Embrace the Human Paradox to Create a Better World
World Humanitarian Day celebrates the eternal struggle between our lesser and better angels.
Have you ever heard a voice inside your head whisper the following questions:
There is so much suffering close to home; how can I concern myself with people on the other side of the planet?
I have too many responsibilities already; how can I devote attention and energy to problems that don’t affect me?
The challenges facing human beings are overwhelming; how can my efforts possibly make a difference?
We know we shouldn’t think this way. Yet we can’t always silence the voices.
The sages of ancient Judea recognized that altruistic impulses are easily beaten back by apathy, overload, and self-interest. They framed their response in an oft-cited adage that we are all responsible for one another. Their actual wording, however, is more nuanced: we are all guarantors, one for another.
What does it mean to be a guarantor? The answer to that question was implanted in the consciousness of mankind at the outset of human history.
