Coercion is a loaded term. We generally consider coercion as an individual performing a particular action against their fully-free will, generally under the threat of violence or harm; that is, a person does something not because they want to, but because they are forced to, to whatever degree.
This definition is mostly adequate for the purposes of discussing the first tenet of the Savior Self: Humans should live free of coercion. However, we must reframe our concept of coercion to include not only obvious structures such as capitalism or majority-mandated democracy, but even to include the fundamental modalities of life that we take for granted such as cultural traditions and social norms.
Humans should live free of coercion.
Tenet 1 of the Savior Self
These modalities are so pervasive that most people will likely balk at the idea that they are coercive. But that is the product of indoctrination, both of the structures themselves and of the lifestyle that discourages conscious living.
To be truly liberated we must be truly conscious, and this requires a level of self-scrutiny that we simply do not commit to in our everyday lives. This is further discussed as part of Tenet 5: Humans should live consciously and reflect on their thoughts, behaviors, motivations, and emotions.
To be clear: the Savior Self does not claim that these things are ; however, we must evaluate these deeply-ingrained beliefs and behaviors before we can transcend to self-determining, liberated individuals.
For now, let us consider that this tenet means that every human being must be free to exist as they deem correct. This means that any system or structure that is implemented by a hierarchical structure (such as an affinity group or intentional living community) should have its parameters explicitly defined and should allow those who do not consent to the system’s rules to amicably remove themselves from that system.
This does not mean that actions are without consequences, nor does it mean that individuals cannot be bound by explicit rules or expectations; rather, this tenet specifies that any such system must be entered into consciously and consensually, and that there is no retaliatory punishment for rejecting the system other than exclusion.
This tenet closely aligns with most libertarian ideologies except that, within this context, we wish to apply this principal not only to structures of governance but to all interpersonal relationships. In all instances, coercion arises from an imbalance in power, with the more powerful party imposing their will on the weaker party. This is true of both systemic coercion (state-backed threat of detainment or property extrication) and personal coercion (being held at literal or figurative gunpoint). While it is likely to eliminate all imbalances of power, we must work to deconstruct oppressive systems and replace them with new structures which respect autonomy and which do not punish noncompliance; similarly, we must work to suppress the aspects of (so-called) human nature that desire power over others, and instead foster an appreciation for cooperation and consent.
Thus, systems must be designed to avoid the “tyranny of the majority” and to require selective consent to each aspect of their rules, as granularly as possible. Those who withhold their consent should not be punished, but may be excluded from that aspect of the system (or from the system entirely, as long as practical alternatives exist).
Of course, this situation is different in individuals who are not cognitively capable of providing informed consent, such as children. In these cases, a certain degree of “implicit coercion” is unavoidable, as the individual lacks may not fully understand the consequences of certain actions or behaviors and may thus act “irrationally” and against their own best interest. Despite this, parents and caretakers should make good-faith attempts to promote rational decision-making by explaining situations, reasons, and consequences when possible.
A free society consists of free people. We each possess the capacity to determine what is best for us, but this capacity is not entirely innate; it requires developed skills of logic and reasoning and, to be exercised responsibly, it requires factual information upon which to act. All of these elements have been deliberately eroded in modern society in order to disempower us and make us far easier to manipulate and coerce.
We must therefore work to ourselves and our communities before we can hope to dismantle the power structures that rule us by coercion.
