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Democracy Is Self-Government
In this book a light is turned on the most absorbing and pressing problems of humanity, which are reflected in all aspects of life, including our government. Through a series of essays, the author addresses what can and must be done to solve these problems by bringing national affairs under the spotlight of eternal truths.
This is not a political book, as generally understood. It is a new conception of “true” democracy where the emphasis is on the direct relationship between each individual and the worldly conditions in which we live. Once this direct link - between the conduct of each and every one of us and the effectiveness of our government - is fully realized, mindfulness of our thoughts and actions will follow. Ideas of social and political perfection seem to hold a strong attraction for many human beings; and yet, they are seldom, if ever, achieved. We might ask ourselves, Why? Mr. Percival makes clear that the only avenue through which we can achieve an enlightened civilization is to first become individually self-governed. Self-Government means just that - that we learn to govern our own desires, thoughts and actions because, virtuous or otherwise, they collectively make up our external world. This means that all conditions that we encounter in the world have their beginnings within through the power of our thinking. If honesty, good judgment and strength of character are desired in government affairs, then these qualities must be operating within ourselves. Since each human being is the source of all causes, conditions, problems and solutions, we cannot look to others to make things right for us. Adherence to a higher form of law is not just in the hands of the governing few. Our own individual behavior has a far-reaching effect on all governing systems. If we feel in accord with this statement, we will want to learn to govern ourselves; it will then become the moral obligation of each to refine his or her conduct to ever higher ideals. Humanity will be the beneficiary of this effort.
This is not a political book, as generally understood. It is a new conception of “true” democracy where the emphasis is on the direct relationship between each individual and the worldly conditions in which we live. Once this direct link - between the conduct of each and every one of us and the effectiveness of our government - is fully realized, mindfulness of our thoughts and actions will follow. Ideas of social and political perfection seem to hold a strong attraction for many human beings; and yet, they are seldom, if ever, achieved. We might ask ourselves, Why? Mr. Percival makes clear that the only avenue through which we can achieve an enlightened civilization is to first become individually self-governed. Self-Government means just that - that we learn to govern our own desires, thoughts and actions because, virtuous or otherwise, they collectively make up our external world. This means that all conditions that we encounter in the world have their beginnings within through the power of our thinking. If honesty, good judgment and strength of character are desired in government affairs, then these qualities must be operating within ourselves. Since each human being is the source of all causes, conditions, problems and solutions, we cannot look to others to make things right for us. Adherence to a higher form of law is not just in the hands of the governing few. Our own individual behavior has a far-reaching effect on all governing systems. If we feel in accord with this statement, we will want to learn to govern ourselves; it will then become the moral obligation of each to refine his or her conduct to ever higher ideals. Humanity will be the beneficiary of this effort.
- GenresNonfiction
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1989
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129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 8, 2019
This is a book that every human being on this planet should read.
September 6, 2023
Truly awe inspiring.
August 30, 2025
If one approaches the highest quality “new age” books with the right blend of open-mindedness and skepticism, and can pull out the insight without the fluff, they can be well worth reading.
June 21, 2009
like the prophet said it start with self
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews