W.E.B. DuBois on Booker T. Washington

In "The Soul of Black Folks" Chapter 3, paragraph 15, we see the logical fallacy of DuBois' argument against Booker T. Washington's "solidarity and hard work to mutual racial respect" paradigm. DuBois posits that Washington "represents in Negro thought the old attitude of adjustment and submission" such that it would be counter to self-respect. Additionally, that Washington's programme of material prosperity precluded and was a surrender from the "higher ideals of life."

Firstly, self-respect is existential and internal and can never be gained from any external acknowledgement. Second, the plight of social acceptance and assimilation is purely ego-driven, therefore can not constitute "higher ideals of life." I therefore submit that Booker T. Washington's view of self-actualizing work and the material sublimation inherent in it, allow for an existential journey toward self-respect. This process cannot be accomplished outside-in as W.E.B. DuBois asserts by his "political agitation" philosophy.

Whats with the business world's fascination with EXCITEMENT? Isn't "excitement" what get's us into financial trouble, i.e. Dot-com and Real-Estate bubbles? I prefer pragmatic actionable intelligence over "excitement" any day. The "Efficient Market Hypothesis" would work if "excitement" were replaced with fundamental analysis. Just a thought. Excitement vs pragmatism is a thought exercise to be had before engaging in any endeavor. Excitement is fleeting, sober-minded action leads to long-term viability. Excitement, is buying the newest gadget every month, pragmatism is upgrading only when necessary. Excitement is consumerism, pragmatism is thriftiness. Excitement is UNSUSTAINABLE because it leads to ever accelerating production and continuous growth on a finite planet. Excitement is fuckin' suicide!!! Still want excitement?