"Society is becoming less and less transparent. People no longer know where decisions that substantially affect their lives are taken, nor by whom, nor how"

Georg Henrik von Wright's observation that "Society is ending up being less and less transparent" speaks with an increasing sense of disconnection and opacity in the systems that govern our lives. As societies develop, they typically become more intricate, with layers of bureaucracy, complex policy-making processes, and the impact of global forces. This complexity can lead to a diminished understanding amongst the general populace about how choices are made and who holds the power.

In modern democracies, the expectation is that governance is conducted honestly and that people have a voice in the decision-making procedures. Yet, von Wright recommends a growing gap between these suitables and reality. The decisions that substantially impact citizens-- varying from economic policies to social programs-- are frequently made behind closed doors, shrouded in lingo and technicalities that are unattainable to the average person. This can result from a number of factors, including the centralization of power in governmental or corporate entities, an absence of effective communication from leaders, or the influence of unique interest groups that run out of the public eye.

The effects of such an absence of openness can be extensive. Without clear insight into who is making decisions, and based on what info or ideologies, public trust reduces. Individuals may feel disempowered and omitted from procedures that directly impact their lives, leading to disengagement, apprehension, or even unrest. This opacity can likewise foster environments where corruption and dishonest behaviors flourish, as inspecting actions ends up being more challenging for external guard dogs or the general public.

Additionally, in a period controlled by details and digital media, the expectation is more openness, not less. Nevertheless, paradoxically, the frustrating volume of information readily available can obscure rather than illuminate important decision-making procedures. In this context, von Wright's analysis stays strikingly pertinent, highlighting the requirement for higher efforts to debunk governance and make it available and reasonable to all citizens. Efforts to combat this pattern consist of promoting for open data policies, improving civic education, and cultivating platforms for public engagement, all with the objective to minimize the opacity von Wright laments.