A Free Liberal culture is much more than just removing government restrictions on human autonomy and free association, or big business created barriers to trade and consumer choice. Those two things are just impediments to a freer culture but do not define it or create it. I plan not to define it here either but merely to offer a few resources and ideas that can lead the reader to think through and imagine what a culture based on free liberal values and ideas might look like.
I am led to do this as a result of various questions I have been asked about how to create the type of society we imagine is possible and at some level and in some people’s lives now is a reality.
I think one of the answers to ‘how’ is to look at fundamental questions about human relationships. Relationships based on respect, peace, trust, honor and creativity is a key to creating a free liberal culture. We know so much cognitively about how to relate to one another but the facts of most people’s relations are quite different. I will not go into detail here but I will say that there are quite a few resources available that can assist in helping people be and act differently in their relationships especially with their children.
I would suggest checking out Encompass . They have a new cd available entitled “Optimal Parenting: The Natural Learning Rhythms Approach to Family Well-Being.” They teach how to create the type of relationships which I think are necessary to develop a healthy, happy and free society.
Also, Beginnings Inc. A Resource Center for Children and Families has a new documentary available by Debby Takikawa and narrated by Noah Wyle which features: Joseph Chilton Pearce, David Chamberlain, Marti Glenn and Sobonfu Some, et al. It is entitled “What Babies Want: An Exploration of the Consciousness of Infants.” This is a profoundly important film in showing parents to-be the opportunity and sacred responsibility they have in bringing healthy, happy and autonomous children into the world.
Michael D. Ostrolenk
mostrolenk@comcast.net