Principles for Public Life
"May the Best Person Serve"
© 1996 by Corinne McLaughlin and Gordon Davidson

1. Upholding the Highest Good

I pledge to uphold the highest good of all the people of my nation, as well as that of the peoples of other nations, to the mutual benefit of all. I will seek to eliminate the causes leading to destructive action and establish causes creating good for all.

2. Resolving Conflict for the Good of All

I pledge to work toward resolving conflict peacefully and justly wherever I find it, by looking for the highest good and the spark of truth in everyone's point of view, yet synthesizing them all into a higher solution.

3. Further Cooperation for Mutual Benefit

I pledge to further cooperation among all groups, nations, and peoples around the earth, for it is through working for each other's mutual benefit that we all prosper and find joy.

4. Sustainability for Future Generations

I pledge to design our current human activities to provide for the well-being and sustainablity of future generations yet unborn.

5. Co-creative Relationship with the Natural World

I pledge to work for a nurturing, co-creative relationship between human beings and the natural world, of which we are all a part and upon which we depend for our life support.

6. Upholding Human Rights

I pledge to work to eliminate fear and to protect the basic human rights of all human beings around the world, regardless of their race, creed, nationality or origins, and I will support only those governments or social systems that guarantee those rights.

7. Supporting Sharing and Personal Inititative

I pledge to work for a fair and just distribution of the resources of the earth to all peoples of the planet, while honoring the principle of reward for individual effort.

8. Honesty and Personal Responsibility

I pledge to tell the truth about myself and my work and to take responsibility for my actions and my mistakes.

9. Being an Example of Service

I pledge to personally demonstrate in my life and actions that joyful giving and service to others is the most fulfilling way of life for all humanity and a fundamental solution to our crises.

10. Serving the Whole and Not Oneself

I pledge to serve honestly in such a way that I expect no personal, financial, or other benefits from my public life beyond a reasonable life support and knowing that I have served my fellow human beings.