Excerpt #29 from my book, Interconnected, Interrelated & Interdependent, Like It or Not:
WE ARE THIS WORLD — DEMOCRACY
Within the framework of democracy—the practice or principles of social equality—are not only the solutions we seek but the values and purposefulness for which we long.
Consider democracy.
It is a form of government and way of life.
It is an agreed upon ideal for those who choose to live within its guidelines.
The word democracy means rule by the people.
It’s a system of government by the whole population.
Abraham Lincoln described this form of self-government as “government of the people, by the people, for the people”, not government of some people, by some people, for some
people.
Democracy supports what we seek: individual freedom and the fundamental dignity and equality of all persons.
Democracy . . . is the only form of government that is founded on the dignity of man, not the dignity of some men, of rich men, of educated men or of white men, but of all men. (Robert Maynard Hutchins)
The strength of the democratic process lies in its adaptability.
Life is a dynamic phenomenon with our human institutions constantly vacillating between formation, disintegration, and reintegration.
From the infinitely smallest particle discernible to the largest bodies known to exist in the cosmos, we find everywhere in all things ceaseless motion.
Indeed, the universe itself, is expanding faster than a billion miles per hour!
And, as many astronomers and physicists believe, it may be just one of countless universes in a multiverse.
When we examine the very large or the very small, matter or mind, we find nothing solid, nothing fixed, only eternal ceaseless motion.
Any object we examine closely enough turns out to be dynamic and alive, a process rather than an event. (Roger Walsh)
To move in unison with this motion, we require a process that is similarly dynamic.
To respond to life’s uncertainties, we require a process that is fluid and adaptable.
To take advantage of life’s diversities, we require a processthat embodies acceptance, cooperation, inclusiveness, and integration.
The democratic process would accomplish all of these objectives if only we would not suffocate and eviscerate its ideals.
Democracy implies responsibility: Those who benefit from its opportunities must share in the protection of its integrity, not erode it.
Democracy implies concern for others: It is within the mystery of giving that the human spirit is set free to soar to its highest levels.
Democracy implies balance: Out of respect for present and future humanity, the use and renewal of resources must be held in equilibrium.
Democracy implies peace: It recognizes and holds in high esteem each person’s individuality and right to live.
For all of the many attributes of democracy, it remains only as a means, not an end in itself.
It is, however, a most powerful means, one possessing significant meaning.
The system of government that we term democracy represents an appreciation for life, a celebration of diversity, an acceptance of oneself, a rekindling of the human spirit, and the road to peace, freedom, and security.
But all that democracy is and can be rings hollow in the absence of application.
The great end of life is not knowledge but action. (Thomas Huxley)
Democracy is a process emanating from humankind’s natural instinct to be free and flowing, an irrepressible force.
Indeed, the ideals of democracy are the ideals of humanity.
The freedom afforded by democracy leads to stable and sustainable prosperity.