On May 23, 1857, in a letter to an American friend, Lord Thomas MacCauley wrote:
A democracy cannot survive as a permanent form of government. It can last only until its citizens discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority (who vote) will vote for those candidates promising the greatest benefits from the public purse, with the result that a democracy will always collapse from loose fiscal policies, always followed by a dictatorship.
The average age of the world's greatest democratic nations has been 200 years.
Each has been through the following sequence:
From bondage to spiritual faith. From faith to great courage. From courage to liberty. From liberty to abundance. From abundance to complacency. From complacency to selfishness. From selfishness to apathy. From apathy to dependency. And from dependency back again into bondage.
Where are we on this continuum?
Can we escape this fate?
How?
AP United States History
Litchfield High School
Social Studies Department
Litchfield, CT USA
Social Studies Department
Litchfield, CT USA
22 comments:
just testing!
Where are we on this continuum?
Currently, we are approaching the selfishness to apathy phase. It has been over 200 years since the United States Constitution was written and ratified, so we have already passed the average length of a democracy. We are in the phase of selfishness to apathy because the first phases have already passed. We have already hade faith and gained the courage to form the nation. This courage then led to the liberty from England. The nation then began to thrive and became one of abundance over all of North America. We then became complacent; satisfied with the state of our nation both in itself and in relation to the rest of the world. This lasted until 9/11/2001 when the world trade center was destroyed and we became greatly involved in the issues of other nations, often for our own benefit. That became our selfishness. Currently, were are in this state, but instead of acting in the world for our benefit, people are beginning to believe that we should not bother dealing with the issues of other nations and strictly deal with our own, a very selfish idea. At this point, people will begin to become much more apathetic about our relationships and government which will bring us into the apathetic stage.
Can we escape this fate?
This fate is not avoidable. It may be possible to delay the inevitability of dictatorship, but we can not escape. This is because of the nature of the human being, and their tendency to be selfish in all that they do. This leads all democracies to at least the selfish stage, and by then, there is no escape. Apathy will always come because of the selfishness, and the people will grow tired of the responsibilities and issues and become indifferent. When one becomes apathetic, they become dependant on the higher ups, in this case the government, and when the government realizes this, it will become a dictatorship, for the combination of both their selfish nature, and the dependency of the people will always lead to dictatorship, and always has.
How?
In no way…
Where are we on this continuum?
In this continuum, we are at the point where complacency becomes selfishness. Before the tragedy on September 11, 2001, the people and leaders of this country were completely unaware and uncaring about the dangers of the terrorists of the Middle East. The nation was satisfied with our security measures and happily dependent on foreign oil. After 9/11, people suddenly realized that this tragedy was more than just a random act of cruel terrorism: it would produce devastating nation-wide effects, which included the raising of gas prices and the deployment of our country’s soldiers into Iraq and Afghanistan. Since this attack, the citizens of the U.S. have developed an unmistakable selfishness; people in general do not show interest in world issues, apart from the war, and most just tend to worry about the lowering of gas prices. With the upcoming election, citizens care only about the candidate who would best improve their own lifestyle, not the candidate who would be best for the general public of the country.
Can we escape this fate? How?
I believe we can escape this fate if people begin to think more about the world issues and less about their own personal lives. If people think about the good of the majority instead of being selfish, then change can occur. However, while we deal with our turmoil, the United States also needs to reach out to other countries that are in much greater trouble than we are. At the same time, we need to think less about foreign oil and more about saving the environment through the development of alternative fuels. Therefore, we can only escape this fate through generosity to others and wise leaders who can help the U.S. thrive.
Where are we on this continuum?
