Foundational Principles Revisited

Let’s take one more look at the Five Foundational Principles of an Interdependent Society. In my novel, The Doorkeeper’s Secrets, the goal is to birth a society where everyone is dependable; therefore, we can expect others to act with our (and their) best interest in mind.

The five foundational principles create a matrix enabling everyone to give their best efforts, be safe, and find joy in their work, families, activities, and lives. The diagram attempts to illustrate how that might work.

The ground upon which everything sits is the Common Good (the black line). Every action is measured by how it contributes to supporting or diminishing the Common Good. Anything that is good for a few at the expense of many is rejected; the opposite is supported. Everything we do—every action we take—everything we build—depends upon a solid place to stand. To the extent we find cracks and potholes in the ground of society—we find weakness.

The blue line represents Community. That is what unites us and allows us to work together on common problems. The people within my Community are not only those I know or interact with but also, many whom I will never meet. The people who built my refrigerator paved the streets I use or grew the tomato I had for lunch. My Community is not limited by boundaries of any kind not even national ones. My tomatoes come from Mexico, and my refrigerator was built in Canada.

Faith is the third major element (orange). Faith in one’s self; our neighbors; everyone—even those we have never met; the interdependent process; and faith in compassionate creator becomes like the air we breathe. Having faith supports the Common Good and adds trust to the Community. We can have faith in others because their actions support our belief that they wish us no harm and will do their best for others—expecting the same from us.

In my picture of the future, the three already mentioned are provided by the Plan for the Future and the structure it provides. Once the principle becomes initiated, they provide a kind of “given” for everyone. The remaining two principles are those actions in which each individual is encouraged to participate.

Vigilance is basically paying attention. Take notice of what is happening around you (the red arrows). When you see something—say something. What we say may be in response to an inappropriate action or an abusive situation; but it should more often be in response to some act of kindness, assistance provided, or disaster averted by quick thinking. Vigilance also means we look out for each other and the stranger, the immigrant, the elderly, or young who may need a helping hand.

Everyone is asked to be observant; likewise, all are expected to treat others with Respect. Just as a person is innocent until proven guilty, a person is respected until their behavior indicates they do not deserve it (the green arrows). Even then the person is not treated as a sub-human. Someone guilty of a heinous crime is still a human deserving safety, medical care, food, and professionals to listen to them.

Some of us believe these principles would make life in 2018, as well as 2088 better for all. So, what do you think friend? I would love to hear from you.