A Way Forward
From Social Illness to Social Health
Dr William Riggins, Ed.D.
With A Way Forward, William Riggins shines a scholarly, but accessible and gracious light on a best kept secret of our times : the breakthrough social thinking of Rudolf Steiner's threefold social idea. Also known as the threefold social order, the threefold idea was first introduced in 1917, in the depths of the First World War. Overshadowed by that war and a second still greater one, the idea has been quietly but continuously cultivated since, to find new interest and students in our own troubled times. Intended as a set of scientific as well as social observations, the idea opens pathways, as the title suggests, from social dysfunction to social health. A brief overview may help.
The “threefold” perspective on society looks at the most basic features of social life, identifying its three key areas of activity as economic life, political-legal or rights life and the realm of human spiritual and cultural life. It explores the nature of each, and describes the relationships - and particularly, the boundaries - among them that create optimal health in society. These basic, and recurring features of human social life are :
- Economic life. This includes the range of activities by which people meet their bodily and physical needs of life. The work of the economic sphere includes the transformation of the substances of the earth into products ; their circulation and distribution where needed ; and the providing of other needed and/or related services. Economic life addresses the common needs of all human beings. The meeting of these needs requires creativity to improve and distribute materials received from nature, on the one hand ; and on the other, as opposed to the commonly held ideas of profit and competition, an attitude of brotherhood - of cooperation, and mutual goodwill.
- Spiritual and cultural life. To this realm belong all aspects of life that flow from the gifts (talents and abilities) of individual human beings, and which benefit society. Such gifts include those of inventors and scientists, artists, teachers, clergy and spiritual teachers, and those in the healing professions. The abilities of those active in the other spheres of life - lawyers, judges, merchants and other business people - are also cultivated in the spiritual cultural life, in the branch appropriate to each specialty.
The key condition necessary for spiritual cultural life to thrive, is freedom : the freedom of individuals to develop, unfold and express their abilities, without hindrance ; and the free choice of those who make use of their abilities or services.
- Political and legal activities in society, also known as rights life. Rights life establishes protections, boundaries and rules among people ; such that one person or group does not compromise the freedom, safety or well being of another. The guiding and needed principal of rights life must be equality, so that the needs of all citizens for such protections are represented ; and so that no person or group may injure, harm or dominate another, or cause it serious loss.
The tasks of rights life include establishing rights, rules, protections, penalties and enforcement necessary in economic and spiritual cultural life, but for social health would not extend further - e.g. to control over these spheres of life, or their areas of activity. Likewise rules and judgments in the rights sphere cannot simply be fixed or permanent, but must also be adapted to changing circumstances in society.
A Way Forward explores historical precedents of the threefold and the path of historical evolution towards a healthy threefold society, as well as historical and current obstacles to it. While firmly universal and international in outlook, this book sheds light particularly on threefold elements built into the American Constitution and form of government, and their unique potentials for the future. The pricing of A Way Forward is exceptionably fair for its quality and content, and I highly recommend it.
To order this book from Lulu.com :
A Way Forward : From Social Illness to Social Health
There follow below a look into the Table of Contents of A Way Forward, and an excerpt from the book relevant to current international events.
A Way Forward
From Social Illness to Social Health
Dr William Riggins, Ed.D.
Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................................3
Historical Background..............................................................................................................................................................…5
Greece and Rome.........................................................................................................................................................................5
The Swiss Confederation............................................................................................................................................................6
The United States of America....................................................................................................................................................7
Toward a Deeper Understanding.............................................................................................................................................9
Microcosm and Macrocosm.......................................................................................................................................................9
The Threefold Nature of the U.S. Constitution.....................................................................................................................11
Equality Before the Law.............................................................................................................................................................13
Equality and Human Dignity .…………………………………………… ………………………………………..............................................….13
The Use and Misuse of Equality ……………………………………………………………………………….............................................……15
Judges and the Judiciary ……………………………………………………………………………...............................................……………….16
The Sphere of Rights Summed Up………………………………………………………………...........................................………………….19
Freedom of Culture and Education........................................................................................................................................19
Free Enterprise…………………………………………………………………………………………………….....................................................……19 The Arts.........................................................................................................................................................................................20 Education.......................................................................................................................................................................................21
Economic Solidarity....................................................................................................................................................................24
America’s Place in the World....................................................................................................................................................31
International Relations in a Healthy Society.........................................................................................................................31
Rights, Government and Foreign Relations..........................................................................................................................31
Sovereignty and Integrity……………………………………………………………………………....................................................……………31
Neutrality and Fairness……………………………………………………………………………................................................…………….……32
Foreign Relations in Economic and Cultural Life................................................................................................................34
Where Do I Start ?.......................................................................................................................................................................35
Know Thyself...............................................................................................................................................................................35
Know Your Friend and Your Opponent................................................................................................................................36
Socialism and Capitalism…………………………………………………………...................................................…………………….…..…….37
Globalism and Nationalism …………………………………………………………..................................................………....…….………….39
Equity and Individual Rights………….........................................................................................................................................43 Conclusion....................................................................................................................................................................................49 Appendix.......................................................................................................................................................................................51
About the Author........................................................................................................................................................................53
A Way Forward : From Social Illness to Social Health
An Excerpt :
America’s Place in the World
International Relations in a Healthy Society
The question may arise about how international relations would be conducted if society were formed in accordance with its threefold nature. This question would have to be answered as life unfolds and as things develop both at home and abroad. Nonetheless, a starting point and general overview for this can be found in Rudolf Steiner's fundamental book on the subject. Before addressing the specific situation in post WW I Europe, he writes :
"The internal domestic ordering of a healthy social organism will also make international relations threefold. Each of the three spheres of society will form an independent relationship with the corresponding sphere in other social organisms."
