Vision
Some thoughts on how we might aim towards the good in the future.
- A future in which every human should have a reasonable expectation to at least a moderate life, and that fellow humans should be valued and respected.
- That morality must be a precondition to power. The powers that be may be the powers that are, but that does not mean that we should not push for moral powers.
- That our society and our groups must have some vision for the future, and that this vision must be at least a lifetime in length, give weight to the relative unclarity between seeing near and far, and that there must be some structure to test and implement the vision.
- That we have a good method for human reproduction that seeks to bring forth the better parts of humanity, and that we give sufficient respect to this aspect of our humanity.
- That we not engage in arms races that may result in the destruction of humanity or civilization (such as nuclear, biological, birth and population power, massive industrial might, etc).
- That we have diverse and balanced powers as a check on excessive power and repression, including some level of compartmentalization (or organization) so the no one or one group can amass to much power. This also likely includes a manner of obtuseness, speaking indirectly (or in code), and withholding of support for those that become too powerful.
- That the historical ruses of creating artificial fear and emergencies should be guarded against as a route to unjustly seizing power.
- That people can have a life with opportunity for purposefulness, knowledge, interaction, meaning, inquiry, and connection.
- A search for our higher function and role as a species; also seeking to diversify our living without undue risk of harm to ourselves.
- More than hitting a population number, attaining a style and manner of life that is beneficial, good, and sustains and increases that good for the future. Perhaps any reasonable amount between a million and trillion on this planet could be workable, and what is more important is the type of living.
- Having all members of our societies be producers (or else they must be vassals, beggars, or thieves). Having our children’s upbringing (including school and socialization) reflect this value, while at the same time recognize that it is very difficult to determine who or what is actually providing value (or production) and therefore a wide degree of tolerance is required.
- Recognizing that the human body requires work and some level of challenge and struggle. Finding beneficial ways to use this human drive, including our competitive drive.
- To have the freedom of leisure (that has been enabled by our technology, knowledge, and ancestors) without being forced to use such leisure in pointless make work occupations designed to keep us passive and unquestioning and too occupied to do meaningful work.
- To feel connected and part of something, to be able to see the contribution one has made, and to be valued within one’s community or group.
- To be able to function from a global and humanity level down to a small group and pair level, across multiple types of organizations (religious, productive, knowledge, etc). We must agree on what is human, and then seek to have some type of forum across this entire level.
- To have reasonable security and stability, but to still have motivation and room for growth.
- To not be forced to support a system that does not make sense to you, or seems contrary to the good, or that seems corrupt, and to not have to waste one’s life under such a system. All systems will be imperfect, but one should at least strive (and fail) towards one that seems best to xemself. To force someone to operate under a system they do not believe in will only waste xem, and likely the system as well.
- To have some measure of freedom; to search, build, connect, reflect, strengthen, enjoy, and reflect.
- That people are no person’s servant, tool, or fool without first evaluating the merits of that person and determining if they should support them and allow xemself to be used in such a manner.
- To find one’s vision of the good for themselves, to find others that share this or a similar view. To try, evaluate, and adjust one’s understanding of the good based on their attempts at living it.
- To be humbled, in how little we know, how insignificant we are, how short our time is, and how little we can all mean, but not to be overwhelmed by this.
- That morality be a precondition to power (recognizing that morality may accept a wide range of definitions).
- That we honor our mother and father, ancestors, and group. Your parents and community has given you life, and you owe a debt to their beliefs and efforts.
- The people recognize uncertainty and ignorance as inherent to our lives without being overcome by it such that they can continue to seek their best understanding of the world.
- That the essentials of life and their assured provision not be forgotten (the foundation upon which our advanced societies flourish). Have the strength to pursue and defend these essentials and our beliefs and the good (or each person’s reasonable understanding of it.
- That people are discerning, judicious, balanced, and seek perspective. That people seek out others for their council, and remember the aphorisms that the multitude of the wise is the wealth of the world and that the good is often the mean between the extremes.
- That people be of service to their best understanding of the good, seek to evaluate and perpetuate the good, and perhaps recognize that the good is likely not a single thing, tangible, or understandable, but rather a spectrum of probable aspects that support the whole.