Good governance starts with the individual

Abstract

The basic element of any institution, and therefore any governance mechanism, is the individual, the citizen. Good governance is much more than processes, rights, and responsibilities and involves elements of culture and a climate to promote the right kinds of behavior. Therefore, in order to improve the quality of governance in all our institutions, we need start with the individual. Hence, the individual wishing to contribute to improving the quality of life by shaping the future must start with himself. He has to make an example of himself, and plant the seeds to shaping his environment by sharing and disseminating his own vision of the future. Such an individual understands that his own actions ultimately have an impact on sustainable development and world peace, that he must attain the wisdom to shed egoism and to prioritize creating value for mankind, and that he must assume a responsibility for the future. Preparing for the future and continuously improving quality of life is a philosophy of life that can be adopted both at the individual and society level. The individual is the cornerstone of life. There is a twodimensional process for the individual: on the one hand, he must develop his patterns of behavior to prepare for his own future and improve his own quality of life. On the other hand, other segments of society should provide for an environment that is conducive to such an effort by the individual. This interaction will pave the way for a natural evolution of societal values.