Political order requires a moral foundation from "summary" of The New Science of Politics by Eric Voegelin
Political order is not a mere product of arbitrary human will or the manipulation of power dynamics. It is a complex system that requires a strong moral foundation to sustain itself. Without this moral foundation, political order will inevitably crumble under the weight of its own contradictions and injustices. This moral foundation serves as the guiding light that informs the laws, norms, and institutions of a society. It provides a sense of legitimacy and authority to the exercise of political power, ensuring that it is in the service of the common good rather than the narrow interests of a few. When political order is divorced from its moral foundation, it descends into tyranny and oppression. Leaders become tyrants, wielding power for their own benefit rather than that of the people they are meant to serve. Injustice becomes rampant, as the powerful exploit the weak without fear of consequence. History is replete with examples of societies that have collapsed due to the erosion of their moral foundations. The Roman Empire, for instance, crumbled under the weight of its own corruption and decadence, leading to widespread chaos and suffering. Without a strong moral compass to guide them, societies are prone to self-destructive behavior that undermines the very fabric of their existence. In order to maintain political order, it is essential to cultivate a robust moral foundation that reflects the fundamental values and beliefs of a society. This foundation serves as a bulwark against the forces of chaos and disorder, ensuring that justice, freedom, and dignity prevail. Without it, political order is little more than a facade, masking the underlying decay that threatens to consume it from within.
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