The Idiots, The Tribesmen, and The Citizens

Read this article critically and decide on your own accord if you are an idiot, a tribesman, or a citizen. Do you impact society positively, or are you a distraction to progress?

There are always three kinds of people in any given society, a distinction noted by notable sociologists and public intellectuals. This threefold categorization helps us understand the roles people play within a community.

Idiots
The first kind of people in any society are the idiots. An idiot is not necessarily mentally deficient; rather, an idiot is someone who is a private, self-centered, and selfish person. An idiot is always out for personal gain and interests. They lack a public philosophy, have no knowledge, skill, character, or virtues necessary to contribute to a flourishing society and community. Idiots focus solely on personal pleasures and treasures, resembling an upgraded barbarian.

Tribesmen
The second kind of people are the tribesmen. This term does not necessarily refer to belonging to a specific tribe, which is inherently a good thing, but rather to a tribalistic mentality. Tribesmen cannot think beyond their small group. Their primary, only, and ultimate allegiance is to their tribe, making the tribe their god and tribalism their religion. They are always suspicious and fearful of anything different or alien. They handle different people and difficult situations with intimidation, force, and violence. The ideal person for tribesmen is the warrior, as they are a war-making people. For them, it is always "us versus them."

Citizens
The third kind of people are the citizens, the ideal persons. Being a citizen is not about legal or political status but about the idea and ideal of citizenship. A citizen has the skills and knowledge to live a public life and a life of civility. They recognize their membership in a commonwealth and strive for the common good. Citizens know their rights but also understand their responsibilities to society. They fight for their rights with an awareness of and respect for the rights and interests of others, including their neighbors, minorities, and even their worst enemies.

Citizens build up a civilized society by settling differences with civility, thus producing a society that truly lives up to the meaning of the word "society," which literally means friendship and friendliness. This threefold distinction is the choice every individual must make in society.

Today, we must decide: will we be idiots living only for ourselves, tribalistic tribesmen unable to think beyond our small groups, or citizens in the best sense of the word? On this historic day, I believe I have made my choice, and I hope you will make yours. With this hope, I address you, ladies and gentlemen, as my fellow citizens. May God bless you, and may God bless us all.

Based on a speech read  by Dr. Kethoser Kevichusa