Why in an educated society do our problems seem to be mounting rather than shrinking? Is our system of education flawed in some way? Is the purpose of government to manage relations between the individuals and the groups of society? In the distant past, it was possible to hunt, fish, gather and build with no support from society. In complete isolation or perhaps with a woman, a man could take care of the two most fundamental human needs as identified by psychologist Abraham Maslow: food and shelter. This self-sufficiency made people strong and confident, in turn creating a robust society that favored entitlement over meritocracy. Over time, however, society has grown soft, and once fiercely independent people have found themselves ever more willing to stand in the shade of a government parasol—too fearful to take on full responsibility for their own lives. They would rather leave decisions to the state, and that is why the state has turned into a monster with a voracious appetite for power. Where is the solution to be found? What motivates us? What gets us out of bed in the morning? What element is there without which we would lie in bed until dead?
What is the duty of a nation if not to create and sustain the right conditions for citizens to thrive? Those conditions are political, economic and social. And what is the soul of a nation if not the combined souls of its individuals, social groups and its ideals? Citizens conduct their personal business under umbrella of government with a framework or rules, a set of principles known as a constitution or bill of rights. Personal principles are social principles are political principles. What is the role of government if not to safeguard the social contract? What is a healthy society? If personal and (economic) growth are unassailable missions, what can the individual contribute? What are the vital stats of a person’s life? If Abraham Maslow puts spirituality at the top of basic human needs, is group spirit not our highest aim? Inspired leadership produces happy citizens and a happy country. The social contract is the sum of unspoken understandings among members of a community that we will do unto others as we would have them do unto us. It covers citizenship, marriage, business relations, ethics and justice, among others. The social contract is like the sidewalk in front of us. We cannot move forward unless we can take for granted that it will be there.. . . to be continued
