51. Forms Of Self-Governance

Various forms of government can be categorized based on who holds power and how that power is exercised. Here are some of the primary forms:

Democracy: Power is held by the people, typically through elected representatives. Examples include:

Direct Democracy: Citizens directly participate in decision-making.

Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Republic: A form of representative democracy where the country is considered a "public matter" and leaders are elected. Examples include the United States and India.

Monarchy: A single ruler, usually a king or queen, holds power. Types include:

Absolute Monarchy: The monarch has almost complete control, as seen historically in France under Louis XIV.

Constitutional Monarchy: The monarch's powers are limited by a constitution, such as in the United Kingdom.

Authoritarianism: Power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group. Citizens have limited political freedom. Examples include North Korea and historically, Nazi Germany.

Totalitarianism: An extreme form of authoritarianism where the state seeks to control all aspects of public and private life. Examples include Stalinist Soviet Union and Nazi Germany.

Theocracy: Government is based on religious laws and leaders are often religious figures. Examples include Iran and Vatican City.

Oligarchy: Power is held by a small group of people, often based on wealth, family ties, or military control. Examples include Russia and ancient Sparta.

Anarchy: The absence of any formal government, leading to a state of lawlessness and disorder.

Socialism: The government owns and controls the means of production and distribution of goods. It can be democratic, as seen in some Scandinavian countries, or authoritarian, as seen in the former Soviet Union.

Communism: A classless system where all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. Examples include Cuba and the former Soviet Union.

These forms can overlap and evolve, and different countries may blend elements from multiple types to create their own systems of governance.

What would forms of self-governance inspired by traditional governmental structures look like? Here are a few forms of self-governance modeled after various types of government:

Democratic Self-Governance:

You regularly consult with your internal "citizens" (various aspects of your personality and desires) to make decisions.

Method: Hold regular "elections" or reviews where you assess your goals, values, and needs. Use journaling or self-reflection sessions to give each internal voice a chance to be heard. Make decisions based on a balanced consideration of these perspectives.

Republican Self-Governance:

You elect "representatives" (key principles or goals) that guide your decisions.

Method: Establish core values or long-term objectives that act as guiding principles. Regularly revisit and reaffirm these values, ensuring your actions align with them. This approach can help you stay consistent with your broader aspirations despite short-term impulses.

Monarchic Self-Governance:

A single, overarching goal or principle rules your decision-making.

Method: Identify your primary objective or value (e.g., health, career success, personal growth) and let it dictate your actions. Regularly remind yourself of this "monarch" to maintain focus and direction.

Authoritarian Self-Governance:

Strict discipline and control over your actions and decisions, often suppressing impulses and distractions.

Method: Implement rigid routines and rules for yourself, minimizing flexibility. This can involve strict schedules, accountability systems, and disciplined habits. While effective for productivity, it may lead to burnout if not balanced with relaxation and self-care.

Totalitarian Self-Governance:

An extreme form of authoritarian self-governance where all aspects of your life are controlled by a single goal or ideology.

Method: Enforce comprehensive and all-encompassing routines and restrictions. Every action and decision is scrutinized to ensure alignment with the central goal. This approach can yield high productivity but risks mental and emotional strain.

Theocratic Self-Governance:

Your decisions are guided by spiritual or philosophical beliefs.

Method: Let your spiritual or philosophical principles dictate your actions. Regularly engage in practices like meditation, prayer, or philosophical reflection to align your daily choices with these deeper beliefs.

Oligarchic Self-Governance:

A small group of priorities or values dominates your decision-making.

Method: Identify a few key areas of focus (e.g., health, relationships, career) and let them guide your actions. Balance your efforts across these priorities, ensuring no single area is neglected.

Anarchic Self-Governance:

A highly flexible and spontaneous approach with minimal structure or rules.

Method: Embrace spontaneity and adaptability, allowing yourself to respond to the moment without rigid plans. This can foster creativity and responsiveness but may lack consistency and long-term direction.

Socialist Self-Governance:

Your resources (time, energy, attention) are distributed to ensure all aspects of your life benefit equitably.

Method: Allocate your efforts to balance work, health, leisure, and relationships. Create routines that ensure you invest in all areas of life, promoting overall well-being and avoiding neglect of any one aspect.

Communist Self-Governance:

Aiming for a classless system where every aspect of your life is equally prioritized and managed collectively.

Method: Develop integrated routines and habits that ensure all areas of your life receive equal attention. This might involve synchronized schedules that blend work, exercise, social activities, and personal time.

Each form of self-governance has its strengths and potential drawbacks. Experimenting with different approaches can help you find the balance that best suits your personality, goals, and lifestyle.

The prevailing consensus globally is to adopt some form of democracy. If you were to use democracy in your self-governance Karl Popper's criterion for democracy might be useful. Popper said the criterion for democracy is governments and policies can be removed without violence. What would Popper's criterion look like for self-government? 

Applying Karl Popper's criterion for democracy to self-governance involves creating a personal system where habits, goals, and behaviors can be adjusted or replaced without causing significant distress or disruption. Here’s what this might look like:

Non-Violent Change of Habits: You can change your habits and routines without causing yourself undue stress or conflict.

Accountability and Self-Reflection: Regular self-reflection sessions act as "elections" where you assess and potentially change your priorities and behaviors.

Open Dialogue with Yourself: Maintain an ongoing internal dialogue where different aspects of your personality and desires can "voice" their opinions and needs.

Institutional Checks and Balances: Establish personal systems that prevent any single goal or habit from dominating to the detriment of others.

Regular Reviews and Adjustments: Periodic reviews allow for the peaceful reassessment and adjustment of goals and routines.

Flexibility and Adaptability: Your self-governance system is flexible and adaptable, allowing you to pivot without causing significant stress.

By incorporating these principles, you can create a self-governance system that mirrors the strengths of a democratic government.

If you were to describe your current self-governance which form of governance does it resemble?