11 January 2011

The Role of the People in Determining the Future

One of the conclusions of my Spiritual Economics book is that the people have an important role to play in determining how the economic system works. That is they get a good economy or bad depending on their own character and activities. This is called karma. It is foolish to think that the various parts of life are disconnected, separate spheres of activity. What we do in one area of life affects all areas. We cannot engage in all manners of depraved and sinful activity and expect either a good economy, or good government, for that matter. Since we now realize that the government is getting worse along with the economy, we might consider our responsibility in the matter.
One of America's founding fathers, James Madison, recognized this fact and succinctly explained the necessary requirement of the people in order that they have a decent government:
"Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks -- no form of government -- can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea..."
I'm no fan of Michael Jackson, but he had one good song that we should all consider. You want the world to be a better place? Begin with the man in the mirror.