SUFFERING, WISDOM and DEMOCRATIC LIFE

Throughout I develop the argument that suffering is a universal human experience of the very highest significance; that relief from suffering is our most important individual and collective task, and that wisdom is a key psychological competence for the development of human flourishing whilst simultaneously being the most successful means of relieving suffering. At the same time I suggest that the attainment of an individuated, authentic selfhood is vital for the establishment and maintenance of successful and thriving democratic forms of life.

Social emancipation is no longer just a process of redistributing wealth and power but involves harnessing the real potential in each individual to liberate themselves from the very character structures that oppress them. The traditional realm of political action is no longer necessarily the primary source of social change The path of individuation towards wisdom and authenticity not only relieves the suffering for each person, but the very same psychological capacities and competencies make a perfect fit with deliberative democratic ways of organising political and social action to reduce suffering for everyone.

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Suffering, Wisdom and Democratic Forms of Life