"In a free society, government reflects the soul of its people. If people want change at the top, they will have to live in different ways. Our major social problems are not the cause of our decadence. They are a reflection of it"

Cal Thomas's quote offers an extensive reflection on the complex relationship in between society and its federal government, along with the underlying reasons for social problems. At its core, the quote recommends that a federal government mirrors the values, priorities, and soul of its population. In a totally free society, where democratic systems permit the voice of the individuals to choose leadership and policy direction, the federal government is but a reflection of the collective will and character of its people.

The statement "If individuals desire modification at the top, they will need to live in different ways" underscores the necessity of grassroots advancement in societal behavior and mindset for true modification to happen. Thomas implies that anticipating modification solely through new management or policies without altering the underlying social worths and behaviors is useless. It highlights the specific and collective obligation in cultivating the change they want to see, suggesting that it is through lived example and lifestyle shifts that a more sustainable and authentic transformation can be accomplished.

Furthermore, Thomas specifies that "Our major social issues are not the cause of our decadence. They are a reflection of it". Here, he separates in between symptom and source. Social concerns such as crime, poverty, or corruption are seen not as root causes but as symptoms of much deeper moral and ethical decay within society. The decadence, interpreted as a decline in moral standards or cultural values, precedes and speeds up these concerns. Hence, to attend to social issues effectively, society must first introspect and rectify the internal decay that gives birth to these external problems.

In essence, Thomas calls for a self-reflective society, prompting individuals to participate in self-examination and ethical duty. The focus is on comprehending that social transformation starts at the private level, needing a collective elevation in values and ways of living for lasting modification at both societal and governmental levels.