Is white privilege real? To what extent?

[Edwardo Piet]

Thanks, Alasdair. Actually, I can be a bit naïve, and part of the reason for sticking with the moniker is to remind myself that people sometimes have concealed agendas. I won't say I don't have any, but I try to be transparent about them. And thanks for noticing that I try to recognize people who make points or express themselves well even if I don't agree with their position. I try.

Suspecting your own possibly ulterior motives is the best way to have less ulterior motives. The least biased people are the people who recognize and admit their biases. Recognition and admittance is the first step to self-improvement.

Beware the irrational, however seductive. Shun the 'transcendent' and all who invite you to subordinate or annihilate yourself. Distrust compassion; prefer dignity for yourself and others. Don't be afraid to be thought arrogant or selfish. Picture all experts as if they were mammals. Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity. Seek out argument and disputation for their own sake; the grave will supply plenty of time for silence. Suspect your own motives, and all excuses. Do not live for others any more than you would expect others to live for you.

I agree with everything apart from the bolded parts. And I find the underlined part especially profound to a memorable extent.

I'd consider Christopher Hitchens more than merely "sometimes great" but as expert as he is when it comes to some of his opinions I still disagree with him on others and after all, like all experts, I picture him as a mammal [emoji6]