My ideal society is a vibrant tapestry woven from individuals who yearn to express their unique identities through every conceivable facet of human endeavour. It is a collective fueled by a passion of hope for the future, living fully and authentically, and embracing humanity’s journey with all its complexities.
Our aspirations extend to the realms of labour, where we strive for meaning and fulfilment; to learning, where curiosity ignites our quest for knowledge; and to spirituality, where we seek deeper connections to ourselves and the universe. We celebrate the power of art and poetry, using these mediums to convey our innermost thoughts and emotions. We also cherish the joy of play and exploration, continually pushing the boundaries of our experiences. Together, we approach each day with unwavering zeal, ready to engage with the world around us and reflect the beauty of our diverse expressions.
Extraordinary possible diversity, and at the centre of my society would be empathy instilled in their learning, and the common good would be at the centre of their politics regardless of ideology.
The principle of equality of opportunity for every individual would be firmly established in the constitution, ensuring that all members of society have the same chance to pursue their aspirations and contribute to the greater good. This foundational commitment would promote fairness and justice, reflecting a collective effort to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
I envision a society where individuals are not judged by their sexual orientation or gender identity but rather by the content of their character and the quality of their actions. In this ideal world, a person’s skin colour would serve only as a reflection of their geographical roots, devoid of any implications about their worth, capabilities, or potential. In such a community, diversity would be celebrated, and every person would be valued for who they are beyond superficial labels.
In my envisioned society, the fundamental principle would be to empower individuals to chase their aspirations, including the pursuit of economic success. This freedom would be balanced by a framework that prioritises the community’s collective well-being. Regulations would be grounded in the ideals of the common good, ensuring that while individuals strive for personal achievements, their efforts do not come at the expense of others. Moreover, there would be a strong emphasis on fairness, guaranteeing that everyone has access to an equitable share of the wealth generated by society. In this way, personal ambitions would harmoniously coexist with the overall prosperity and welfare of the community.
People would be guaranteed freedom of expression, including the right to disagree, but they would be reminded that debate is not necessarily about winning. It is an exchange of many things – facts, ideas, and principles – all of which have a place. But when broken down, it is simply the art of persuasion in its purest form.
In the sophisticated and thoughtful society, I envision, enacting laws that validate an individual’s right to harbour hate towards another human being is seen as fundamentally devoid of insight and creativity. Such a notion would be regarded as a sign of intellectual stagnation, reflecting a profound lack of understanding of our shared humanity and the principles of compassion that bind us together.
Access to essential health services and social welfare programs would be ensured, along with the availability of appropriate and timely treatment for all individuals in need.
At the forefront of our values should be the unwavering belief that we ought to treat others with the same kindness and respect we wish to receive in return. This golden principle should be deeply ingrained in the minds and hearts of every citizen, guiding their interactions and fostering a community built on empathy and understanding.
In my envisioned society, there would be a strong appreciation for the value of science, prioritising empirical evidence and rational thought over myth and mysticism. At the same time, this society would embrace the notion that every individual is entitled to express their spirituality – provided that such expressions do not undermine or conflict with the shared goals of fostering the common good. This delicate balance would encourage a culture of open dialogue and respect, allowing personal beliefs to flourish without detracting from the collective pursuit of a harmonious and just community.
My society would be judged by its welcoming and treatment of its most vulnerable citizens, including older people, people experiencing homelessness, people experiencing poverty, and those seeking asylum.
Access to the law should be a fundamental right for all individuals, irrespective of their social status, economic background, or personal wealth. This means that every person, whether a wealthy business owner or someone struggling to make ends meet, should be able to seek legal assistance, understand their rights, and navigate the complexities of the legal system without facing barriers.
Transformation would weave itself into the very fabric of our existence, shaping a society that embraces progress and evolution. This community eagerly welcomes change, rejecting the misguided belief that we can hold onto the fleeting comforts that provide a false sense of security. Instead, we would recognise that adapting to new realities is essential for growth and resilience, paving the way for a brighter, more dynamic future.
My ideal society would acknowledge that a democratic group mentality advances society better than dictatorial individuality.
In democratic societies, our natural tendencies to seek guidance and alignment with others are manifested through the electoral process. This process allows us to choose capable and trustworthy leaders tasked with forming a government that reflects the will and needs of the people.
A fitness to serve stipulation would aim to incorporate a provision in our constitution that ensures the inclusion of the most qualified and knowledgeable individuals to provide expert assistance within our Parliament. This clause guarantees that decision-making processes are informed by the highest standards of expertise, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness and integrity of our legislative body.
The realisation of individual or collective ambition is inherently rooted in a social framework that is carefully structured and overseen by a compassionate government. This framework operates on the fundamental principle of equality among all individuals, ensuring everyone can pursue their goals and aspirations within a supportive community.
For a democracy to thrive, elected officials must take on the responsibility of making informed decisions and implementing regulations that guide the progress of society. These leaders must foster an environment that encourages advancement, ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to prosper and participate in the democratic process.
Consequently, every member of Parliament must uphold and adhere to the foundational principles outlined in a constitution that has been thoughtfully created and ratified by the people. This constitution, paired with a comprehensive bill of rights, serves as a cornerstone of governance in the newly established republic.
My thought for the day
The improper use of free speech has likely played a role in the deterioration of our democratic values, yet it is precisely this same free speech that holds the potential to restore and rejuvenate our democratic system in the long run.
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welcome back, lord, great to read you again.
Love the humour in your thought.
