Victors Need No Revenge!——Drawing Amorsophia from the Reconciliation Paradigm of the American Civil War

【CMHnews post】By Archer Hong Qian

    The philosophy of Intersubjective Symbiosism is rooted in the idea that all individuals possess the capacity for self-organized balance and dynamic connectivity with the world. Social injustice and division arise from the actions of the privileged who “oppress the weak” and “bully the good while fearing the evil.” To resolve conflicts and rebuild a new world order, we must take on the responsibility of “curbing the strong, supporting the weak, and empowering the capable.” This is not only essential for “living by truth, gaining freedom, practicing justice, and embracing symbiosis,” but also serves as the fundamental approach for great leaders to reconcile domestic and international relations.

    American history teaches us that true victors are not consumed by hatred or revenge but instead use tolerance and wisdom to shape a new order.

    Lincoln’s leadership after the Civil War offers timeless inspiration. Through initiatives like the Homestead Act and his reinterpretation of the Constitution’s “We the People,” he redefined governance as “of the people, by the people, for the people.” By granting ordinary citizens rights to national affairs, governance, and land, he revitalized societal creativity.

    Simultaneously, he refrained from punitive measures against the South, focusing instead on reconciliation and reconstruction, laying the foundation for enduring peace and prosperity in the nation.

    Today, President Trump, re-elected to office, faces similar opportunities and challenges to resolve division and rebuild order. Guided by the philosophy of Intersubjective Symbiosism, he has the chance to transcend personal grievances and historical burdens. By embracing inclusivity to resolve conflicts and using responsibility to drive reform, he can open a new chapter for the United States.

Focus on the Big Picture: Core Commitments Over Personal Grievances

    1. Lincoln’s Lessons:

    Lincoln’s greatness lay in rebuilding national governance and restoring social creativity. His “letting go” came in the form of de-emphasizing grievances and avoiding the arrogance of victors. His reconstruction policies prioritized reconciliation and unity over oppression of the defeated, laying the groundwork for long-term peace and prosperity.

    2. Trump’s Symbiotic Mission:

    For Trump to stand out amidst a complex environment, he must focus on fulfilling the 20 Core Commitments to America, which are imbued with intersubjective symbiotic wisdom. Personal disputes, election controversies, and media criticism are mere “small matters.” By letting go of the past and facing the future head-on, he has the opportunity to open a new chapter in history, demonstrating the courage and skill of a true leader.

The Core of Symbiosis: Support the Weak, Empower the Capable, Curb the Strong, and Rebuild Order

    Lincoln’s reconciliation and reconstruction policies exemplified this balance. Through a gentle approach that repaired trust while avoiding humiliation or oppression of the South, he combined support for the weak with curbs on the abuse of power. This dual strategy injected lasting momentum into America’s revival, embodying the wisdom of love (Amorsophia) in governance.

    Trump’s 20 Core Commitments to America reflect a similar Amorsophia. They aim to address systemic and structural imbalances, such as economic inequality, social polarization, and undue elite influence (manifesting as inefficiency and resource waste). Racial tensions, urban-rural divides, and class disparities within the United States have become major obstacles to development. The excessive concentration of power among elites has eroded trust in social justice. By decentralizing power, strengthening social collaboration, and adopting policies that support the weak, empower the capable, and curb excess power, Trump can rebuild social trust and vitality. This approach allows him to transcend partisan divisions, focus on common interests, and rebuild national cohesion with integrity.

Global Implications of a New Order: Reshaping International Relations

    On the international stage, Trump can similarly leverage America’s influence to promote global peace, stability, and prosperity through the principles of supporting the weak, empowering the capable, and curbing the strong. This not only safeguards global order but also reshapes America’s moral and strategic leadership.

    International conflicts often stem from the exploitative oppression and predatory interventions of powerful nations or multinational corporations against weaker states. Yet, with honesty, wisdom, and strength, no conflict is insurmountable. For example, ending the Russia-Ukraine war is entirely possible by establishing intersubjective symbiotic international relations. I humbly propose that a more forward-looking “third path” to peace could pave the way for a new international order, centered on “global symbiosis and lasting peace.”

    For further reading, interested readers may consult: Five Methods for Ending Human Wars — Appendix: A Third Path to Ending the Ukraine War (http://symbiosism.com.cn/9023.html) and Archer’s Intersubjective Symbiosism Reshapes International Relations

(http://symbiosism.com.cn/8565.html).

Responsibilities of Elites: A Call for Reflection and Action

    Intersubjective Symbiosism demands not only structural adjustments in society but also a re-examination of the roles of intellectual elites. Nobel laureates and other thought leaders have collectively criticized Trump and his supporters’ “populism,” reflecting the growing rift between elites and the general public.

    The outdated paradigms of elitism versus populism, left versus right, and neoliberalism versus neoconservatism stand in stark contrast to the philosophy of intersubjective symbiosism. True elites must discard such clichés and embrace their era’s responsibilities:

From Criticism to Construction: Instead of condescendingly criticizing the electorate’s choices, elites should actively engage in healing social divides and collaborating with ordinary voters to solve exposed problems.

    From Authority to Interaction: Elites must move beyond their traditional roles of unilateral instruction, establishing more equitable dialogues with the public. By fostering mutual brainpower and co-creating social value, they can help actualize the vision of intersubjective symbiosism.

    If elites can lower their barriers and join hands with the public, the dream of a symbiotic society will truly take flight.

Conclusion: Leading Change Through Responsibility

    True victory lies not in the suppression of others but in creating a fair and sustainable way of life. Lincoln’s leadership demonstrated that governing for the people—supporting the weak, empowering the capable, and curbing the strong—could heal societal divides, foster reconciliation, and rebuild a prosperous future.

    Today, Trump faces similar historical challenges and opportunities. By rooting his leadership in the philosophy of Intersubjective Symbiosism and taking on the historical responsibility of “curbing the strong, supporting the weak, and empowering the capable,” he can not only reshape America’s domestic and international dynamics but also usher in a new era of justice and symbiosis. This path requires wisdom, inclusivity, and determination, but it also provides the opportunity to achieve truly historic accomplishments.

    As the saying goes, “A shift in mindset changes destiny; a change in vision determines the path forward.” Trump has the potential to be not just a victor of the U.S. election but a pioneer in crafting a transformative way of life for humanity.

Written on December 1, 2024, in Vancouver