Final answer:
The essay question explores the idea of reconstructing society for a better future, touching on the historical emergence of market economies, the concept of the Great Society rooted in abundance and equality, and the importance of understanding our place in nature. It also underlines the need for educational reforms and embracing new societal theories to achieve such a future.
Step-by-step explanation:
The essay question 'reconstruct society in order to create the better future' addresses the complex task of societal reform with the aim of achieving a more equitable and prosperous future. Early 19th-century America witnessed the rise of economic forces post-1815 that drastically changed the way people lived and worked. This period saw the emergence of market economies that encouraged the creation of goods and food, and subsequent responses varied across populations - some yearned for simpler times, while others embraced the possibility of an improved way of life through experimental communities aimed at greater equality and harmony.
Central to this vision was the concept of the Great Society, encapsulated by former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson, who envisioned a society based on abundance, liberty, and the end of poverty and racial injustice. This society would not only be materially rich but would also elevate the human spirit by providing education and fostering morality. Furthermore, understanding the human story and our place in nature is regarded as a crucial element in reconstructing society better, as it can shape our values and direct our progress.
To partake in building this new society, crucial considerations include handling the current population dynamics, promoting educational reform, and fostering a collective effort to prioritize values that marry material progress with the enrichment of mind and spirit, as per Johnson's call to action. The teachings of past theorists and philosophers, like Alexis de Tocqueville, suggest that this is not just a contemporary concern but one deeply rooted in the history of civilization's efforts to re-imagine their social constructs.