In other words, each sphere of society will have to be harmonized with the other two spheres at home and will also have to find its proper relationship with the corresponding sphere in foreign countries. Let us look at the three spheres separately with regard to international relations.
Rights, Government and Foreign Relations
The sphere of rights and government has two fundamental responsibilities with regard to foreign relations. Firstly, it must protect the sovereignty of the country and the integrity of the Constitution. Secondly, it must maintain a fair and neutral stance toward other nations.
Sovereignty and Integrity
As we shall see in the section below about globalism and nationalism, the protection of the sovereignty of the country and the integrity of the government in adhering to the Constitution are of vital importance for a healthy rights-sphere. A healthy human organism must have spatial and physiological boundaries — healthy skin and a healthy immune system — in order to thrive. A healthy human soul must have proper psychological boundaries — proper respect for others while repelling any manipulation, seduction or other violation of its conscience and integrity. A country, as a social organism, also needs clearly defined and well-maintained boundaries. No treaty or agreement can allow any foreign nation, international organization or private corporate interest to have jurisdiction or to establish courts of law in the United States. Likewise, no nation, organization or private interest may make laws which are binding in the U.S., nor may they impose taxes on the U.S. or its citizens.
The Constitution establishes three safeguards here. First, only the executive branch, under the leadership of the President, has the power to conclude treaties with foreign countries. Second, the legislative branch, specifically the Senate, has the right to advise the President on treaties. In addition, two thirds of the Senate must approve a treaty for it to be binding. The text reads :
"He [the President] shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur ;
The third safeguard is the judiciary. If the federal government, a state or a U.S. citizen is involved in a controversy with a foreign entity within U.S. territory, it can only be adjudicated by the U.S. judiciary with the final arbiter being the Supreme Court. Thus the people and the states have one last recourse if the President and the Senate both involve the country in an unconstitutional treaty. The relevant text is as follows :
The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.…
The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution… and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority ; … to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party ; … and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects."
Neutrality and Fairness
The maintenance of neutral and fair relationships with other countries is likewise important. George Washington spoke of this in his advice to the country after stepping down as President. He wrote :
"…a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter without adequate inducement or justification. It leads also to concessions to the favorite nation of privileges denied to others which is apt doubly to injure the nation making the concessions ; by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained, and by exciting jealousy, ill-will, and a disposition to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal privileges are withheld. And it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the favorite nation), facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity; gilding, with the appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation. …
The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible."
To condense his eighteenth-century prose in modern language, he tells us that partiality in foreign relations — the favoring or support of a particular nation by the government — causes serious problems. He lists these :
Clearly, Washington was an insightful and far-sighted statesman. The result of his analysis is virtually self-evident. Following his advice would save lives, save enormous sums of money and increase the respect for the United States around the world. Practically speaking, it would entail ending all “foreign aid” programs. It would require real transparency to reveal the existence and extent of “black budget” foreign aid and legislation to end it. It would mean withdrawing from all international organizations and agreements which infringe on or subvert the sovereignty of the United States. It would require a well equipped and well-trained military capable of defending the country. However, it would forbid military intervention or covert operations without a clear and present danger to the United States and a lawful declaration of war.
