A good citizen needs to know about the society he or she lives in, how it works, who’s in charge, and what it means to be a part of it. Then, the citizen needs to feel compassion for others and a desire for justice for all. That’s basic to all communities since the beginning of civilization. And the citizen needs to get involved in the community, nation or world.
The Congenial Iconoclast
Blog posts about current events, new research, and passing fancies.
Resources
A growing list of helpful resources for learning about citizenship, patriotism & the American challenge.
How You can Join In
Rights & Privileges of the Citizen
Some Ideas
Click here to get your job description. What does a good citizen have to do? And what’s the payoff?
Here is a growing gallery of smart ideas, piquant quotations and distressing calls to arms. Some of these will stay with you the rest of your life.
What You Need to Know
America & Its Constitution
No other nation reverences a document as America does. That connection isn’t necessarily based on reality, and it isn’t necessarily healthy. Click below to read more.
The Federalist in 2020
The collection of 85 essays called “The Federalist Papers” provides an invaluable guide to America’s Constitution, especially to the minds of the men who wrote it. A thoughtful reader today can see where the founders erred — and where America developed exactly as they hoped it would.
Logic & Epistemology
Just as American citizenship is on the wane, so is the practice of logic and clear thinking. Click here to get a basic lesson on logic and the practice of knowing what’s proven and what’s true.
Why You Should Care
Economic & Social Justice
Basic Human Morality
Compassion and concern for others is not separate from citizenship, but essential to it. Click here to read about some of the most urgent matters of injustice facing America.
There is a 3,000 year philosophical tradition about freedom, justice and the role of government in society. Click here to get just the beginning of the story.
