In the Cause of the People

In the Cause of the People (Arvorian: Во имя народа, lit. "In the Name of the People") is a manifesto written by Aleksandr Belikov, remembered by history as the Founding Father of modern Arvor. Published in 7551 RH, it presents an analytical approach to various societal issues of the time, and details Belikov's views and theories on the principles of socialism.

The book primarily serves as a means by which Belikov sought to spread his thoughts and theories on the new political ideology, and how he believed it could be applied to build a more equitable and free society for all citizens. Belikov lays out his personal views and theories in a concise, scientific fashion, describing the functionality of the new system as he saw it, encouraging readers to expand their personal understanding as they read the book, and to formulate their own conclusions.

The book would serve as both the inspiration for the establishment of the foundation upon which Belikov and the other Founders - Pomelova, Kalinin, Rogozin, and Ustinova - would spearhead the Constitutional Convention of 7567, and also as the guiding document through which Belikov and his supporters re-structured Commonwealth of Free Peoples into the Arvorian Democratic Republic. Belikov would serve as the first premier.

In the foreword, Belikov reminds the reader that the book states his personal theories and views but hopes that they will encourage the reader to develop their own socialist mindset, and in so doing inspire others to study the philosophy and learn from it. In this way, Belikov writes, "the idealism and hope of socialism may yet be extended to decent peoples, everywhere, seeking to live a freer and more prosperous life".

In the closing lines of his foreword, Belikov goes on to give his most forceful caution of the entire book with regards to what he called the "siren call of authoritarianism and extremism".

Revolution is a natural phase in the progress of a people and a society from a system of tyranny or inequality to one where all enjoy the same freedoms, the same protections, and access to the same opportunities. But when such a movement allows the poison of extremism to seep into its veins, it runs the risk of becoming the worst possible kind of ‘revolution’ - not one fueled by a desire for a fairer and freer society, which is a noble and just cause, but one fueled by blind vengeance and a thirst for violence acted against the oppressor by the oppressed. Likewise, should the movement become dominated by a single person or select group, this dominance limits the free sharing of ideas and dissuades the democratic debate so critical to a nation governed by its people. And should either of these things happen, the movement loses its just purpose, and inevitably reform becomes nothing more than revenge, aspirations nothing more than authoritarianism. And, ultimately, the whole of society suffers, be it directly or indirectly.

Selected Quotes

Several statements made by Belikov in the book have since been immortalised in socialist thought. Some serve to encourage or inspire, while others serve to warn and advise.

• "The truest purpose of socialism is to enable the People's voice to be heard."
• "The People alone are the arbiters of their futures."
• "The sole purpose of government in a socialist society is to protect the rights and opportunities of the People."
• "Justice in a socialist society is built such that the People know they can seek redress openly and without fear, that they approach it with the surety that the outcome will be measured by fairness and a faithful interpretation and enforcement of the law."
• "All governments impose some sort of consensus. From a single point of view in autocracies, to codifying the most broadly acceptable average of views in democracies. But it is important that the democratic method be preserved and promoted to the fullest, as it is the best vehicle for ensuring the will of the People is heard on an equal footing."