It’s a shame that the word ‘advantageous’ has disappeared from our vocabulary, or at least become limited to the world of finance. It is a useful word because it enables us to evaluate different actions and activities without making moral judgements. However, the term ‘smart’ can work just as well.
- Was it smart of Israel to attack Iran?
- Wouldn’t it have been smarter to offer the Ayatollahs some concessions?
- Would it not be smarter to leave things as they are and hope that the ayatollahs do not mean their threats seriously?
- Was it wise of the Ayatollahs to openly speak about their sacred duty to destroy Israel?
- Was it wise of the Russians to start an open war in 2022?
- Was it wise of the Palestinians to hold mass celebrations after the 7 October massacre?
- Was it wise of the Ukrainians to reject the initial peace agreement?
- Was it wise of Andrej Babiš to accept a $50 million subsidy for Čapí hnízdo?
Using such neutral words may reduce our moral outrage, but it will help us to understand and predict better.