Author's note:

I was beginning a series of papers on the best possible society, when suddenly I began to ponder if society determined the individual, or if the individual determined the society? As we look back from antiquity to the present, we notice that every form of government has proven its ability to fail. This is obviously because a form of governance is only as stable as the individual/s ruling. However, we shall not cease our inquiry at such simplicity. Regardless of the abilities, beliefs, opinions, and desires of those heading a form of governance, the success or failure of the governing body is still largely affected by, and thus in part due to the following:

1. Various natural phenomena bringing upon factors uncontrollable by man, i.e., pestilence, weather, geographical attributes of dominions or aspired land, untimely deaths within the populace or governing body, and various as mentioned.
2. The abilities, beliefs, and desires of the populace being governed.
3. The abilities, beliefs, and desires of neighboring societies, governing body and populace.

It has been often stated, The best thing about the American Republic is that anyone can be president, sadly, this is also the most detrimental. The rule of a governing body, regardless if it is constituted of one, few, or many, will only be as capable as the capabilities of the individuals themselves, only as wise as the wisdom they possess. Thus, again, the seeking mind will be inclined to step further and ask what measures the success of a governing body. Let me propose the following:

1. power.
2. wealth and/or economic prosperity.
3. security from neighboring groups.
4. dominion over peoples and land.
5. the contentedness and prosperity of the individuals of the populace, and those within the governing body.

Alternatively, should we judge the success of a governing body on the mere propagation of the species that it governs?

As mentioned, the success of a governing body has many variables and does not always depend on the perspicacity of the ruler or system. Thus, let us make this a journey of variables and probabilities. Let us ponder these proposed measures of governmental success, and discern which, if any or if all, may be acceptable measures, and then discern how these measures can augment a successful governance that will lead to the best possible society, one that will propagate through posterity. Moreover, if the success of the governance is not only dependent upon the perspicacity of the system, but the ability, beliefs, and desires of the governmental constituents, and the three aforementioned points, we must amble beyond the mere governing body to find a way to limit our variables and increase our probability of success. The next logical step would be to progress within the society or populace. However, let us cease to run when we should be walking with an ever-peering eye! Can society form the government, and/or, can government form the society?

The subtleties within these questions are of the utmost importance and difficulty in the manifested intricacies. To what extent can a government affect the beliefs and actions of the populace? To what extent can the populace affect the beliefs and actions of the governing body? Would honesty, or spurious locution, be the most effective means to move the beliefs and actions of the populace? Can the government manipulate the abilities and desires of the populace? Can the government use this manipulation for the benefit of the society as a whole, for the selfishness of the ruler, for protection or harmony? To what extent can the governing body mold the society? To what extent can the society mold the individual? What causes and moves the beliefs and desires of the individual?

In a series of papers answering these questions, let us aim at coming to an understanding of what the government and society are comprised of, individuals. Let us determine if the happiness of the individual, which is of the utmost importance to the individual, is relevant in attaining a thriving social entity that will propagate through posterity. Moreover, if the happiness of the individual is of importance, let us determine the preferred conduct or action that will bring about happiness, and then discern what form of government might preserve or aid this. For a realization of the above mentioned, one would need to attain a knowledge of the following:

1. The attributes, needs, constitution, etc., of the species.
2. From whence has the species arrived.
3. What is its perceived destination.
4. What are the desires of the individual entities of the species.
5. From what are the desires created.

In an attempt to achieve a realization of the above mentioned, it will be my aim to refrain from using too much subjective dogma and maintain an objective approach that may be perceived without contradictions or unexplainable phenomena.