The serene guardians

We have spoken of the need for a global social gardener^[1].  But we have also spoken of the diminishing influence of the State^[2] in today's world.  There are now many nation-states that, despite their pretensions, have very little power either domestically or internationally.

At best we can only expect a handful of nation-states to adopt the values and principles presented in these pages.  Even were they to act in concert on the international stage, it would not be enough to counter the gathering forces^[3] of intolerance and ignorance.

Much more is required.

What is needed is an international citizenry acting to a broadly common set of values and a shared agenda in the interests of humanity – the serene guardians.  We, as the watchful, thinking and moral citizens^[4] of the world, need to take responsibility for the world, and not abdicate that responsibility to impersonal, remote, and unaccountable markets and institutions.  We must take advantage of the opportunities^[5] presented to us by global telecommunications networks, and network effectively, influencing decisions wherever we can. 

Dispersed networks can more easily penetrate the pores of civil society and build meaning among various groups of citizens.  New forms of `solidarity among the shaken^[6]', of community^[7], can be developed against the atomising effects of modern life. 

Our power will come from our dispersed unity, and, often, from our anonymous and patient activism in the corridors of power to which we will have access by virtue of our knowledge.  As knowledge nurturers^[8] in an increasingly technology and knowledge dependent world, there will be no board-rooms, cabinet-rooms, and dens of iniquity to which we will not have access. 

Unity and community come from shared faith^[9], a shared world view, shared objectives, and shared activities.  If you broadly agree with the truths and ideas set out in this work, others who do likewise will be your kindred spirits.  Even in coming this far you have marked yourself as a member of a minority – the majority are not interested or are not capable^[10] of understanding this work as an integrated whole.

Whether the minority to which you belong is to ^[11]guide the world^[12] or to be a marginalised onlooker is in your hands.