A Divided or a Federate Europe?

Abstract

To participate, from the Latin pars, part, and capere, to take, means to “take part.” In its most active sense it means to play one’s own role in public life, in business or in government. In its most passive sense it means simply to be part of something larger. To participate is always to have the actual or potential possibility of influencing a given situation and one’s individual fate within that situation, to some degree at least between the extremes of omnipotence and impotence. Therefore to participate actively in society is a means of self-expression, of realizing personal potential, and thus of remaining one’s own master.