American is presently between the complacency and selfishness phases in MacCauley's model of the democratic demise. This complacency comes from America's role as the premier world power. This is a logical path for a country that started out by winning an extremely improbable war for independence. America's role as the inferior partner of England led to a belief that America was entitled to the right to freedom and other rights enjoyed by other full - fledged nations. The story of America can be best described as an uphill battle: form bondage to liberty. Thus, it is natural that these American instincts to grow and thrive are still manifest today. Everything that made America great was a struggle and required sacrifice. America's modern day selfishness is a product of its need to elevate itself. For example, America refuses to lift a finger to go the aid of those affected by the genocide in Darfur, while we pursue a war in Iraq for purposes unknown. Additionally, corruption of government officials is rampant, with governments giving tax breaks to companies that outsource. Once these gifts are exhausted, America will collapse. The selfishness of America will lead to a withdrawal from the global scene. Thus, America is rapidly heading towards the apathy phase.
Can we escape this fate?
No. The extent of the corruption of the federal government combined with the misguided foreign policies of toady are leading America down an irreversible path. The American government will follow MacCauley's model simply because of the American need to own, to conquer, to convert. America is too laden with attractive thoughts of power to even contemplate the idea of governmental reform. Thus, the allure of power will ultimately be the undoing of the American way of life.
How?
America cannot stop its downward spiral towards bondage.
Question 1:
Where are we on this continuum?
Based on the actions of society over the past near decade, it is evident that the United States has reached the point of complacency to selfishness on the continuum of democracy’s fate. Commencing around the year 2000, the populace of the United States was under a false blanket of security, failing to identify potential dangers within the governing of the nation. Rather, it required the horrifying terrorist attacks of 9/11 along with the failed promises of an incompetent president, in order to force the public into comprehending that all was not as well as it seemed. Because of this, United States citizens have currently become infatuated with how the country can better itself rather than focusing on both national and international concerns. For instance, topics raised within this year’s national conventions included that of improving the United States healthcare policy and bettering the funding of national education. However, few statements were made about other countries and how we as a nation can help to improve the lives of foreign countries where in some healthcare is nonexistent and education is rare. For these reasons, the United States has become a selfish country, reaching the stage of complacency to selfishness.
Questions 2/3:
Can we escape this fate? How?
Taking into consideration the fact that the democratic government of the United States has surpassed democracy’s typical demise of 200 years, it is possible to escape the fate of cycling back into a country of dependency and bondage. This downfall can be avoided as long as the nation becomes more internationally involved and avoids falling into an apathetic rut in which United States citizens lack concern for both national and international issues. Escaping this fate, however, would require more active participation and interest in government by the people of the United States, where citizens expressed concerns and raised issues within other regions of the globe rather than focusing solely on their own. Expressing a desire to better all nations of the world would rid the country of its selfish nature and help to avoid any apathetic views to make for a more stable democratic government.
Where are we on this continuum?
America's democracy is currently in the phase 'from complacency to selfishness.' Citizens generally believe that America is 'invincible' because of our prominent place in the world today due to money, prestige, and military might. They are complacent because of the power America possesses, which makes them feel secure. Americans' complacency leads to egotism, in which they believe that the American way is the only way. People of America are not very accepting of other nations and their opinions. They believe that America's power gives them a place of security among all other countries. The general belief is that the rest of the world must like America. However, recent events, such as the war in Iraq and the bombings of the Twin Towers, have taken away some of the security people felt. They realize that although America is extremely powerful, many countries do not like the U.S.A. The security of America isn't taken for granted anymore. However, as people become less complacent, they become more selfish. They now see that America is not protected from terrorists, war, and the opinions of other countries. This will lead to selfishness because as people realize that there is danger from other countries, they will only want to protect themselves. Instead of helping other nations, citizens will want to concentrate all the power into shielding themselves.
Can we escape this fate?
The sequence that takes place within all democracies will continue to take place in America's democracy. Humans tend to think only of the present, not the future. If they can help themselves now, they won't think about the consequences of their actions for the future. Other countries, outside influences, also affect the sequence of democracy. Hatred from certain countries towards America creates fear, which then leads to selfishness and can lead to the rest of the sequence. Everything that is done will be for the benefit of the country.
How?
The sequence will inevitably continue, and therefore nothing can be done to prevent the democracy from deteriorating.
Where are we on this continuum?
