Definitions that Matter

One mark of ruling classes in society is the understanding of nuanced definitions. 

In American society, the original design was for the regular people to be the rulers. 

Here are some definitions to consider:

Nation: [a people] A group of people with a common history and a shared vision of the future.

Country: [a place] The mountains, rivers, forests, lakes, seas, vistas and places one has spent a lot of time in and loves.

Government: [a thing] A political entity. (In early America, this nearly always referred to one's local and state-level government. In modern America, it nearly always refers to the national government in Washington, D.C.)

State: [a government] In the United States, a state is a provincial level of government. In most places in the world, "state" is a synonym for "government".

Nation State: [a thing] When a nation creates and runs its own government it is called a nation state. The first nation states are said to have begun in 1648.

Empire: [a thing] A political entity that owns, controls or dominates many nation states.

Federal: The combined authority of various states/provinces.

National: The superior authority above the states/provinces.

Education: Understanding of the common ideas shared by the great thinkers, artists, scientists, historians, creators and leaders down through human history.

Training: Preparation in the skills, knowledge and behaviors of a given specialty.

Whether you agree or disagree with any of these definitions, it is essential for the leaders of society--the regular people--to closely consider and take part in influencing the meaning of words.

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