Human history is in many ways a record of our expansion into the vast, unknown territories of the universe. Our journeys, to new communities, new continents, new planets, have parted us from our fellows by time and distance. It is easy to focus our attention on what separates and divides us, but in truth, even in the distant ages of our past, we have always been interconnected. We depend upon the goodwill and dedication of strangers, without whose unseen labor we would be bereft of luxuries, homes, clothing, food, even life itself. Though the bonds between us may be invisible, they can never be severed. Humanity is but one people.
The world in which we live is becoming a smaller place. Never before has interconnection been so effortless and swift. Our instant communications, our relationships across borders, our emerging global awareness of each other are all chipping away at the illusion of our separation. Despite differences in culture, age, race, gender, sexuality, or faith, we are more united than divided. In the deepest depths of our hearts, all yearn for an end to our strife, to a shared solution that leaves everyone, without exception, able to live the life that they were meant to lead – free of want, hopelessness, and despair.
That is the world we will build with Citizen State. There are, in the course of human events, moments that necessitate a historic change to safeguard the life and liberty of generations to come. The global powers of today have failed to address the gravest and most pressing issues of our time, including threats to our very existence, with governments often prioritizing their own self-interest over the interests of their citizens. We founded Citizen State with the conviction that when governments fail, citizens must step up. Governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. We are, all of us, born not only with the authority to lead, but the moral obligation to contribute to the betterment of Humanity.
Our shared duty to improve the conditions of life around us must not be confused with monolithic intent. For citizens to take an active role in their own governance, we must embrace a bottom-up, community-led approach to the solutions which we all need, so that those solutions can be tailored to each of our diverse societies and cultures. To guide this organic development, We, the People of Citizen State, have articulated in this Manifesto a set of pledges. By upholding these pledges, and pursuing them to the fullest extent, we will create a shared society that benefits all Humanity.
This is our vision for a better world. It is also a living document, open to suggestions and amendments as Citizen State grows. It is the right of every soul to envisage and pursue their ideals for the future of Humanity. We hope you will join us in endorsing this Manifesto and its pledges, so that We, as individuals, communities, organizations, and industries, may advance a shared vision for all our peoples and our planet.