After examining Thomas MacCauley’s letter and continuum on democracy, it is abundantly clear that the United States of America is in the later stages of the “democratic sequence”. It is rather uncomplicated to recognize our nation’s development from bondage to spiritual faith to great courage to liberty to abundance to complacency. Spiritual faith peaked in the Puritan era and lead to great courage. Catalyzed by courage, Americans fought and separated from England in the American Revolution. The Revolution led to abundance, meaning America’s growth and eventually dominance as a world power. However, after establishing our smugness, our self-righteousness, as a nation, the lines begin to blur. In my opinion, our country has already made a definitive move from complacency to selfishness. Furthermore, one can distinguish apathy looming on the horizon. We intervene in worldly affairs with the pretense that “We are the strongest country in the world; we are the world police, so let us help you.” However, our country, as a whole, only aids those nations who can benefit us in return; pure selfishness. As one of the aforementioned blogs remarks, we, the U.S., refuse to help genocide in Darfur. We even refuse to call it genocide, for then we would be mandated by law to put a cease to it. On the other hand, we captured Saddam Hussein almost 5 years ago, and continue to hang around the Middle East for reasons unknown. Most outrageous is the fact that we the people have not effectively stopped this insanity, we have barely made an effort. The best word to describe this is apathy. I shall say it again, apathy looms on the horizon.
**It should be noted that most models move from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency, from complacency to apathy, etc.**
Can we escape this fate? How?
The completely infinite number of variables in life and the universe affects the outcome of history. Robert Nisbet writes in the magazine Commentary “…the Random Event, the Maniac, the Prophet, and the Genius have to be reckoned with. We have absolutely no way of escaping them.” Although it would not be of our conscious decision as a country, such factors could help us escape our projected demise; they could also catalyze a different fate. On a different note, it is impossible to determine how much of historical evolution is continuous. History is neither “an uninterrupted line” nor a progression “over the same ground”. In Ludwig von Mises's book Socialism (1922), Mises makes the point that “It is absurd to say that evolution is uninterrupted when we can clearly discern periods of decay in history when the division of labor has retrogressed. On the other hand, the progress achieved by individual nations…is never completely lost.” So, in reality, we can only make the assumption that our nation will be lead to complete apathy then dependency and back to bondage.
Response to ALL current postings:
Mike R.: I must disagree with your answers. I believe that as a nation we are not yet approaching the selfishness to apathy phase. Rather, the country is just entering the selfishness phase as we concern ourselves with national issues such as that of bettering our healthcare system, while neglecting the more problematic issues of other countries. I agree that we are currently selfish, but I was wondering how you might justify that we are becoming apathetic?
Abby: I agree with your statements completely, however I also find that we can escape this fate with more active participation in government by U.S. citizens, rather than simply focusing on international issues therefore avoiding apathy.
Daniel/Melissa/Alex: I must disagree with you on the idea that we can't avoid this fate. Instead, isn't it possible to escape selfishness with more active participation in government by the U.S. citizens- a government in which the people and its leaders focus on international concerns rather than merely national? With greater participation and interest amongst the U.S. population on governmental concerns, the nation would reduce the risk of becoming apathetic and cycling back into a society of bondage.
Lydia, i did not say we are on to the apathy phase, but we are currently on the selfish state, and will soon be moving into apathy. Also, anything is possible, however, for an entire nation to lose its sense of selfishness would take much more than Americans are capable of in their current state of mind, so essentially, the fate is unavoidable.
Mike:
Thanks for clearing that up Mike! I just thouhgt it was unclear as to how exactly we were going to become apathetic as a nation, but I think that I understand now :)
Lydia - I am of the opinion that the future can still be altered. Like I wrote earlier, there are an infinite number of variables in this equation. And like you say, with more active participation we could create our own destiny; we could avoid becoming a mere repetition of the past. Although we should all want to break away from the cycle and avoid complete destruction, we have already set the chain of events in motion! People have been slacking off on their duties as responsible citizens and it may be too late to escape the downward spiral we've initiated.
Sorry that sounds so negative everyone, but look on the bright side...global warming may just kill us all before we can be reduced to bondage!
