https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXMKC447/
Author Interview The Sovereign Perspective
What inspired you to write The Sovereign Perspective?
Coming from a very old royal family, I
was raised to observe the world through the lens of seeking constructive ways
to promote the common good and achieve lasting results. Since I was 11 years
old, I have been deeply shocked by how many educated individuals can arrive at
conclusions and take actions that are utterly stupid. By “stupid,” I mean to
refer to Bonhoeffer’s definition—not simply a lack of intelligence or
knowledge, but a “mental block” that leads us to reject or ignore common sense,
logic, facts, and expertise. Throughout my life, I have been unconsciously
striving to refine and perfect my critical thinking. It's not an easy task and
requires constant effort. One of my masters used to say that our minds are like
horses; if we do not consistently train them, they will eventually refuse to
accept our direction. If we do not remain vigilant and aware, any of us can
fall into stupid thinking, regardless of our intelligence or education. I felt
compelled to write this book after years of passionately teaching the concept
of the “Sovereign Perspective.” I firmly believe that this powerful framework
can guide humanity on a path toward avoiding the mistakes of our past and
forging a brighter future.
In your book, you talk about unity and division. Why is
this issue so important to you?
Because the main reason we face a
significant number of problems in our world today is our tendency to foster
division. While disagreeing is healthy and necessary, it must be done
constructively. We have created a constant, binary, Manichean, triumphalist
narrative of "us against them," portraying others as the problem that
must be eliminated. This mentality only breeds violence and destruction.
Currently, opinions often manifest as emotional, irrational reactions driven by
ideology, passion, or aversion, rather than being based on a careful analysis
of facts and evidence guided by common sense. This growing division is making
the world increasingly stupid. Looking back at history, we can see that such
divisions always lead to destruction.
What exactly is the "sovereign perspective,"
and how does it work in everyday life?
When reflecting on Plato’s vision of the philosopher-king, Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, and the “Anti-Machiavel” of Prussian King Frederick the Great, we arrive at a profound understanding of the sovereign perspective—the ideal way a ruler should think and act. A “perfect ruler” embodies qualities of impartiality, justice, and constructive leadership, placing the welfare of every subject above all else, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or ideology. This noble concept reaches far beyond the realm of politics; it finds resonance in businesses, families, and countless other aspects of life. Just as a CEO serves as the ruler of a company, parents assume the role of rulers within their family, guiding with wisdom and care.
You mention ignorance and stupidity as major problems.
Can you explain why?
While often conflated, ignorance and
stupidity are fundamentally different challenges. We are all ignorant in some
or various aspects of life, but this can be remedied through education.
Stupidity, on the other hand, represents a profound moral failing. In fact, it
is more insidious than evil itself, for while malice can be countered with
reason, stupidity clouds judgment and stifles understanding. Humans possess an
innate goodness at our core, yet history has shown us that much of the darkness
we’ve encountered is rooted in stupidity. Take Nazism, for instance—a chilling
example where a small cadre of malevolent individuals was empowered by a vast
majority of stupid followers. That’s why “history repeats itself,” and we tend
to make the same mistakes over and over again. Stupidity manifests in numerous
ways: obstinacy, simplistic reasoning, an unwavering sense of moral
superiority, overemotional reactions, mental lethargy, an illusion of
invulnerability, inflexibility, and alarming arrogance. While an evil person
may inflict harm to reap some personal benefit, a stupid individual often
causes damage without any gain and, tragically, frequently harms themselves in
the process.
You shared stories about your own life. How have your
experiences shaped your views?
I’ve been a proud nerd my whole life.
I looked at the world and thought, “Education is wrong, the political system is
wrong, the way people argue is wrong…” The first time I truly recognized the
severity of stupidity was when I was a teenager and met a chief judge in
Brazil—an eminent jurist with numerous academic degrees and published works. He
was a religious fanatic. I thought, “How can someone who has studied logic and
philosophy for decades hold such simplistic and even infantile religious
beliefs?” It was unacceptable to me that he could be brilliant in some areas
and so primitive in others. I was raised by Franciscan friars in exile in
Brazil, and they often disliked me because I would ask questions they couldn’t
answer. This was especially problematic during the years of the Brazilian
dictatorship. One day, the principal called me into his office and declared
that I was “forbidden from debating religious subjects.” While I couldn't
debate these topics at school, when I was around 14 or 15 years old, I became a
“circus attraction,” debating renowned theologians on Brazilian television.
They would put five Catholic and Protestant theologians against me in these
discussions. In 2008, I took on the leadership of my family’s international
foundation, allowing me to interact with heads of state and religious leaders
worldwide. That experience was crucial for writing this book.
