The Intersection of Democracy and Happiness: Government’s Role in Promoting Well-Being
I am rereading Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis right now and I came across a statement this morning that I really hadn’t pondered in all my earlier readings of the book. Lewis said, “…the State has a lot of different objects—military, political, economic, and what not. But in a way things are much simpler than that. The State exists simply to promote and to protect the ordinary happiness of human beings in this life. A husband and wife chatting over a fire, a couple of friends having a game of darts in a pub, a man reading a book in his own room or digging in his own garden—that is what the State is there for. And unless they are helping to increase and prolong and protect such moments, all the laws, parliaments, armies, courts, police, economics, etc., are simply a waste of time” (p. 199). The purpose of this post is not to get into a political debate, but just to remind us how simple it all really is.
Having spent some time in an English pub where darts were being played, just a short walk from The Kilns (where C. S. Lewis lived and I was living for the week), earlier this past month I could completely relate to the happiness Lewis was describing. Lewis highlighted the idea that the purpose of the State (government) is to promote and protect the everyday happiness and well-being of its citizens in their personal lives. It emphasizes the importance of simple, meaningful moments of connection and enjoyment in our day-to-day activities. Sometimes we need to be reminded of this.
I believe the idea of promoting and protecting the everyday happiness and well-being of citizens aligns well with our principles here in my own country, the United States, of democracy. In a democratic society, the government is meant to serve the people and their rights and freedoms are upheld. This includes promoting the overall well-being and happiness of its citizens. Democracy emphasizes the importance of individual happiness and fulfillment within a society as a whole. This was a pretty good reminder for me as we enter the week of celebrating Independence Day.
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