Does a Larger World Create a Smaller Vision?

When the founding fathers (and unnamed mothers) were about the business of creating our democracy the world was smaller; not geographically obviously, but in terms of population and intimacy, for lack of a better word. Thirteen colonies were less than 50 states. These early leaders knew each other on a personal basis and were in regular contact with each other. They were up on the latest world concepts and ideas, the creative thinkers of their day. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson knew the Enlightenment thinkers. They were versed in the works of John Locke, Newton, Immanuel Kant, Frances Bacon, Thomas Hobbes, Galileo, Voltaire, Rousseau, Montesquieu and the like.

Though their world was relatively small in comparison to our own, their ideas and vision was huge. They had big ideas and big dreams. They envisioned a democracy like the world had never seen. They saw the value of an educated populace, and equal opportunities for all citizens. These people, some of who had been in this country for five generations numbered between 300,000 and 400,000.

Today we have 50 states, our population is about 320 million. Significant differences. Our worlds were and are much different.

It is my premise here that the smaller world made it more possible to have a larger vision and in contrast today’s larger world tends to produce smaller world views and visions.

We have accomplished much in this country. Our growth has been incredible and astounds the world. We have transportation, educational, business, social systems that are amazing. I believe that parents today are far and away better than any parents seen in our nation’s history. Part of why that is true, I think, is because the big issues of today seem so large and unapproachable, we sink our teeth into smaller issues such as parenting. I may have limited voice in today’s government, but my voice can be large and important in my family. I may not know how to deal with today’s mammoth infrastructures but I can deal with my family’s relationships.

Today we can better related to being big frogs in small family ponds, but are flummoxed at being puny little frogs in the large nation pond. How can I possibly understand all of the national issues of today? How can I possibly vote intelligently? But I think I can manage and be important in my family and perhaps smaller communities.

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Because of this alienation from the larger society, we engage less in the larger issues and have a condition that is ripe for oligarchists picking. Decisions such as Citizens United that give equal and in all likelihood, greater voice to corporations and special interest groups open the doors to leadership by the unrepresentative few. Our civil liberties decrease as we cede more and more to the select few.

It may be more difficult to think big today but that does not mean we should give up. It may be harder to see the big picture when we have to deal with a lot of little issues, but we need to try. Today it should be easier to study and understand the great thinkers of history as we have better access to information. Our visions need to expand to fit our large world. Is it hard? Yes, but not impossible.