What if we made the bottom line of all public policy the elimination of suffering and the uplift of the human spirit? What exactly are we supposed to think would fall apart?

We disagree a great deal about what the human spirit is, whether it exists, and what would raise it up, so it might not be a good policy principle in a diverse and pluralistic society. Reducing suffering, on the other hand, is a helpful principle.

I was thinking things like art, culture, theatre, dance, education...

Ah, yes, I think that's less controversial. I was thinking that by "spirit" you were imagining theology as a guide to public policy. Thank you!