Cheers,
Alex
In this continuum as described by Lord Thomas MacCauley, I think that we as a nation are on the edge between complacency and selfishness. It has become not enough just to have what you need to get by, but we must have some of the little luxuries that we have come to see as necessity. While I understand that a large number of people are still living in poverty without any luxuries, many people without an excess of money are still buying iPods and televisions, but struggle to pay the bills.
I believe, however, that we could escape this fate in our country if we went back to older values of thriftiness and try to redefine our new version of what is a "necessity". If citizens, including myself, would try to realize that working hard and sticking to values should make a person successful as opposed to how many nice things you own, then we could go back in the cycle, and hopefully keep the cycle stopped on liberty.
While I agree with others that the selfishness of our country also has to do with the government, and the role in helping other countries, I do not think that merely having politicians list countries that we want to help will really be able to change the overall attitude and direction of our country. Also, I don't believe that taking more of an interest in other countries, while it is important, would greatly help us avoid the fall from liberty to dictatorship. As well as that, I feel that we have also made some progress already in avoiding this cycle, especially during the current election. While Lydia commented that people need to take more of an interest in the government, this election has drawn more interest than any other. Whether a Obama or McCain supporter, the polls have shown more of an interest, and that our citizens are rediscovering the will to care and fight for their beliefs and issues that they care about. I believe that we can avoid this cycle through personal change that can bring about national change.
On the continuum, we currently stand at the point from complacency to selfishness. America has gained abundance in the economy, population, technological progress, et cetera. America now is selfish, where wars are fought for the good of itself and its people. America wants to keep the abundance it knows so well.
Escape is not possible, as human nature is defined by how all humans feel, and how the majority act. Chance is against humans, and fate will take its course.
Where are we on this continuum?
On this continuum, the U.S. is currently in the "abundance to complacency" phase. The U.S. has progressed from the bondage of empire by England to faith and courage in the ability of the American colonies to become an independent nation. From this courage and through the American Revolution, the American colonies secured their liberty from Britain. Since then, the abundance of the United States has lead our country to be the most prosperous and powerful country in the world today. However, the U.S. has not yet become complacent, selfish, or apathetic. The United States today provides financial and food support to a plethora of impoverished countries worldwide. Though some people in the U.S. protest this spending in world affairs, it proves that our country has not yet become apathetic toward the world, and nor has it yet become selfish. The United States' recent involvement in world affairs in a military sense roves that we have not yet become complacent either. Even if the U.S. was slipping into complacency before the events of September 11, 2001, it is clear that our country is not complacent at the moment. Regardless of the motives for the U.S.'s involvement in world affairs, especially in the Middle East in recent years with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, this involvement shows that our country is not yet complacent. In fact, many people around the world protest the over-involvement of the U.S. in foreign affairs. This may prove that the U.S. has overextended itself as a foreign power, but it also proves that the U.S. is not complacent. We are certainly abundant, but we have not yet reached the stages of complacency, selfishness, or apathy.
How can we escape this fate? How?
Regardless of the current state of the U.S. on this continuum, it is clear that it would be no great matter for the U.S. to spend itself into dictatorship, as MacCauley's quotation states. The U.S. Constitution is the longest-standing single constitution in world history, and if MacCauley is right about the inherently short-lived nature of democracy, the U.S. may not have much longer to survive. However, it may be the long-lived stability of the Constitution that protects us from this fate of dictatorship. The Republic of the U.S. under the Constitution has shown itself to be stable and workable throughout the years. It is, in all, the balancing of the government that may prevent the fate of spending for the people until the government collapses. The threat of taxes as a result of increased spending would always loom over the people voting for money from the public purse to the people. This balance keeps the government stable and keeps this continuum from happening too fast. In addition, the balancing of political parties against each other retards the advancement of this continuum. In all, knowledge of these balances and awareness of the long-term consequences of the actions of the government by the people can slow the advancement of this path to destruction. The inherent stability of the balances of our government, combined with increased knowledge and support of these balances and knowledge of the long-term repercussions of the actions of our government and awareness of the world as a whole instead of just of our country, may hold of this fate for an indefinite period. However, whether it is ultimately avoidable remains to be seen as this continuum advances, or doesn't.
