Our Much-Needed Journey toward a Global Perspective

“The first day or so we all pointed to our countries. The third or fourth day we were pointing to our continents. By the fifth day, we were aware of only one Earth.” Sultan bin Salman Al-Saud, a Saudi astronaut who flew on the space shuttle Discovery in 1985 as part of an international scientific expedition, summarizes the “global imaginary” in one profound statement. In truth, we are all of one fundamental race: the human race; though arbitrary geographic lines, differing beliefs, and distinctive upbringings contribute much to the dissolution of a unified human species, we are in fact, entwined by ancestry and the essential truth that we are the only humans in existence. While this dissolution continues to plague our individual nations and global society alike, maintaining a global perspective as we carry out our everyday actions remains critical to the success and the survival of the human race.

Although my time to experience the wonders of space have not yet come, I shared a similar experience with Sultan as I struggled to decide my future path. Fascinated with flying and endowed with a love for my country, I initially envisioned a life of service, starting with my time in the United States Naval Academy. As the college decision process loomed ahead, my previously unwavering confidence in the path I had envisioned began to crumble. How was I to change the World if I were forced to put the priorities of my country at the forefront of every decision I made? Hesitant and confused, I defied the very dream my ten-year-old self had so passionately set as I decided to go to a civilian university.

While some may say the power to change the world starts with the actions of one country, I now choose to believe that the survival and progression of our complex species should be prioritized over the singular agenda of any nation. However, those who advocate for the usefulness of global corporations run by individual countries may have some merit. Change is often enacted by those who are brave enough to take the first step, and in many instances a single company with sufficient resources and a “crazy” enough CEO has often been a catalyst for incredible global change. Elon Musk, the CEO of a private electric vehicle company, has successfully forced the global automobile industries into an electric vehicle revolution. While his actions began as a local start-up company with an ambitious dream, his dedication transformed his ideas into a global company with worldwide results.

Admittedly, the actual embodiment of a global perspective eludes much of the population, because of our inherent need to feel belonging in our lives. While we can try to empathize with the nations and other humans who live in drastically different situations than us, our instinct is to establish relationships with those who share our beliefs, experiences, or values. Actively seeking out individuals who oppose our thoughts and defy our experiences requires an initiative few naturally possess. Furthermore, the circumstances which surround us often impact one’s perspective, as well as one’s ability to explore new viewpoints. Some regions of the globe are so impoverished that the seeking of new cultures and new global perspectives is not at the forefront of many individuals’ minds, but rather their priorities lie with the necessity to feed their family and maintain their own health. Thus, searching for and maintaining a global mindset inherently favors the privileged. Those who can afford to sacrifice time dedicated to working and sustaining an income are more able to travel, research, or immerse themselves in the cultures of others. The lottery of birth further complicates the accessibility of global perspectives as the different levels of individuals’ education greatly influence the way in which one may view the world.

However, the immediate inaccessibility of a global perspective should not deter one from striving to learn and to empathize with the multitude of wonderful cultures around the world. As technology continues to improve and human migration continues to integrate different ethnicities and cultures, the ability for individuals to obtain a more global viewpoint, without the need for extensive travel, will likely become easier. Moreover, humanity’s eventual expansion into space may further promote the interconnectivity of vastly different humans as the transition from “Americans” or “Hispanics” to simply “humans” may occur. Though the question arises: will one lose one’s identity if they choose to see themselves as humans instead of Americans? Until that time is here, the continued idealistic existence of a global perspective relies on the individuals willing to leave their comfort zone and search for the good and the bad of the world today. Perhaps, these trendsetters will be able to transform an idealistic notion such as “global citizenship” to a concrete characteristic within the population.

There may come a time when our very survival depends on our unity as a species, and a global mindset will be essential. I desire to use my global perspective to solve issues that extend beyond geographic borders and ethnic communities, and to achieve progress that will benefit all of humanity.