What do you think is the biggest misunderstanding
people have about monarchy today?
Monarchy is a human system, and, like
any human institution, it has its flaws. However, monarchies often have the
highest Human Development Index (HDI) and the highest World Happiness Index,
while republics tend to be more corrupt and less educated. The reason for this
distinction is straightforward: monarchs prioritize the entire population's
well-being and plan for future generations, whereas politicians often focus on
their partisan interests, special interests, and upcoming elections.
Politicians excel at winning elections but not necessarily at managing states
or implementing effective policies. Many people view monarchy as archaic and
outdated, yet the most advanced countries seem to thrive under this system.
That said, monarchy is not suitable for every nation; some countries function
better as republics. However, even republics can benefit from adopting certain
mindsets and policies typical of monarchies, embracing the “sovereign
perspective”.
You talk about balance in society. Why do people find
it so difficult to avoid extremes?
Our minds are hardwired in a way that
reflects our “caveman” instincts, which prioritize problem-solving and
survival. This wiring often leads us to focus on the negative. For example, if
someone receives ten compliments and one criticism, they are likely to focus on
the criticism rather than the positive feedback. This pattern can contribute to
feelings of depression and other mental illnesses. When we elect liberal
leaders, and they fail to deliver on their promises, instead of addressing the
issues, we often swing to the other extreme and vote for conservatives, and
vice versa. Identifying this mindset is crucial, as it leads to irrational
thoughts and reactions. We should strive to make decisions based on logic,
research, and constructive reasoning rather than emotions to avoid extreme
viewpoints. The truth often lies between these two extremes.
Why do you believe critical thinking is key to solving
society’s problems?
Because it’s what’s lacking in every
single area of human endeavor, especially politics, most of our individual and
collective problems can be avoided through the application of critical
thinking, from unnecessary wars and financial crises to family fights and excessive
personal spending. Critical thinking is the best antidote against stupidity. Our
educational system is still based on a 19th-century model, meaning that 95% of
what we learn is unlikely to be used in our lifetime and will ultimately be
forgotten. Education is essential, but in this model, it has become an
incredible waste of time—the most valuable asset we have and the only thing
money cannot buy. This system encourages conformity and discourages questioning
authority. If you listen to how people debate and pay attention to their
arguments, you’ll notice that the majority struggle to follow simple logic.
Critical thinking is the most important skill that should be taught in schools.
How can people protect themselves from polarization
caused by media?
Once again, critical thinking is
essential. The only way to arrive at an unbiased fact or opinion is to consider
all sides of a situation. I often force myself to read and hear people who
challenge my opinions to test my convictions. Conversely, many individuals
isolate themselves in echo chambers that only reinforce their existing beliefs,
and social media algorithms contribute to this issue. To avoid relying on
social media for news, seek out reputable media outlets that represent
different ideological perspectives and thoroughly research the topics you want
to understand better. Keep in mind the Dunning-Kruger effect: the less you know
about a subject, the more confident you may feel in your beliefs. Don’t accept
something just because someone you admire said it, and don’t dismiss it solely
because someone you dislike expressed it. Take the time to examine the facts
and strive to understand where others are coming from and the biases they may
hold.
You mention empathy as an important step toward unity.
How can we realistically practice this in today’s world?
Empathy and compassion are essential
for recognizing your opponent as someone just like you, with similar problems,
fears, and dreams. This understanding allows us to realize that we all desire
the same thing: to live with dignity and to raise our families in the best way
possible. Jesus taught us that loving your neighbor is the second most
important commandment, following the love of God. However, Jesus did not
specify that we should love only those neighbors who look like us or agree with
us. That kind of love is easy. The real challenge lies in loving people who are
different from us and those who hold opposing views. When you grasp this
concept both intellectually and emotionally, everything becomes easier. As I
often say, peace and unity are not merely about “kumbaya.” We can have
disagreements, but we must apply what I call “meta-constructivism” and “social
consensualism.” In essence, we should avoid destructive actions, the zero-sum
mentality, and triumphalism while understanding that we need to share this
planet in the best way possible. A clear example of this principle can be seen
in the treatment of Germany by the Allies after the two World Wars. Following
World War I, the Allies humiliated Germany, which led to significant suffering
and the rise of the Nazi regime. Conversely, after World War II, the Allies
adopted a constructive approach with the Marshall Plan, which helped to rebuild
Germany into a prosperous country that eventually became a friend and ally
instead of an enemy. So, it’s possible.