Addressing the challenges of our time
Our way of life, of freedom, and prosperity is under serious challenge from within and without; and those challenges are so serious that I believe we must recognise that we are living in nothing less than a civilisational moment.
The challenge from those who loathe what they identify as the ‘decadent West’ is obvious, powerful, and plainly dangerous enough.
However, it might well be argued that the internal crisis of belief in ourselves and our democratic traditions presents an even greater threat. Having forgotten and even rejected the lessons of our own history we are chronically distrustful not only of one another – and our leaders in particular – but also of the institutions that have undergirded our freedom and prosperity. Furthermore, and most frighteningly, we distrust and increasingly reject the underlying beliefs and values that have given rise to our society.
All civilisations down through the ages, including ours have been powered by powerful ideas and fuelled by an ongoing sense of purpose.
When the fuel runs low, one of three things must happen. The fuel is renewed, an alternative fuel is found, or, as history so clearly tells us, the civilisation fades away and is supplanted – usually after great suffering by the citizenry.
The West has clearly turned away from the sources of energy upon which it was built and has been so long sustained by. The rejection of virtually every tenet of the Christian faith is not being replaced by viable alternative narratives. Our young record unparalleled anxiety, depression, and levels of self-harm. They are increasingly not invested in democratic capitalism, and believe they are the inheritors of a nightmarish culture which is not worth defending. In common with the broader society in which they live, they are divided, polarised, and distrustful to the point where serious observers ask whether we may be becoming ungovernable.
In these circumstances we must reinvigorate our sense of citizenship, and encourage one another to step up and lead with courage and a deep commitment to others, wherever and whenever the need arises. We must pursue strong and vibrant societies where we are able to recognise the imperative need to rise above our differences, no matter how deep they may be, and make common cause as we confront the many challenges before us. We must redouble our commitment to our foundational freedoms, the importance of the family & civil society, the scientific method, equitable market-based economies, the free exchange of ideas, realist geostrategy and a shared concern for those in need. The ARC network that I am a part of, will seek to address these goals and more.
United we may yet stand, but divided we will surely fail to manage the future without descending into chaos.
