Zanth
I know most people think I can't spell since Xantheus was a minor greek god of ancient times. Not to be confused with Zantheus, a child of a scientist and a doctor in the Land Of Zanth. Zanth is a fictional planet in a novel I read when I was younger. In a world with nationalism pouring into every aspect of life, many children were named after places, cities, states or public leaders. The system of government on Zanth left little room for personal freedom or privacy, but after generations improving the system, the citizens didn't know it was missing. The novel introduced some interesting viewpoints about human nature. For example, when people are raised believing that service to the community is most important, people tend to work hard to make life better for all people rather than themselves. Citizenship considered more than just being born to a nation and a right to vote leads to everyone taking personal responsibility for how society functions.
In the story, Zantheus grew up and introduced the idea of personal expression within a system of uniformity and confomity. Rather than creating a rebellion, he become a hero recognized for his understanding of human nature and creating social change improving a society that considered itself perfect. I don't remember the title of the book, but the underlying truths have stuck with me. I would consider it required reading for anyone who leads any group, reguardless of religion, race, nation, governmental structure or purpose. For this reason, I hope this website introduces some of the ideas brought forth by Zantheus.