Mike (Ringquist), I have to disagree with some facets of your argument regarding this issue. I do not believe that your analysis of the continuum is accurate because I do not believe that the U.S. has passed the stage of selfishness in the continuum. Though I agree with your point that people are starting to believe that we should not meddle in foreign affairs as much as we do, I believe that this shows that the U.S. may be approaching selfishness rather than having passed it. The U.S. is still very actively involved in foreign affairs and humanitarian efforts, and, though we may be approaching selfishness, followed perhaps by apathy, I do not believe that we have reached that stage yet. Your argument, however, is well constructed and argued, and I agree with many of your points.
Lydia, I would like to comment that I like your analysis of Question 2/3. While it may show an over-optimism for human nature, I like the fact that it offers a suggestion for how we may be able to escape this fate rather than dismissing the possibility of redemption from this continuum. I agree with the assertion that this fate could be at least retarded, if not diverted, by increased awareness of world issues and avoidance of the road towards apathy by the people of the U.S. Even if your response over-estimates the goodness of human nature, I like that it suggests a remedy for the continuum rather than condemning America to an unavoidable fate of dictatorship.
All-
I would just like you to know, i do not believe we are yet past the selfishness state, we are amid it, and will soon be moving to apathy. We have already moved from complacency however, and that is why i did not state that we are in the complacency to selfishness phase.
Brie, I would like to comment that I especially like your evidence that states: "It has become not enough just to have what you need to get by, but we must have some of the little luxuries that we have come to see as necessity." To me this perfectly supports your argument, as well as the point I was trying to make.
Jake, I found your evidence very well constructed and convincing. However, I still disagree with the fact that the U.S. is not selfish. Although there are many citizens and leaders in our government who are certainly not members of this category, I believe that the majority of people in our society care nothing about world hunger, war between other countries, natural disasters around the globe, etc. Our culture is much too engrossed in material posessions and not simplistic family values. Thus, I have to argue that we are not in the abundance to complacency phase, but the complacency to selfishness phase. However, your evidence to support your point of view is still extremely convincing. :)
Thanks Jake! :)
Merkzzors... I had this printed out for you in school, but since you're checking on here, here it is:
Where are we on this continuum?
Currently we are in between the stages of selfishness and apathy. We freed ourselves from the cruel bondage of Britain through "Divine Right" and with courage conquering great odds, and flourished in a steady flow of immigrants seeking wealth in the grand unfamiliar continent. The promising years of Manifest Destiny, the Gold Rush, and the heyday of the Nuclear Family; those were times of abundance. But now, our country is waging wars for oil, ignoring genocides, pressuring democracy, and pushing away immigrants, not to mention a trillion dollar debt clawing at the door of the White House. Apathy and complacency have become the elements of America.
Can we escape this fate?
It’ll be tough, we’ll need to get back to liberty and abundance, what America used to be all about.
How?
We will need radical changes in governmental motivations: less interest in foreign oil, more on a clean, efficient, and renewable energy source; a country-wide cleanse of ignorance and partisan politics: people should step up from spectator seating on their government and the environment to become informed and influential members of society; and a revitalization of original ideals with some new-age ones: bring back "We the People", and start up "Green is the New Black". We need to become a united, strong, healthy, wealthy, nation by finding strength in our diversity, intelligence, and our nature of revolution.
It will take BARACK OBAMA. WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
But seriously, we need a figure who can excite people about participating in a country seriously in need of a wake-up call. Dependency is next, as we've obviously been snatching up every easy, short-term solution possible, leaving us in a trillion dollar pit with rising walls of inflation and fuel prices. And then bondage, which could only be the tyranny of Merk.
ALL HAIL THE MAGNIFICENT MERK!
Nice Work -- Consider how your peers have helped you to THINK/Re think about your own views on this topic.
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