Rediscovering Politics: The Call to Self-Governance
Politics today has strayed far from its origins. It has devolved into a series of campaigns and power struggles that attempt to convince others to adopt specific ideas. In truth, politics was never about controlling others—it is about mastering oneself, navigating the currents of life, and coming together to chart a shared course. The intention of this post is to help us rediscover this true essence of politics so we can begin to reshape our world from the inside out.
The True Origin of Politics: Affairs of the City
The word “politics” comes from the Greek politika, meaning “affairs of the city.” Rooted in the concept of the polis, or city-state, it originally referred to the organization and governance of communities. Leaders in ancient Greece were expected to embody wisdom and virtue, guiding their people through collective challenges much like a skilled sailor navigating a ship through turbulent waters.
The metaphor of sailing runs deeply through Greek philosophy, particularly in Stoicism, where self-mastery is likened to steering a steady course through the storms of life. Politics, then, was not about domination or persuasion—it was about cultivating the inner virtues necessary to lead oneself and others with integrity.
Two Forms of Power: Kratos vs. Arche
The ancient Greeks understood governance in terms of power (kratos) and leadership (arche). These ideas have given rise to familiar words like “democracy” (demos kratos, rule by the people) and “monarchy” (mono arche, rule by one). However, they also point to two distinct approaches to power:
1. External Power (kratos): This is power exercised over others, often manifesting as control or coercion. It is an outward force, frequently tied to dominance and authority. While it can organize communities effectively, when unbalanced, it leads to tyranny and oppression.
2. Internal Power (arche): This is the power of self-mastery and leadership by example. Rather than controlling others, it seeks to inspire and empower. This form of power aligns with the Stoic principle of governing oneself before attempting to govern others.
In today’s world with politics has become dominated by kratos—campaigns that seek to impose ideas and control outcomes—while arche, the power of self-mastery and inner alignment, is often neglected.
The Call to Self-Governance
Criticizing the government without knowing how to govern oneself is a failure to embody the true essence of politics.
To return to the origin of politics one must begins within, requiring us to:
• Master Self-Governance: Recognize the currents within—our emotions, patterns, and subconscious influences—and learn to steer our own ship in alignment with the currents we are experience in our world today.
• Achieve Coherence: Create coherence with our thoughts, words, and actions to embody the state that is needed to achieve the peace and harmony we desire for ourselves and others.
• Empower Others: Support others in mastering their own inner power rather than attempting to control it.
When individuals cultivate self-governance, the collective becomes more coherent and capable to navigate the challenges of life. Politics, in its truest sense, is not about control but collaboration—individuals working together from a place of alignment and mutual respect.
Our Vision: The House As New Politics Rooted in Virtue
Imagine a world where politics is not a power struggle but a harmonious collaboration.
Where we master self-governance, achieve coherence and empower others.
Where we show what it looks like to embody integrity and invite people into this way of living guiding by example rather than coercion.
Where we experience life as something we are all doing together and take responsibility for our own self-governance, contributing to the collective in a way that is built on mutual understanding and developed trust.
This vision calls us to:
1. Redefine Leadership: Shift from rulers to exemplars—those who inspire through their inner alignment and coherence.
2. Foster Collective Coherence: Create spaces for dialogue and collaboration where individuals bring their authentic selves and align with shared goals.
3. Embrace Self-Responsibility: Recognize that true change begins within. By mastering our own ships, we contribute to the collective capacity to navigate life’s challenges.
What Is Missing in Our Current Politics?
Current politics thrives on external power and division. Campaigns focus on persuading and controlling rather than empowering individuals to take responsibility for their lives. This has created a collective incoherence—a society fragmented by competing interests and disconnected from its deeper purpose.
What is missing is arche—the power of inner mastery. Without self-governance, external governance becomes chaotic and oppressive. To restore balance, we must return to the principles of integrity, coherence, and collaboration.
Expanding the Conversation
This is just the beginning. Within The House, we will explore self-governance and uncover pathways to collective coherence. Together, we can rediscover what it means to govern ourselves and, in doing so, reclaim the true essence of ourselves which subsequently supports politics.
The question is no longer, “How do we fix politics?” but rather, “How do we become the embodiment of politics?” Let us join together with intention, integrity, and unity, inspiring a collective that is aligned, coherent, and ready to navigate the waves of life together.
Are You Looking for an Inspired Next Step?
If you feel called to join us, and interested in more information, we believe your best next step would be to read the Invitation To The House.
If you have joined us and are a full yes to contributing to this conversation, we believe you sharing your heart and a next step you feel inspired to take in response to reading this which can be done in the comments below or on your favorite social media site. Sharing a link to what you create in the comments below would be of great contribution to the collective as well.
We hope you feel inspired to use our social media tags if you choose to create content: #joinusinthehouse @joinusinthehouse.
With All Of Me,
Jena Michelle Smith/Stagner/Hurst
@iamjenajena I www.iamjenajena.com
The original source content for this post was inspired by Matías De Stefano video #177 with The Path of I Am on YouTube and linked here. The concepts he presented were further developed and fact checked in partnership with Chat GPT and the community.
