The sovereign individual

You are sovereign.

To be able to fully realise your potential^[1] you need to believe that you are in control of your own destiny. 

Don’t abdicate control to others, to circumstances, or to excuses. 

We are not equal^[2].  We are not even created equal.  We have different potentials. 

Each of us is born with a different set of advantages and disadvantages – our genes^[3], our gender, our race, our social class^[4], our place of birth, and the behaviour of our parents and ancestors^[5].  All these factors affect us profoundly.  But the more you accept any as being immutable, the more constrained your life potential will be. 

Many of these constraints are not absolute.  They are social constraints – other people setting the rules and telling you that you cannot, or expecting that you will.  Take the path of least resistance and you will accept what others tell you.  You will then live your life on their terms and not on your own terms – you cease to be sovereign. 

Once your life has started, your growing past^[6] will also bear down on your present and your future.  Learn from and forgive yourself for your past.  Do not allow habit and guilt to hold you back.  But equally, be prepared to forgive others^[7], so that they too may redeem themselves. 

Don't accept ageism.  Don't ever believe that you are too old to change or to make a difference.  Do not believe that the best is behind you unless you are truly in final decline.  Many of us remain capable well into our last quarter.  Your first careers may be over, but don't let that consign you to  benevolent irrelevance.  Become an activist for life^[8].

Do not accept subjugation.  You are nobody’s inferior or superior.  Yes, we are all unequal.  There are people more able than you, and others less able than you at any human endeavour.  But does that make them more or less worthy than you? 

In an absolute sense we all have equal rights, and we are all equal before truth.  In a civilised society we are all equal under the law^[9].  Whether Brahmin or Untouchable, we all defecate, we are all fallible^[10], and we will all die before a mere four score or so years.  

As a servant, offer service not servility. 

As a master or patron do not accept or expect servility.  Expect service, and offer your servants the service of your leadership or patronage. 

Take personal responsibility^[11] for your life. 

If you are more equal than others, your life potential is greater, and more will rightfully be expected from you. 

You are sovereign.  

Let it be so with due humility and dignity.