The Impact Of Social Decline Upon Authority

A Study Of Our Decline by Philip Atkinson — The Impact Of Decline Circa 2000 A.D.

The Impact Of Social Decline Upon Authority

^{Reversal of the nature of authority}
Only dutiful citizens will be obedient and accept commands. Selfish citizens cannot be commanded but must be persuaded.

So:

The Reversal Of Authority

from Sensible to Senile

A rational control wielded by a dutiful master with purpose, resolution and a sense of responsibility.
Efficiently implemented by subjects anxious to do their duty regardless of personal cost An irrational control exerted by a self-serving master without a clear purpose, and unrestrained by any sense of responsibility.
Inefficiently implemented by subjects resentful of restriction, supplying obedience only under threat or promise.

The Reversal Of Authority
from Sensible	to Senile
A rational control wielded by a dutiful master with purpose, resolution and a sense of responsibility. Efficiently implemented by subjects anxious to do their duty regardless of personal cost	An irrational control exerted by a self-serving master without a clear purpose, and unrestrained by any sense of responsibility. Inefficiently implemented by subjects resentful of restriction, supplying obedience only under threat or promise.

Hence:

Actual Impact Of Social Decline Upon Authority (Circa 2002)

On Replacing With

The Individual The Pursuit Of Self-Control guided by reverence of a God who demands obedience to his laws, under threat of eternal damnation, proclaimed by his servant the church. The Pursuit Of Self-Indulgence revealed by the widespread discarding of moral restraint excused by the common notion that the church is unnecessary because God is the intimate and forgiving confidant of every individual.

Parents The Rule Of A Stern Father supported by the infliction of corporal punishment guided by tradition and manners. The Misrule Of An Indulgent Mother, who is driven by her instinct to nurture her progeny and her desire to win her children's approval.

Teachers Wielders Of The Cane who demand unquestioning obedience and hard work from their pupils in return for lucid instruction. Holders Of Panic Buttons who are charged with imbuing uncertain lessons, into unruly pupils who cannot be effectively disciplined.

Police Servants of the community who uphold the law at the direction, and with the support of, fellow citizens. Rulers of the community who impose tyranny by haphazardly enforcing numerous dubious rules upon their fellows.

Law Courts Unbiased Dispensers Of Justice guided by precedent and tradition and unmoved by the excuses of the accused. The Biased Dispensers Of Injustice who have replaced the guide of tradition and precedent with emotional responses to the claims of the accused

Government A Revered Monarch, guided by the church, who demands immediate obedience and stands personally responsible for the nature of the rule. Despised Politicians who are popularity seekers guided only by the clamour of the mob and accepting no personal liability for the acts the occasional will of the people demands.

Community A Sensible Community A Senile Community

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Actual Impact Of Social Decline Upon Authority (Circa 2002)
On	Replacing	With
The Individual	The Pursuit Of Self-Control guided by reverence of a God who demands obedience to his laws, under threat of eternal damnation, proclaimed by his servant the church.	The Pursuit Of Self-Indulgence revealed by the widespread discarding of moral restraint excused by the common notion that the church is unnecessary because God is the intimate and forgiving confidant of every individual.
Parents	The Rule Of A Stern Father supported by the infliction of corporal punishment guided by tradition and manners.	The Misrule Of An Indulgent Mother, who is driven by her instinct to nurture her progeny and her desire to win her children's approval.
Teachers	Wielders Of The Cane who demand unquestioning obedience and hard work from their pupils in return for lucid instruction.	Holders Of Panic Buttons who are charged with imbuing uncertain lessons, into unruly pupils who cannot be effectively disciplined.
Police	Servants of the community who uphold the law at the direction, and with the support of, fellow citizens.	Rulers of the community who impose tyranny by haphazardly enforcing numerous dubious rules upon their fellows.
Law Courts	Unbiased Dispensers Of Justice guided by precedent and tradition and unmoved by the excuses of the accused.	The Biased Dispensers Of Injustice who have replaced the guide of tradition and precedent with emotional responses to the claims of the accused
Government	A Revered Monarch, guided by the church, who demands immediate obedience and stands personally responsible for the nature of the rule.	Despised Politicians who are popularity seekers guided only by the clamour of the mob and accepting no personal liability for the acts the occasional will of the people demands.
Community	A Sensible Community	A Senile Community