The three essential ingredients for active citizenship | Eric Liu | TEDxChristchurch

Summary

The speaker reflects on Dean Acheson, a key figure in shaping the post-World War II world, and parallels the creation of global institutions like the UN and NATO to the rebuilding of Christchurch after disaster. They emphasize that we are currently in a transformative time, marked by shifts in technology and power dynamics. The talk explores the elements of citizenship: power, imagination, and character, urging us to claim power, practice imagination, and cultivate collective civic character. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of proactive citizenship in shaping a better society.

Takeaways

• 📚 Dean Acheson, an American diplomat and Secretary of State under Truman, played a key role in shaping post-WWII institutions like NATO and the United Nations.
• 🌍 The speaker draws a parallel between post-war reconstruction and the rebuilding of Christchurch after natural disasters, emphasizing the power of reimagining a city and society.
• ⚖️ We live in a time of 'tectonic shifts,' where technology and social change are disrupting old systems and creating new opportunities for democratization and empowerment.
• 💥 These societal changes also bring challenges, such as the rise of extremism and hatred, as seen in movements like ISIS.
• 💡 Citizenship in today's world requires an understanding of power, which is not a zero-sum game but something that grows stronger with inclusivity and shared agency.
• 📣 Power must be claimed, not granted, and citizens must learn to navigate different forms of power like money, laws, and social norms.
• 🌈 Imagination is essential for civic life, allowing people to envision new ways of relating and building a better society.
• 🌱 The absence of imagination can have destructive consequences, such as failing to foresee the impact of climate change or societal exclusion.
• 💪 Character is the third pillar of citizenship, involving collective responsibility and pro-social behavior, beyond individual virtues.
• 🏙️ Christchurch’s resilience and community-driven rebuilding efforts serve as a global example of how power, imagination, and character can shape a society.

Q & A

What is the significance of Dean Acheson's book 'Present at the Creation'?

'Present at the Creation' is a Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Dean Acheson that discusses the formation of post-World War II institutions, including the United Nations, NATO, and the Marshall Plan. Acheson reflects on the role he and others played in shaping the modern world order.

Who were 'the wise men' mentioned in the script?

The 'wise men' refers to a group of American diplomats and policymakers, including Dean Acheson, who helped design and establish the international institutions and agreements that shaped the post-World War II world.

How does the speaker relate Christchurch's reconstruction to the concept of being 'present at the creation'?

The speaker compares Christchurch's rebuilding after the earthquake to the post-war rebuilding of the world, emphasizing the power of imagination, resilience, and civic engagement in reimagining a city and society.

What are the three key aspects of citizenship discussed in the speech?

The three key aspects of citizenship discussed are power, imagination, and character. Power refers to understanding and exercising influence, imagination to envisioning new possibilities, and character to embodying pro-social behaviors and responsibility.

How does the speaker define power in the context of citizenship?

The speaker defines power as the capacity to ensure that others do as you would have them do. It's not a zero-sum game, and the more power marginalized people gain, the stronger the community becomes.

Why is imagination important in civic life according to the speaker?

Imagination is crucial in civic life because it allows people to envision new ways of relating to one another and rethinking societal structures. It's necessary for creating inclusive, innovative, and resilient communities.

What does the speaker mean by 'character' in civic life?

The speaker refers to character as collective values and norms that promote pro-social behavior and responsibility. It involves cultivating a sense of mutuality and reciprocity in the community.

How does the speaker contrast rights and responsibilities in civic life?

The speaker notes that in some societies, such as the U.S., there's an overemphasis on rights and a neglect of responsibilities. He argues that every right inherently carries a responsibility, and focusing on collective responsibility is essential for a healthy society.

What is the role of culture in shaping civic life according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that culture, not just laws or policies, plays a key role in shaping civic life. Cultural values, mutuality, and community spirit can foster a sense of shared purpose and help rebuild societies, as seen in Christchurch.

What lesson does Christchurch offer to other cities and societies?

Christchurch serves as a model of resilience and civic engagement. The speaker highlights how the city's response to the earthquake, through creativity and collaboration, exemplifies how communities can rebuild and reinvent themselves without waiting for crises.