At present in the United States, a number of politicians and academics are willing to praise Washington and the Constitution in general terms. However, any one attempting to apply the practical aspect of Washington's advice would be resisted, isolated and vilified. Economic, political and cultural (schools, universities, the press, electronic social media etc.) power are presently intertwined and dominated by the economic sphere and especially by the financial sector. This has been the case for a long time, and it is hard for most people to imagine anything else. However, if the three spheres were to be independent and in a proper, harmonious relationship with one another, things could change. A sphere of rights and laws which is limited to its proper scope, independent of the economic sphere and nourished, ennobled and edified by a free cultural life could very well come to a policy of fairness and neutrality in foreign affairs.
Foreign Relations in Economic and Cultural Life
Just as the rights sphere in a healthy society forms relationships to foreign governments, so too would the economic sphere and cultural sphere engage with their counterparts in other countries. The economic sphere would develop institutions to facilitate the transportation of, and payment for, goods across national borders. The economic institutions of a country would, however, only have the authority to engage in genuine economic activity — in the production, trade and consumption of goods. This would hold true for international trade as well. The legal sphere would have to make and enforce laws protecting people from obviously unsafe or unhealthy products, protecting workers from exploitation and protecting the natural environment from poisonous or destructive products, processes and organisms.
In the cultural sphere, freedom and free competition in the market-place of ideas are central. There, relationships with cultural institutions in foreign countries would be based on the same spirit of freedom. Of course, the rights sphere would still have to protect “intellectual property” — the products of the human mind or spirit — with appropriate laws governing copyrights, patents, trademarks and the like.
The book from which this quote is taken is available here :
A Way Forward : From Social Illness to Social Healthdack/product-
Book review by : Jeff Smith RN (Retired). Jeff also writes on the subject of Rudolf Steiner's threefold social idea. He's recently completely an overview article series, The Fullness of Life : Recent Articles on Rudolf Steiner's Social Idea.
For additional introductory and in depth resources on the threefold idea, see also
Living Waters Wellness Resources : Rudolf Steiner's Threefold Social Idea ://www.lulu.com/shop/william-riggins/a-way-forward/paperback/pro
From Social Illness to Social Health
Dr William Riggins, Ed.D.
With A Way Forward, William Riggins shines a scholarly, but accessible and gracious light on a best kept secret of our times : the breakthrough social thinking of Rudolf Steiner's threefold social idea. Also known as the threefold social order, the threefold idea was first introduced in 1917, in the depths of the First World War. Overshadowed by that war and a second still greater one, the idea has been quietly but continuously cultivated since, to find new interest and students in our own troubled times. Intended as a set of scientific as well as social observations, the idea opens pathways, as the title suggests, from social dysfunction to social health. A brief overview may help.
The “threefold” perspective on society looks at the most basic features of social life, identifying its three key areas of activity as economic life, political-legal or rights life and the realm of human spiritual and cultural life. It explores the nature of each, and describes the relationships - and particularly, the boundaries - among them that create optimal health in society. These basic, and recurring features of human social life are :
- Economic life. This includes the range of activities by which people meet their bodily and physical needs of life. The work of the economic sphere includes the transformation of the substances of the earth into products ; their circulation and distribution where needed ; and the providing of other needed and/or related services. Economic life addresses the common needs of all human beings. The meeting of these needs requires creativity to improve and distribute materials received from nature, on the one hand ; and on the other, as opposed to the commonly held ideas of profit and competition, an attitude of brotherhood - of cooperation, and mutual goodwill.
- Spiritual and cultural life. To this realm belong all aspects of life that flow from the gifts (talents and abilities) of individual human beings, and which benefit society. Such gifts include those of inventors and scientists, artists, teachers, clergy and spiritual teachers, and those in the healing professions. The abilities of those active in the other spheres of life - lawyers, judges, merchants and other business people - are also cultivated in the spiritual cultural life, in the branch appropriate to each specialty.
The key condition necessary for spiritual cultural life to thrive, is freedom : the freedom of individuals to develop, unfold and express their abilities, without hindrance ; and the free choice of those who make use of their abilities or services.
- Political and legal activities in society, also known as rights life. Rights life establishes protections, boundaries and rules among people ; such that one person or group does not compromise the freedom, safety or well being of another. The guiding and needed principal of rights life must be equality, so that the needs of all citizens for such protections are represented ; and so that no person or group may injure, harm or dominate another, or cause it serious loss.
