Reform Culture & Society

Reformation is a very prestigious line of work. The only age-old tradition more romantic (and far more destructive) is war and revolution. Many of the most famous historical figures we know were reformers. They were men and women of great vision and passion, who were determined to affect a change in their surroundings for the better, as peaceably as possible. Many of them wanted to improve conditions for the betterment of mankind, though many also had selfish personal agendas. Some of them historians have labeled as good guys; others as bad guys. Lately, in an effort to be "open-minded," they've begun to invariably portray all of them as complex, highly controversial characters, which is probably just as inaccurate as the black-and-white versions. It is true that reformers have faults and make mistakes. They appear to be fallible and not immune to the human condition. They don't seem entirely able to live up to their own ideals, and many of them openly admit to it. But still we honor them because they did their best and accomplished great things.

Do We Need Reformation?

That's a good question. What would the world be like without people that were determined to change it? Not all changes are good, and even good changes usually have some setbacks attached to them. But since we aren't all like Buddha and don't just sit around peaceably all day; since things go wrong and people are selfish and hurt one another, we need heroes to try to make things right. How much change needs to be made, and in what ways are very difficult questions. Some people see the problems around them and want to change everything. They are never satisfied because the world isn't perfect, and they think that continually tinkering with it will improve things. Others realize that change doesn't necessarily mean improvement but always means risks and the consumption of valuable energy and resources. They prefer to leave things alone until they become serious problems. Sometimes reformations have been much too hasty, sometimes they've come much too late. Sometimes they came at the right time but had the wrong outcome. And sometimes, at least from the perspective of the optimists, things seem to have turned out right. There is always great risk involved, since we never know what the consequences of such determined and desperate actions will be.

Certainly, there are many problems in the world, and lots of things that need to be changed. Far more than we will ever be able to. I think, therefore, that the most important questions to ask when selecting a cause are their priorities and how capable we are of making a positive change; what our resources and abilities are and how likely it is that they will work to our success. In order to be most effective in improving the world, we must consider these things. We have to pick our battles very carefully. Reformation isn't a whimsical thing: we don't do much good running around like a chicken with its head cut off. It takes a lot of deep and careful study, pondering and planning, since these situations are usually very sensitive and delicate.

Table of Contents:

• Creating Positive Culture
• Dale Carnegie Model of Influence
• Methods of Persuasion
• Use of Media & the Arts
• Use of Humor

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