Community as Agency
Bubba Free John (Adi Da Samraj)
1975
“ We have neither a democracy nor a worldly hierarchy. Ours is a cooperative gathering. Each one is responsible in a unique sense, and everyone is aligned to me. Everyone is submitted to Wisdom.” – Adi Da Samraj
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hat is the best form of governance? What rules should guide communities, families, and others living together, and who should be responsible for creating these rules?
In seeking answers to these questions, I will first dismiss any form of leadership or governance that relies on absolute authority. This approach assumes two problematic notions. First, it presupposes the existence of an all-knowing individual capable of guiding and directing others flawlessly. Second, it requires the populace or council to blindly follow this so-called all-knowing leader. Essentially, this model establishes a clear divide between the leader and the followers. Although this form of governance has a long history, it is no longer viable in contemporary society. It fails to align with the post-17th-century understanding of human development and governance.
The question of governance is central to any human endeavor, big or small. Who holds the authority? Who is in charge?
read: When Wisdom Fails the World Prevails
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