Edward Gibbon wrote:
“In the end, more than freedom, they wanted security. They wanted a comfortable life, and they lost it all – security, comfort, and freedom. When the Athenians finally wanted not to give to society but for society to give to them, when the freedom they wished for most was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free and was never free again.”
Unlike a subject a citizen has freedoms and privileges. A citizen can own land and move about freely. A citizen can vote. There are several different types of citizens. The focus here will be on passive and active citizens.
A passive citizen is the citizen described by Gibbon above. A passive citizen looks for and expects the government to solve all problems. A passive citizen might vote but they probably don’t. Citizenship holds no particular value unless it is to receive a personal benefit at little to no cost.
An active citizen looks forward to voting and believes it is important to be informed. An active citizen believes that there are obligations that accompany citizenship. Active citizens are necessary to a thriving society. Active citizens allow the passive citizens to enjoy the benefits of citizenship without bearing any responsibility. When thinking of citizenship strive to be an active citizen.
They exited Columbus Circle and started to walk down Central Park West. They didn’t make it very far.
“Why are there barriers around this building?” Alexander asked.
“It is a security precaution.”
“For what threat?”
“The leader of the nation owns this building.”
“Is he here now?”
“No, he doesn’t spend much time here.”
“Why not, is he off on military campaign?”
“No, that’s not really done anymore.”
“There are no more military campaigns?”
“No, there are still wars, but the leader of the country doesn’t lead them.”
“Why would you grant power to a man who is incapable of leading an army in battle?”
“Times have changed.”
“No king leads his army now?”
“Kings are also a thing of the past.”
“How are you governed?”
“By the consent of the people. Democracy.”
“It is folly. Not even Athens could maintain a democracy. You paved the way the way for tyrants. Thinking democracy could work.”
“It has worked for hundreds of years.” Adell said as they continued to look at the President’s ...
“From the first day to this, sheer greed was the driving spirit of civilization.”
Friedrich Engels