A great summary of what we should aim for.
But it cannot happen while we have an economic/financial system that facilitates exploitation.
That system was slowly constructed by legislation.
It can be reformed by legislation.
There’s no point in hacking at the branches of evil.
We have to strike at the root.
Agree with that Steve.
Ahhh …. Back to John Lord’s Utopian idealism ….. a refreshing change from the gibberish emanating from MSM and Murdoch Media Monopoly (MMM).
The push towards dictatorships last seen after WWI is seen this time as the ultimate expression of parasitic capitalism. The maldistribution of wealth in the USA (United States of Apartheid) and the historical distortion of wealth from Africa & Asia into Europe for over two hundred years is running out of steam for the people.
Individual greed has been worshipped for too long, since Reganomics, and the consequences are not pretty. The US pursues space population dispersion for over-population but refuses to fund adequate health or education for ALL the voters on Earth.
The ”American Dream” has become the ”Nightmare on Main Street” for American workers, and the Australian major political parties appear hell bent upon infecting Australia with the same dysfunctional economy for no other reason than ”the Americans do it”.
Wam. My humour is about as useful as an ashtray on a motor bike.
John I wanted to thank you for your considered thoughts – rarely does one encounter as comprehensive a ‘wish-list’ as this, especially in these troubled and confusing times.
I agree with Steve Davis: “A great summary of what we should aim for.”
I do not therefore disparage or dismiss your thoughts as mere wishful thinking, un-tethered idealism or utopianism – quite the contrary in fact.
I have long regarded writings such as yours John to be not simply a manifestation of a ‘positive soul’ but evidence also of a particular consciousness at work, such that what is written impels one to actively consider the content, and not dismiss it out-of-hand as mere waffle.
For myself, there is here an element of serendipity. Having just read your essay I was phoned by an friend to inquire if I had finished his loaned book on Neuroplasticity. I had, and found the contents hard to believe at first – hard to believe that is that the brain can in effect be ‘re-wired’. After a brief discussion of the amazing progress being made in this complex area we rang off.
https://www.re-origin.com/articles/top-10-must-read-neuroplasticity-books
However, and for whatever reason that immediately got me thinking of earlier discussions of the work of Sheldrake and others on morphic resonance and morphic fields, and the possibility that maybe, just maybe, thought itself is communicable as between persons – particularly if, say, in the first instance it is regarded simply as another form of energy, which we know is communicable, if not transferable.
For example we don’t have to actually see someone to know that they’re mightily pissed off about something, but if we are face-to-face, their energy can really have an effect on us. So much so it could be said that whenever great emotion is being expressed, it is easily apprehended by others, and can certainly register physically upon one’s person, and dare I say, also upon one’s psyche.
Thanks largely to the work of physicists and other scientists, and certainly of medical professionals we have a growing appreciation of the creative potential of individual thought and its documented effects upon the physical body. In other words, it is now scientifically correct to say that indeed, thought is creative – something long known in other intellectual and faith traditions.
So, I pose this question: What if, in the serious contemplation of some worthwhile treatise, our own thoughts become more expansive, more open to possibilities, such that whether or not we actually then speak with someone about this, our interest and enthusiasm (by means yet unknown) may be capable of being apprehended by someone else, somewhere else?
Some of us have dimly felt that ideas often don’t need to be actually spoken in order to spread.
Consequently John I can say to you that the more I contemplate ideas such as those set out in your essay, the greater chance there is perhaps of those ideas being received elsewhere, and while I’m presently unsure of the exact mechanism involved, I am prepared to accept that it’s possible. I guess what I’m hinting at here is the idea of mass-consciousness, and whether we do in fact have a ‘link’ with each other – something subliminal and not easily apprehended, or even spoken of, but something often shared by couples and small groups. Its worth thinking about.
“…our interest and enthusiasm (by means yet unknown) may be capable of being apprehended by someone else, somewhere else?…I guess what I’m hinting at here is the idea of mass-consciousness, and whether we do in fact have a ‘link’ with each other ”
JulianP, I believe that’s correct.
Expressions such as “the spirit of the times” do not spring out of nowhere, and the example that has long intrigued me was the peasant revolts that occurred across Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Thanks for a well-constructed comment.
“A great summary of what we should aim for”, absolutely, and it starts with individuals, it starts with ‘me’.
Our attitudes, the way we speak of and to others, the respect or disrespect we show determines the world we live in, at least in the confines of our individual spheres of influence.
Freedom of speech amounts at times to ‘smart arsery’, as the commentator Tony Jones discovered in what he thought was a bit of banter, calling Novak Djokovic ‘over-rated’ (how many grand slams has he won? Is he still a contender to increase that? Is he any good at playing his chosen sport?) This coming from a person who has a loud voice…. and it motivates those on X and TikTok to go down that denigrading path, to ‘score points’ at the expense of others.
In this case, I would love to see Tony Jones pick up a racquet and play a round with Djokovic, see who is a ‘has been’ or perhaps a ‘never has been’.
We hear the same from commentators in all major sports and we see it from commentators on politics, people who do not pick up the ball, who do not play the chosed game at any level, not understanding the efforts required, but to cast aspersions, to throw a few smart arsed one liners around knowing that there will be no consequences.
I see that antisemitism is to be criminalised. Why?
Or should the question not be that ALL anti religious violence or ALL anti-religious actions such as graffiti, burning of mosques, churches, temples should be criminalised?
Or should freedom of speech have an over-riding principle that the speech, no matter how it is spoken, does no harm?