The tasks of rights life include establishing rights, rules, protections, penalties and enforcement necessary in economic and spiritual cultural life, but for social health would not extend further - e.g. to control over these spheres of life, or their areas of activity. Likewise rules and judgments in the rights sphere cannot simply be fixed or permanent, but must also be adapted to changing circumstances in society.
A Way Forward explores historical precedents of the threefold and the path of historical evolution towards a healthy threefold society, as well as historical and current obstacles to it. While firmly universal and international in outlook, this book sheds light particularly on threefold elements built into the American Constitution and form of government, and their unique potentials for the future. The pricing of A Way Forward is exceptionably fair for its quality and content, and I highly recommend it.
To order this book from Lulu.com :
A Way Forward : From Social Illness to Social Health
There follow below a look into the Table of Contents of A Way Forward, and an excerpt from the book relevant to current international events.
A Way Forward
From Social Illness to Social Health
Dr William Riggins, Ed.D.
Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................................3
Historical Background..............................................................................................................................................................…5
Greece and Rome.........................................................................................................................................................................5
The Swiss Confederation............................................................................................................................................................6
The United States of America....................................................................................................................................................7
Toward a Deeper Understanding.............................................................................................................................................9
Microcosm and Macrocosm.......................................................................................................................................................9
The Threefold Nature of the U.S. Constitution.....................................................................................................................11
Equality Before the Law.............................................................................................................................................................13
Equality and Human Dignity .…………………………………………… ………………………………………..............................................….13
The Use and Misuse of Equality ……………………………………………………………………………….............................................……15
Judges and the Judiciary ……………………………………………………………………………...............................................……………….16
The Sphere of Rights Summed Up………………………………………………………………...........................................………………….19
Freedom of Culture and Education........................................................................................................................................19
Free Enterprise…………………………………………………………………………………………………….....................................................……19 The Arts.........................................................................................................................................................................................20 Education.......................................................................................................................................................................................21
Economic Solidarity....................................................................................................................................................................24
America’s Place in the World....................................................................................................................................................31
International Relations in a Healthy Society.........................................................................................................................31
Rights, Government and Foreign Relations..........................................................................................................................31
Sovereignty and Integrity……………………………………………………………………………....................................................……………31
Neutrality and Fairness……………………………………………………………………………................................................…………….……32
Foreign Relations in Economic and Cultural Life................................................................................................................34
Where Do I Start ?.......................................................................................................................................................................35
Know Thyself...............................................................................................................................................................................35
Know Your Friend and Your Opponent................................................................................................................................36
Socialism and Capitalism…………………………………………………………...................................................…………………….…..…….37
Globalism and Nationalism …………………………………………………………..................................................………....…….………….39
Equity and Individual Rights………….........................................................................................................................................43 Conclusion....................................................................................................................................................................................49 Appendix.......................................................................................................................................................................................51
About the Author........................................................................................................................................................................53
A Way Forward : From Social Illness to Social Health
An Excerpt :
America’s Place in the World
International Relations in a Healthy Society
The question may arise about how international relations would be conducted if society were formed in accordance with its threefold nature. This question would have to be answered as life unfolds and as things develop both at home and abroad. Nonetheless, a starting point and general overview for this can be found in Rudolf Steiner's fundamental book on the subject. Before addressing the specific situation in post WW I Europe, he writes :
"The internal domestic ordering of a healthy social organism will also make international relations threefold. Each of the three spheres of society will form an independent relationship with the corresponding sphere in other social organisms."
In other words, each sphere of society will have to be harmonized with the other two spheres at home and will also have to find its proper relationship with the corresponding sphere in foreign countries. Let us look at the three spheres separately with regard to international relations.
Rights, Government and Foreign Relations
The sphere of rights and government has two fundamental responsibilities with regard to foreign relations. Firstly, it must protect the sovereignty of the country and the integrity of the Constitution. Secondly, it must maintain a fair and neutral stance toward other nations.
Sovereignty and Integrity
As we shall see in the section below about globalism and nationalism, the protection of the sovereignty of the country and the integrity of the government in adhering to the Constitution are of vital importance for a healthy rights-sphere. A healthy human organism must have spatial and physiological boundaries — healthy skin and a healthy immune system — in order to thrive. A healthy human soul must have proper psychological boundaries — proper respect for others while repelling any manipulation, seduction or other violation of its conscience and integrity. A country, as a social organism, also needs clearly defined and well-maintained boundaries. No treaty or agreement can allow any foreign nation, international organization or private corporate interest to have jurisdiction or to establish courts of law in the United States. Likewise, no nation, organization or private interest may make laws which are binding in the U.S., nor may they impose taxes on the U.S. or its citizens.
