For friends of the Open Society who, like me, would prefer not to block the movement of people, ideas, and trade — some arguments for an open world:

• Trade agreements are net contributors to economic growth
• Immigrants are net contributors to economic growth
• Money spent on the security industrial complex economy has low ROI vs. education, infrastructure, and research spending
• A diversity of ideas more likely leads to the best outcomes vs. a paucity of ideas
• Companies with more women leaders are more profitable
• The more the merrier!

It’s the opposite of tribalism

Philosopher Karl Popper defined an open society as being opposed to a tribal or collectivist society — one driven by magical beliefs and magical thinking. He theorized that because all knowledge is provisional, we should always remain open to alternative points of view that may offer new information and perspectives. Critical thinking is paramount, as individuals are confronted with personal decisions that have no ready-made ritual to apply to their solution.

Values of an open world:

• cultural and religious pluralism
• humanitarianism
• equality
• political freedom
• critical thinking in the face of communal group think