View source for Foundational Ethics

Ethics is often an overlooked aspect of government building, but it’s a critical component of any society. So in building a government that is expected to truly be of, by, and for the citizens, foundational ethics must first be determined.

The Liminal State is built on several important ethical principles: empathy, patience, wisdom, non-violence, and individual self-determination. These are the principles that elevate humanity and are fundamental to our cooperation and success as individuals and as a species. These principles transcend histories, race, religion, color, sex, age, and more, and therefore serve as the core aspirations for the Liminal State.

=== '''Empathy''' ===
We require empathy in our leaders so they consider the needs of those around them instead of what is best for themselves alone, and we require empathy in our voters, so they consider the needs of every person when selecting the best leaders and weigh in on those questions facing the state. We ask for empathy from our citizens and all people, because empathy is the glue that unites diverse populations.

Empathy is empowering. Only through empathy can we find common ground and determine the best solutions for all humanity. There are some that would argue that empathy is a weakness, and that is exactly why the right to vote is a privilege only given to those with the compassion to act selflessly.

=== '''Patience''' ===
Patience should be a paramount to every government, as it takes real foresight and effort over time to lead a diverse state into a better future. This isn’t possible in a representative democracy, where the perspective is limited to the next election, but patience is a built-in feature of the Liminal State; to think and plan and work decisively forward, while never forgetting all people, and to remain stable and fair over the long term.

=== '''Wisdom''' ===
Wisdom is born through the application of knowledge, experience, and insight to make sound, ethical, and practical judgments in complex situations. The Liminal State is the epitome of wisdom, incorporating lessons learned throughout the world over the last 3000 years, in how to best service as a government of, by and for the people, how to interact with other nations, and how to be considerate of the environment for the good of ourselves and the future.

=== '''Nonviolence''' ===
The Liminal State will not resort to violence, except in extreme situations to defend itself. The Liminal State is not isolationist, but will never violate the sovereignty of another state’s borders or interfere politically.

Any killing within the Liminal State will be considered a criminal act until proven absolutely necessary and in self-defense. That applies to the police and citizens. The Liminal State, as a government for the people, does not execute anyone, for any reason.

Nonviolence is a cornerstone principle of the Liminal State, and the Liminal State will be a leader in the world in finding peaceful resolutions to conflict. Violence is what animals resort to because they lack empathy, patience, wisdom, and sincere communication. Humanity separates itself from the animals through non-violent resolution, and the Liminal State will be a leader for a more peaceful future everywhere.

Again, there are those that believe that power is vested in the strongest or those with the most deadly weapons. In reality, true power comes from resolving conflicts without violence and shaping the world into a more agreeable place without the use of force. That is what real power looks like, and that is the power of the Liminal State.

=== '''Self-Determination''' ===
The Liminal State works through a core belief that every person is unique and has the right to their own perspectives and individual self-determination. That means that every citizen has the right to discover and live how they wish to live, so long as that does not infringe upon the inherent rights of others, and reciprocally will allow other citizens to do the same. This is a social contract between each citizen, the Liminal State and the citizens, and the Liminal State and other nations.

Right now it is common for people and nations to tell others what to do, how to fix their mistakes, or how to live better lives, etc. This is the opposite of what is expected within the Liminal State. It may take generations to shift in this direction as a species, but it is critical that we move away from this idea of we have a right or obligation to tell people what to do. It is this very action that creates social dysmorphia, and it needs to end. It is wise to ask for advice, foolish to offer it, and detrimental to force it.

[[Goals|Goals →]]

[[Category:Miscellaneous]]
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