Roger Kimball discusses the current state of democracy and finds parallels with ancient Athens during its golden age under Pericles. He emphasizes the need to balance freedom and civic responsibility in today’s democratic society.
1. Current Crisis of Democracy: Everyone, regardless of political views, agrees that democracy is experiencing a critical moment where traditional beliefs and values are being challenged. This has created uncertainties in various aspects of society, including laws and cultural values.
2. Historical Perspectives: Historical figures like Gibbon and Burke noted that while complaints about contemporary issues are common, some complaints reflect genuine crises of the time. The rise of ideologies like transnational progressivism may pose threats to American independence and freedom.
3. Cultural and Political Evolution: Kimball raises concerns about whether America is heading towards a significant societal revolution that could reshape cultural and political life. The aging and increasingly secular society, as well as advancements in welfare states, present unique challenges that have not been faced by great civilizations before.
4. Pericles' Vision for Athens: The article highlights Pericles’ funeral oration, which celebrated Athenian democracy as a way of life that balanced freedom with civic duty. The Athenian model emphasizes responsible behavior, and civic engagement, suggesting that the quality of democracy relies on the active participation of its citizens.
5. Lessons From Ancient Athens: Despite modern critiques of Athenian democracy (e. g. , exclusion of women and reliance on slavery), it achieved ideals including equality before the law and an open society. These ideals remain relevant, as America continues to serve as a symbol of freedom today.
6. Cultural Values and Responsibilities: Kimball stresses the importance of cultural confidence, where citizens take pride in their achievements. He draws parallels between Athenian values and modern concepts of obligation and virtue, suggesting that rights must be matched with corresponding duties.
7. Evolving Definitions of Democracy: The term "democracy" now risks being synonymous with mediocrity. Kimball warns against the radical egalitarianism that can diminish standards and promote political correctness, ultimately leading to cultural degradation.
8. Call to Action: Kimball concludes by urging contemporary society to preserve the spirit and values of democracy, much like Pericles called upon Athenians to honor their heritage while facing the future. It emphasizes the need for ongoing commitment to the ideals of freedom and excellence.
Kimball echoes that the vision of society posited by Pericles is not self-perpetuating but requires conscious effort to uphold. It acts as a cautionary reminder of the competing visions of life that exist today and the responsibilities citizens have towards fostering a healthy democratic society.
https://amgreatness.com/2025/04/27/the-athenian-mirror-reflections-on-democracy-in-crisis/
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