“The World” doesn’t “need” anything. It will go one without any or all of us, at least until the sun explodes in a few billion years.

But if you hope to have some influence upon how we humans treat each other, then it is a good idea to begin with some self-examination. It is very helpful to know what your values are, and how you acquired those values. But be careful. Don’t get too lost in self-examination. It can be an endless process, since we are constantly interacting with our environment. It can lead to becoming too self-absorbed, and too much indecision.

Do you hope to diminish the suffering of everyone in the world, or only those in your own family or community? Or, given how much each of us struggle, is it enough to just take care of yourself and hope that everyone else can do the same?

Then it is important to realize that everyone answers those questions differently, because everyone has led a different life.

If you think you have “The Answer,” then you’re probably wrong.

If you feel overwhelmed by the whole mess of things then yes, at least take care of yourself. Afte that, take care of those close to you. Then look around and see if you can help your community, or go out into the wider world.

If you hope to help others, realize that it’s best to help them do what they want to do, not what you think they should do. That part is always the most difficult.

If you are still too paralyzed to act, then at least maintain a sincere respect for others, even those you disagree with. There are very few who really don’t deserve it.