My illustrated theory of Political Pi π
Roman Mosaic Circle Pattern
The Pi of Governing is a calculation of a non-numerical ratio between valuations given to personal and impersonal interests in governance decisions. The formula is universal. Its ingredients are unique to each society given the different geographies, structures, belief systems, and developmental histories. The calculation can be seen in two forms simultaneously: (a) spontaneously and continuously in diffuse political and economic processes of interaction, and (b) deliberated upon discretely in practical contexts of governing by those who are responsible for governing as chiefs, kings, emperors, executives, legislators, bureau planners and administrators, judges, et al.
I noticed this calculation in operation when reading about England’s seventeenth century political crises. Later the calculation jumped out from the pages of the books on institutional changes in medieval European polities which I exhibited on Social Science Files. I found more or less explicit…