Pethuel, thanks for noting that word: spoilsmen. I never noticed it before. And I really, really like the whole passage where it is found:
That was Riktare's comment but I had never seen that word before and it's a good one.Quote:
The ideals of statehood must be attained by evolution, by the slow growth of civic consciousness, the recognition of the obligation and privilege of social service. At first men assume the burdens of government as a duty, following the end of the administration of political spoilsmen, but later on they seek such ministry as a privilege, as the greatest honor. The status of any level of civilization is faithfully portrayed by the caliber of its citizens who volunteer to accept the responsibilities of statehood. ~ The Urantia Book, 71:3.10
https://truthbook.com/urantia-book/paper-71-development-of-the-state#U71_3_10In fact, that whole paper on the development of the state is pretty darn great - especially considering the state of our world right now. I agree with fanofVan that at its most basic, the ideals of statehood will only be achieved through individuals who understand the value of the Golden Rule - its value not only for the one receiving that kind of treatment from another, but the value for the one who practices it, too. Everyone wins, which is so often the case when God's will is realized.
The evolution piece is a little depressing though...evolution is so agonizingly slow, and here we are in the middle of all these changes (quivering on the brink).
Quote:
99:1.3 Urantia society can never hope to settle down as in past ages. The social ship has steamed out of the sheltered bays of established tradition and has begun its cruise upon the high seas of evolutionary destiny; and the soul of man, as never before in the world's history, needs carefully to scrutinize its charts of morality and painstakingly to observe the compass of religious guidance. The paramount mission of religion as a social influence is to stabilize the ideals of mankind during these dangerous times of transition from one phase of civilization to another, from one level of culture to another.
From another great section: Religion and social reconstruction
https://truthbook.com/urantia-book/pape ... on#U99_1_0Hard to see much of it from where we sit, but good to know that eventually, it will all come out right, even if we may not be around to see it all. At least that's how I like to see it. I like to see so many younger people becoming interested in civics and politics. Many of them strike me as sincerely interested in true public service rather than self-service. It occurs to me that we need to see such great contrasts in order to inspire better candidates to step up.
mj