On Society

Its Purpose And Responsibility.

What is a society? What is the purpose of a society? Who are its members? What should a society provide to its members? Does a society have a responsibility and what responsibility does it have?

These are but a few of the questions that must be answered if we are to understand the role of society and its relationship to its members. The questions cannot be answered positively or factually; they are philosophical questions and must be so answered.

Webster’s Dictionary provides several definitions of a society; however, I will deal with only one:

‘a community, nation, or broad grouping of people having common traditions, institutions, and collective activities and interests.’

This would indicate that any large group such as cities, states, or nations could be composed of one or more societies. For my purpose I will use the word in its broadest term; a society is one nation that is governed by one set of laws.

A society is a collection of individuals and reflects, in most cases, the desire of those in power, In some societies the power of the majority is exercised by those appointed or elected by the majority. A society will eventually reflect the will of those who become involved in the society’s operation and will survive as long as its members and ruling body remain strong in their belief in that society. A society must be a dynamic organization. It must constantly change to meet the requirements of its members.

Webster’s definition establishes that a society is a group of people with common interest and traditions. Would it not be logical to state that these people would have similar beliefs? Would it not also be logical to assume that the society would encourage its members to remain members and also encourage its growth through the ‘acquisition’ of new members? Is it not also logical to believe that a society would protect its CREED from those who wish to modify or destroy it?

I believe that a moment’s reflections is sufficient to convince anyone that protection of some type is absolutely necessary for a society to survive for any length of time. A society must protect its CREED from being changed to the point of becoming too similar to other societies. It is the distinction of belonging to that society, the advantages it offers over others that maintain its members. These advantages may be anything from the beliefs it sponsors to the location of its governing body.

A society must provide protection for itself as well as it members in order to avoid encroachment from other societies. It must provide for the needs of its members by supplying equal opportunities for financial and personal advancement. It must provide for its own future through correct actions today. A society has only one major purpose; all other reasons for its existence are but shades of its main purpose. That purpose is - To Survive!

A society generally will reflect its active membership. Thus the direction and type of society that results in the future will be determined by the type of members belonging today. Therefore, a society must show some selectivity in extending membership, especially in the selection of its governing body. For this reason, a society should require certain standards from its members.

Birth should not be a major requirement nor should it result in automatic membership. Membership should be limited to those individuals who contribute to the welfare of that society. In any society there will be individuals who do not belong to that society. Their right to enjoy the protection of that society, so long as they abide by the society’s laws, should not be limited; however, they should not have a voice in the operation of that society.

Society should provide minimum living conditions, food, and clothing to all in need. None of this should be provided without a clear understanding that some form of repayment must be made by each individual. If the individual cannot provide repayment, then he or she should be stripped of the right to decide the future of that society but not deprived of its protection. This denial of decisional rights should also include those who have committed crimes against that society.

Society must provide equal opportunity to all with the only discrimination being based on ability. It must also provide a means for those who have lost their rights to regain them. Society has a responsibility to provide aid and assistance to its members but that aid should encourage the receiver to become self-sufficient - not encourage dependency. Society must place a premium on creating productive and independent members to meet its future needs.

I believe that for a society to remain effective the right to make decisions concerning that society should be provided only to those who contribute to it. Only those members who have invested their time and energy in that society should have the right to determine its present and future course.

NOTE:
Although this essay was written many years ago, I still believe that it is viable. I still do not know what standards should be applied to determine if an individual is contributing to a society. However, a society that does not enforce certain membership qualifications can only survive as long as the majority care about the direction of that society. When the majority no longer cares, it will fail. If the majority is supported by the minority, it will also fail because the society will begin to reflect only the active minority, which will most likely be its most radical and fanatical members.

Author: Don Miller
Posted: Aug. 2002

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2002 Articles

2002 Articles Home

On Obsession
Harry P. Movie
Priests & The Law
On The Parties
Greatest Invention
Artificial Minds
On Religion II
On Religion
On Oneness
On Morality
Letter To Friend
On Karma
Religious Freedom
On Rituals
On Masters
On Magic
On Society
On Reparations
On Profiling