Self-Renewal

<p>In his classic treatise <i>Self-Renewal</i> John W. Gardner examines why great societies thrive and die. He argues that it is dynamism not decay that is dramatically altering the landscape of American society. The twentieth century has brought about change more rapidly than any previous era and with that came advancements challenges and often destruction. Gardner cautions that a society must court the kinds of change that will enrich and strengthen it rather than the kind of change that will fragment and destroy it.</p><p>A society's ability to renew itself hinges upon its individuals. Gardner reasons that it is the waning of the heart and spirit-not a lack of material might-that threatens American society. Young countries businesses and humans have several key commonalities: they are flexible eager open curious unafraid and willing to take risks. These conditions lead to success. However as time passes so too comes complacency apathy and rigidity causing motivation to plummet. It is at this junction that great civilizations fall businesses go bankrupt and life stagnates. Gardner asserts that the individual's role in social renewal requires each person to face and look beyond imminent threats.</p><p>Ultimately we need a vision that there is something worth saving. Through this vision Gardner argues society will begin to renew itself not permanently but past its average lifespan and it will at once become enriched and rejuvenated.</p>