"That government is best which governs not at all," if a truer statement has ever been voiced I know of it not. We, the people who created government have allowed it to surpass us. As John Steinbeck said in The Grapes of Wrath, "For man, unlike any other thing organic or inorganic in the universe, grows beyond his work, walks up the stairs of his concepts, emerges ahead of his accomplishments." It is that defining trait which makes humans unique from all else in existence, our place above our creations. And yet, the concept of government which we made into reality governs over us. We have become the government's expedient, not the other way around. Today, more people do have a voice, especially in the United States, the issue is making sure that that voice is heard. I ask of you fellow classmates, no, fellow human beings, can we rise above our accomplishment the way we were supposed to? And if so, when will we bring about a better government? Will it be when all of our voices are heard, or is such a thing impossible?
So do you want to unite the world, expel all government control, and live a life were all of our voices are heard and valued? If so, that's a beautiful thing to strive for, albeit an impossible one. What you describe is perfection on a planetary scale. One where no conflict arises, for without a government any small conflict can become an epidemic to humanity. Without structure the individual is lost. So in my mind, there are three possibilities to what you describe. Anarchy, because everyone is free, the indiviual carves its own path, and no collective controls the individual. Communism, for the governemnt is ran by the people, everyone shares so that everything is fair, and everyone holds the same amount of importance and power. And lastly, a world where anger and misery are no longer felt nor expressed. For, in a world like that no conflicts can arise, no negative emotions can be formed, and everyone can truly chase their own happiness in a completely unique way. Don't get me wrong, what you describe is what we all desire, it would be the pinnacle of society, or lack their of. Furthermore, it is important to balance the power of the collective over the individual. But we can not overlook our own imerfections. Society is corrupt, because humans are corrupt. You are right, we have allowed society to surpass us, becuase we need it to. We need society, and if we didn't it would not exist. If humanity were truly ready for a world without societal restraints, we would have freed ourselves from it long ago. So do you truly desire a world with less government? Would you feel safe, if the general public were given more control over humanity's fate? I wouldn't, atleast not yet.
ReplyDeleteI am not stating that we should completely abandon the use of government, sorry to all you anarchists out there. Communism is a wonderful idea on paper, but is not the solution, as evident by the attempts to employ it. I know that a world void of anger and misery is most likely nothing more than a dream (although I never mentioned such a world). If you believed that I was referring to such a world when suggesting the possibility of having all voices heard then allow me explain what I was trying to convey. When all are heard, then we as a race will be able to take the necessary steps to aid those who are in need, especially the ones who, together, form a majority which cannot be brushed aside. This kind of focus is guaranteed to prdocue negative emotions; however, it shall be from a much smaller number. I believe all governments should focus on the majority, some do today but not all. Yet, that is all based on the belief that humans are all selfless at their core, that they would be willing to give without expecting anything in return. Honestly, I give us too much credit.To answer your question Chris, I would not feel safe if the general public had more control over humanity's fate because we are corrupt and always looking out for number one, the majority anyways. However, let it be known that I have not given up hope on this world, simply in humanity's willingness to strive for a world not bound by a society as detrimental as ours.
DeleteSo why do you believe our society to be so detrimental? I persoanlly love our soicety, I love how free I am and how much of my opinion I can express. And, it confuses me how many people demand more. More freedom, and more validation of their opinion. Maybe I am biased, because I'm a middle class white male. However, we are more free and expressive than we've ever been as a society. Ideas and opinions are accepted now more than ever. Of course it's not perfect, but it seems like the closest to perfect we've ever been. I'm not advocating we stop progress. But I do believe people are too harsh on a society where there is so much freedom.
DeleteOur voices are already heard but you can not get rid of government because we as Americans need a government and not necessarily the government we have now which I might say it is a well government but we as Americans are being heard so therefore we are not as strong as we sound.
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