Civilization Is Yours: So, Own it!
Steve Conley
Founder of the Academy of Life Planning & Planning My Life | Championing Values-Driven Financial Planning | Mentor to Independent Planners | Author and Advocate for Meaningful Change
Look around. Disappointed with the state of the world? It's easy to point fingers. But here's the kicker: it's our fault. Yep, you heard me. The world’s mess is on us. Let’s break it down.
The Freedom to Own Each Moment
George Kinder, in "The Three Domains of Freedom," talks about how each moment is ours. Think mindfulness. Picture this: you, free from the noise of the past and the anxiety of the future. In this space, you connect with your true self, your core values. This is where authenticity lives. Wisdom, too. When you operate from this place, your actions are genuine, not reactions to old fears or future worries. Cool, right?
The Freedom to Own Your Life
Next up, your life. Armed with self-knowledge from those mindful moments, you get to plan your life. Remember Saint Augustine? "Without a plan, life is but chaos." Knowing your true self and purpose lets you craft a life plan that’s inspired, authentic, and totally you. Imagine your favorite future – one that’s aligned with who you are at your core.
The Freedom to Own Your Civilization
Lastly, we have the freedom to own our civilization. When we know our purpose, we can use our gifts to make the world better. It’s about serving others, creating positive impact. But here’s the rub: if we ignore these domains of freedom, we end up denying our influence on the world. And that's a problem.
Perceptions Matter: The Common Cause Study
Let’s talk data. The Common Cause Foundation ran a study across Britain – the Schwartz Values Assessment. They asked 1,000 people about their values and then what they thought the average Brit values. Here’s what they found:
The conclusion? People have a skewed perception of others’ values. And this misconception is killing our motivation to engage. The study says:
“People who hold this inaccurate belief about other people’s values feel significantly less positive about getting involved – joining meetings, voting, volunteering. These people also report greater social alienation. They feel less responsible for their communities and are less likely to feel they fit in with wider society.”
This is where democracy stumbles, and civilization starts to crumble.
The Road to Freedom
If we keep ignoring the authenticity and purpose available in each moment, we’re doomed to chaos. Without a plan, we fail. We miss our voice, our tribe, and the chance to collaborate for a better world. When we fail, civilization fails. But here’s the flip side: when we succeed, civilization thrives.
The Bottom Line
The state of our civilization? It’s on us. It’s a mirror of our collective inauthenticity and disengagement. By embracing these three domains of freedom, aligning our values with our actions, we can reclaim our impact and shape a civilization that reflects our highest potential.
Remember, civilization is yours. Own it.
This article integrates George Kinder's philosophy with compelling data from the Common Cause Foundation to argue that the state of our civilization hinges on our individual and collective actions. It's conversational, engaging, and backed by solid evidence, perfect for sparking thought and action.