Who is more responsible for lasting, long-term, societal change? Why?

Question

Philosophers

Politicians

Generals

Artists (any kind -- visual, verbal, music, etc.)

Please note that I *intentionally* left out any type of religious influence, only because ALL religions have influenced all of the above to some degree.

Answer 1

I have to say politicians, even though on many levels, I wish it wasn't true.

Time after time massive sweeping change seems to occur on the backs of just a handful of people and almost always they are politicians.

Whether it was the n**i rise in Germany, the British Labour Party of the 1920s bringing about better working conditions, the Australian Whitlam government and the opportunities that wrought, or Roosevelts new deal.

Going back to ancient Rome, the Caesars and the Senate,  the Gorbachev years and the fall of the Berlin wall, Siberia and the Stalin years, David Ben Gurion and the state of Israel.

I revolt against the idea of great men (and a few women) bringing great changes yet, for whatever reason, I have seen time and again the effects of single heads of state and the changes within their times, Bush is the prime example to date.

And yet in other ways, the world does seem to change for the better in spite, perhaps, of its leaders.  The concept of universal human rights is comparatively new, and the atrocities of the modern ages would not have raised many eyebrows just a couple of hundred years ago.

In odd and subtle ways we seem to be evolving and gaining empathy, which ironically also brings us a sense of despair.  Perhaps in hope there is despair?  Or is that too philosophical.

I tend to see artists and philosophers is mirrors of an age, perhaps politicians are too, yet political change endures.  Longer than most.

"For I am Ozymandius King of Kings, look upon my fate ye mighty and despair"

tee hee.

Answer 2

I would hope that none of them are, especially politicians.  I think that long lasting societal change is the responsibility of parents.  You have to instill morals into your children and set them on a positive path.

Answer 3

All of the above in various ways - philosophers by making people think - polititians by deciding HOW people will live - generals by influencing polititians into deciding how aggressive or non-aggressive a society will be, and artists by stirring people into feelings they may not have felt before, and like philosophers making people think.

Ultimately, everyone can teach and change society by their own behaviour, morals, ethics, etc.  People can effect change by sharing their beliefs and ideas, and by being an example to others, which others may choose as a "better" way of life.

Leah from Australia.

Answer 4

I think a combo of all, plus more, such as social workers, but I guess I am a biased social worker  :)