Finding Our Way - The Spirit of '26

Finding Our Way
How We Can Revitalize American Society

When Alice meets the Cheshire Cat in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland she asks him for directions to which he replies "that depends a good deal on where you want to get to". Alice says she doesn't "much care where" to which the Cheshire Cat responds "then it doesn't matter which way you go".

Values serve as a guide for what we would like to accomplish in life and provide the foundation for a course of action. They give purpose and meaning to life. Without them we are rudderless, without direction or guidance. Values are always present influencing our actions. Therefore all people should reflect on what has meaning for them.

Social values are those principles that the members of a society consider to be of importance. Social values and beliefs serve as broad guidelines for social interaction. Social values help guide the organization and functioning of society.

Social values as ideals represent long-term goals which require a commitment to actively work for their realization. They do not present a road map of how to get there. The "how" depends on deliberation and negotiation by the members of society followed by collective action to implement the desired changes.

Society is created by the common will of the people. A statement of social values is an agreement between the people of a society that specifies the general principles that they as a nation value. It establishes a foundation for the future development of society. Simply put, a social agreement is a statement between people about how to live together.

We need a statement of social values that reflects who we are as a people and that describes our common vision for the future. A statement of social values would help promote understanding between the various factions of society and provide a basis for social solidarity. This would help heal the social divide and unify our efforts to revitalize society. And it would provide inspiration and guidance for future social progress allowing us to move forward as a society.

An example of a statement of social values is presented below. Read the different articles and see if you agree with them. Or you may want to read the final chapter on how we can construct the good society which explores the importance of community first which is available here.

Social Values for the Third Millennium

Human Dignity  There exists an intrinsic value, dignity and integrity to the life of every person.

The Nature of Human Beings  There are two dimensions of a human being, the material and the metaphysical.*

Self-Determination  Every person has the right to determine what is important to them and seek opportunities to develop their innate talents to create a meaningful life which likewise respects other people's right to do the same.

Education  Every individual is entitled to an education which introduces them to the collective knowledge of humanity and the shared way of life of their culture.

Cultural Development  We should transition from a materialistic culture to a value-oriented culture.

Humanitarian Ethics  In interpersonal relations have respect for the intrinsic value of others, cultivate compassion for their humanity, and develop the capacity to cooperate with others as equals.

The Common Good  The aim of society is the well-being of its people.

Democracy  Belief in a participatory form of government dedicated to the values of freedom, equality, and justice, which functions in a transparent and accountable manner.

Economic Morality  Establishment of humane business practices that engenders a just economic system.

Technological Innovation  Advance scientific research and the development of technology that serves humanitarian ends to extend humankinds social, political, and economic capabilities.

International Diplomacy  Promotion of international understanding and peaceful cooperation in recognition of our mutually shared interdependence as independent nation states.

Environmental Stewardship  Exercise an ecological sense of responsibility in the management of our global natural resources respectful of all life on land and in the air and water.

* The concept of personal wellbeing concerns the material goods necessary for survival and the metaphysical realm of intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

You can download a copy of Social Values for the Third Millennium here.

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