While there may be no absolute subjective reality, there is a shared reality from the reference of homo sapiens on planet Earth. Here is a taste.
One of the most influential people of the 20th century, Mahatma Gandhi wrote this about his guiding principles.
“I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test.
Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man [woman] whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him [her]. Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will it restore him [her] to a control over his [her] own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj [freedom] for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?
Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away.”
This was written in 1948, and is one of the last notes left behind before the great soul was shot and assassinated.
Now, imagine a world in which the actions of a few rich and wealthy bring suffering to the many poor and destitute in this world. Next, imagine that instead of recognizing and amending this by helping those in need, they are rebuked, mocked, shamed, blamed for their condition.
Perhaps unknowingly, but certainly — this is the world we inhabit today.
Climate change is one of the driving factors of the refugee “crisis” (Interestingly, if you ask normal people on the street, the crisis isn’t so much the forced displacement of millions of people out of their homes, but the inconvenience it brings to their “holistic society”, their economy and so on…).
Climate change is largely caused by rich people and wealthy countries. The richest 10% of the people are responsible for almost half of the carbon emissions. Recently published research suggests that this is driving our planet into temperatures not seen in the last 120,000 years.
What is the response of civilized people — to sink ships containing hundreds of refugees fleeing a war torn region? To treat them like animals? Do you want more links?
At an individual level, what happens when we come across a beggar or a homeless person on the street. Most of us wouldn’t say compassion isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Instead, it is usually this.
These two things might seem distinct, but the human values underlying them are the same. This is going to be my premise for this blog — our current condition is the direct result of our values which drive our actions in society. Amplified by our technology, these actions now have a planetary impact.
[To be continued…]
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