Let us not underestimate the value of cooperation, trust and decency in public affairs. Let us perceive ourselves, basically, as caring human beings. We challenge the utilitarian and individualistic paradigm applied not merely to economy, but to the full array of social relations. We also challenge the view that sees individuals as morally deficient, incapable of making ethical decisions, and often quite irrational, hence requiring all sorts of social engineering or political manipulations. A more positive and hopeful view of human nature must be advanced if we are to sustain our democratic institutions.
Personal responsibility is necessary in any democracy.
It is one of the main obligations of government as servant to all its people to make this sort of responsibility a possibility for everyone. However, responsibility is a complex issue. A key factor is the centrality of power in the role of leaders and public figures in politics, business, professions, religions, sports, entertainment. It is a plain fact of life that some people are more responsible than others, by the very nature of their work. This is particularly true in the effort to prevent corruption.