream of culture. If there is poverty and hopelessness, wherever people have no reasons to go on living. In many cities around the world, the areas are not hard to find.

Mr. Payne’s book is a good read to ensure hope and openness are hallmarks of the countries we live in.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, in some ways the companies in general help make the problem bigger, although there are plenty of exceptions. As shareholders we want the companies to pay dividends and make profits, how they do it is not our number one concern. Whether they do it is. There are exceptions to the rules, there are many companies trying to give hope to people in general as well as providing great goods and services. Try to invest in them.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.

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