Constitutional Law
Part 2: “What Were They Thinking?”
Digression: “A History of Government in 6 Revolutions: From the Paleolithic to Philadelphia”
Pg 136. “The State’s Story”
PANEL 1
A line drawing reminiscent of the old “Ascent of Man” illustration. It depicts a crawling baby, a walking young girl, a running girl of 8 or 10, a preteen girl looking back at her younger selves as she walks forward, a teenage girl striding, a young mother happily lifting her infant, and an adult woman wearing a Corinthian helmet and carrying a spear and shield—The State.
The illustration has been marred by a bold red X painted over it with a large paintbrush.
NARRATION:
As you recall, there’s this tendency to think of the history of government as a progression. We frequently envision human societies as if they’re evolving through stages of development, from a tribal childhood towards an inevitable “state-level” maturity.
But that’s wrong.
It’s wrong to think of it as a kind of “progress.” And there’s nothing “inevitable” about any of it.
Bands, tribes, clans, states, what have you—none are “levels” or stages of development.
They’re alternatives…
Alternative forms of fully mature societies.
Whether the product of our genetic makeup or a cultural narrative, each alternative is a specific solution to a specific set of circumstances.
PANEL 2
The State stands in front of a stylized celadon illustration of Greek countryside, in the style of “Chinoiserie” on antique porcelain. She is addressing the reader.
NARRATION:
It’s true that narrative—story—is our superpower.
And yes, the narrative of the state gives us superhuman abilities—such as the ability to cooperate in societies of unlimited size, which can endure for countless lifetimes.
But for all that, the state is still just that:
A STORY.
THE STATE:
I mean, rocks and trees exist even if you do not.
But I only exist inside the goop in your head.
I’m a product of your collective imagination!
(Which is mind-blowing, but still…!)
NARRATION:
The state is one solution, to a particular set of problems.
What happens when it’s no longer a solution?
What happens when we stop believing the story?