Solidarity in a Society of Esteem
Posted by Cecilia under: Philosophy.
Solidarity as social cohesion thrives in Sikantis on the basis of mutual esteem.
A society is just as strong as its weakest member – or – a strong society takes care of its weakest members.
Solidarity is the glue holding a society together. People in Sikantis, the Society of Esteem, feel responsible for each other and make social cohesion the center of their actions. What does that mean?
In a society where solidarity doesn’t exist or is wrongly understood, it leads a society in the wrong direction. Many people feel themselves accountable to none and are solely focused on personal interest. Why is that so? The reason for such a behavior lies in scarce esteem. People in our society learn early in their life that they have to fight for, or even worse, they have to suppress others in order to receive esteem. Competition and exclusion are the result. These are opposite traits of solidarity. On the other hand some people think that society has to provide them with everything and they don’t need to develop themselves and their talents. They stand still in their lives or even move backwards.
Let’s first take a look at the weakest members of a society. These are people who can’t perform in order to help the society grow and prosper. The reasons are multifarious. Some are ill, too old, too young or disabled in some way. Others may simply need a new skill or education in order to participate.
Our current society marginalizes these people and withholds esteem from them because esteem is bound to achievements of any kind. These people are pushed to the edge of society from where it’s often very difficult or even impossible to reenter normal social life.
In Sikantis, people take care of the society’s weakest members. Solidarity is normal and daily. Esteem is given to everyone, so nobody needs to suppress or edge out others in order to receive esteem. The weakest members, those who are disabled or disaffected, are integrated and find their place in society. They receive the same esteem as all the others. Even if their talents might be simple or limited for whatever reason, they’re still acknowledged. They can experience themselves as full members of society being esteemed and accepted. This fundamental element of mutual esteem and solidarity creates in each single person the will to develop themselves to the limits of their personal capabilities or even further.
This is the kind of atmosphere true solidarity can create in a society: People want to learn, want to develop themselves, want to grow. Throughout their lives they’re given the opportunity to live their lives according to their abilities while receiving full esteem.
The greatest conclusion of solidarity is: In such a society there are no weakest members anymore. Everyone is an important and fully esteemed member of the society.