Reflections on Political Renewal and Intellectual Revival
Historical Turning Point
We are undoubtedly at a historic crossroads where something new is emerging. This isn't about the birth of a monstrous entity as depicted by W.B. Yeats, but rather a fresh start that can liberate us from the perceived constraints of our celebrated democracies. To truly grasp the stakes, few thinkers can provide as much insight as Hannah Arendt.
A doctoral student of mine, Marc Smit, who is exploring the role of university education in today's society, has rekindled my interest in Arendt's work. His research led me back to Arendt's work, "On Revolution," which offers valuable lessons on governance in a republic.
Revolutionary Tradition and Its Lost Treasure
Arendt's examination of what she calls "The revolutionary tradition and its lost treasure" is particularly relevant. She asserts that political freedom essentially means the right to participate in government. This statement highlights the difference between the social realm of civil liberties, such as economic freedom, and the political realm of freedom. According to Arendt, liberation from constitutional, monarchical rule and the establishment of a republican democracy in the modern era has occurred through revolution.
Jefferson's 'Little Republics'
Arendt praises Thomas Jefferson's understanding of the crucial role of 'little republics' in maintaining the revolutionary spirit. These 'little republics' were political spaces where citizens could participate in political deliberation and action. Jefferson believed that a republic should be a government of the people, by the people, with as much participation in governance processes as possible. This was only achievable if the republic was divided into smaller units, where every citizen could directly participate in governance deliberations.
Government by Representation
Today, we are accustomed to government by representation, which is the norm in democratic governments worldwide. We have become so familiar with the concept of democracy as a form of representational government that Arendt's and Jefferson's ideas may seem out of place. However, they remind us that the essence of a republic is the active participation of every citizen in the processes of governance.
Reviving Political Sense
The question now is how to revive the 'political sense' that Jefferson was familiar with in today's society. This includes a sensitivity to the erosion of political freedom that has been happening for some time. There are already signs of such a revival in South Africa and the US, where groups are showing signs of 'political preparedness' beyond merely voting for political party candidates.
Obstacles and Opportunities
A common objection to the idea of 'little republics' today is that most countries' populations have become too large to accommodate such small units of political decision-making and action. However, the internet offers potential solutions, such as online meetings of citizen groups to discuss political concerns and pass important decisions to bodies with greater reach.
The Role of Action and Speech
Arendt's concept of 'political life' and 'political action' is tied to what she calls 'action,' which is inseparable from 'speech.' How these concepts apply to the issues discussed here is a topic for another time.
Bottom Line
The current historical juncture presents an opportunity for political renewal and intellectual revival. It calls for a return to the principles of active citizen participation in governance as advocated by thinkers like Hannah Arendt and Thomas Jefferson. However, this revival requires a shift in our understanding of democracy and a rekindling of our 'political sense.'
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