The Constitution establishes three safeguards here. First, only the executive branch, under the leadership of the President, has the power to conclude treaties with foreign countries. Second, the legislative branch, specifically the Senate, has the right to advise the President on treaties. In addition, two thirds of the Senate must approve a treaty for it to be binding. The text reads :
"He [the President] shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur ;
The third safeguard is the judiciary. If the federal government, a state or a U.S. citizen is involved in a controversy with a foreign entity within U.S. territory, it can only be adjudicated by the U.S. judiciary with the final arbiter being the Supreme Court. Thus the people and the states have one last recourse if the President and the Senate both involve the country in an unconstitutional treaty. The relevant text is as follows :
The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.…
The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution… and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority ; … to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party ; … and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects."
Neutrality and Fairness
The maintenance of neutral and fair relationships with other countries is likewise important. George Washington spoke of this in his advice to the country after stepping down as President. He wrote :
"…a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter without adequate inducement or justification. It leads also to concessions to the favorite nation of privileges denied to others which is apt doubly to injure the nation making the concessions ; by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained, and by exciting jealousy, ill-will, and a disposition to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal privileges are withheld. And it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the favorite nation), facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity; gilding, with the appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation. …
The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible."
To condense his eighteenth-century prose in modern language, he tells us that partiality in foreign relations — the favoring or support of a particular nation by the government — causes serious problems. He lists these :
- a false, illusionary assessment of the international situation
- entanglement in unnecessary squabbles which are none of our businesses
- participation in wars without reason or justification
- harm to the U.S. by unnecessarily giving away something of value
- incitement of jealousy and animosity in the nations which did not receive the money, weapons or other things of value
- encouragement of “ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens” to betray the interests of our country while disguising their betrayal as support of a worthy cause or a special ally.
Clearly, Washington was an insightful and far-sighted statesman. The result of his analysis is virtually self-evident. Following his advice would save lives, save enormous sums of money and increase the respect for the United States around the world. Practically speaking, it would entail ending all “foreign aid” programs. It would require real transparency to reveal the existence and extent of “black budget” foreign aid and legislation to end it. It would mean withdrawing from all international organizations and agreements which infringe on or subvert the sovereignty of the United States. It would require a well equipped and well-trained military capable of defending the country. However, it would forbid military intervention or covert operations without a clear and present danger to the United States and a lawful declaration of war.
At present in the United States, a number of politicians and academics are willing to praise Washington and the Constitution in general terms. However, any one attempting to apply the practical aspect of Washington's advice would be resisted, isolated and vilified. Economic, political and cultural (schools, universities, the press, electronic social media etc.) power are presently intertwined and dominated by the economic sphere and especially by the financial sector. This has been the case for a long time, and it is hard for most people to imagine anything else. However, if the three spheres were to be independent and in a proper, harmonious relationship with one another, things could change. A sphere of rights and laws which is limited to its proper scope, independent of the economic sphere and nourished, ennobled and edified by a free cultural life could very well come to a policy of fairness and neutrality in foreign affairs.
Foreign Relations in Economic and Cultural Life
Just as the rights sphere in a healthy society forms relationships to foreign governments, so too would the economic sphere and cultural sphere engage with their counterparts in other countries. The economic sphere would develop institutions to facilitate the transportation of, and payment for, goods across national borders. The economic institutions of a country would, however, only have the authority to engage in genuine economic activity — in the production, trade and consumption of goods. This would hold true for international trade as well. The legal sphere would have to make and enforce laws protecting people from obviously unsafe or unhealthy products, protecting workers from exploitation and protecting the natural environment from poisonous or destructive products, processes and organisms.
In the cultural sphere, freedom and free competition in the market-place of ideas are central. There, relationships with cultural institutions in foreign countries would be based on the same spirit of freedom. Of course, the rights sphere would still have to protect “intellectual property” — the products of the human mind or spirit — with appropriate laws governing copyrights, patents, trademarks and the like.
The book from which this quote is taken is available here :
A Way Forward : From Social Illness to Social Healthdack/product-
Book review by : Jeff Smith RN (Retired). Jeff also writes on the subject of Rudolf Steiner's threefold social idea. He's recently completely an overview article series, The Fullness of Life : Recent Articles on Rudolf Steiner's Social Idea.
For additional introductory and in depth resources on the threefold idea, see also
Living Waters Wellness Resources : Rudolf Steiner's Threefold Social Idea ://www.lulu.com/shop/william-riggins/a-way-forward/paperback/pro
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