The world is ever more connected. In my family, there is a collection of the ladies journal from 1850 that originally belonged to my great grandmother. In these journals, there is regular advice on how to crochet collars and sleeves or make extraordinary hats and also some news. Much of the news is actually about the intricacies of court. Tales of royal events and all the nobility who also attended. Where they went and on occasion what they wore. Then, there is also actual news about events, murders, trials, court proceedings and accidents. In one memorable issue, there were details of a dreadful industrial accident in which many workers were killed and it was announced a charity had been proposed to help the widows and children of those who lost their lives. The following issue had a vigorous riposte to this suggestion. The writer said that the accident had not happened in his county and he saw no reason to be in involved in looking after strangers on the other side of the country. (Still in the UK!) Reading this I was suddenly struck by how far humanity has travelled in one century.
Now when disasters happen anywhere in the world our hearts contract, we feel despair at other's pain and suffering. We can no longer comfortably draw the line around our own community and care for only them. Why? Because the heart that is open to love knows no boundaries. The child dying here or abroad feels like a harpoon to the open heart. Being able to only care about our own children and loved ones feels like a curtailed mean spirited love indeed. What do we convey to our children with our indifference to the suffering of others outside the family circle?
Another reflection of a perverted mindset is when I care only for my religious group and feel an odd vicious pleasure when those of a different persuasion suffer. Some hug their righteousness to their breasts and spit their hatred and loathing of the ‘others’. They interpret the suffering of others as God's justice. What an odd coldhearted and perverse mindset surely unworthy of the light of day.
In today's interconnected world we are shown the social conditions and suffering of people from all over the world. Our consciences are heavy indeed with the pain and loss of life that constantly plague the human race. We cannot blame it on God's justice. Inequality, discrimination and exploitation have torn society apart. Humanity is in turmoil and confusion and we all know we need real progress, not regression.
We are one human race and our well-being is linked with everyone on this planet. If our economic advancement is at the cost of sacrificing another nation, it will not end well. The selfish attitude that pursues economic gain without regard to the natural environment will not end well. The growing gap between the rich and the poor does not befit the nobility of either and will not end well.
The focus on self-interest, winning at all costs, whoever is damaged in the process, combined with a strange lethargy of conscience will not end well.
Honesty, integrity, trustworthiness and generosity these qualities of spirit ensure things end well. The upliftment of society begins with each of us and in today's world, our consciences must be awakened at all costs. Only when we feel with a vibrant loving heart will we begin to take action for the good of society. When we think globally and have long term worthy plans for humanity and act locally in our communities with short-term actions that are constantly reflected upon and adjusted, then progress can be built not just dreamed of.
"If you can practice these five things with all the people … courtesy, generosity, honesty, persistence, and kindness. If you are courteous, you will not be disrespected; if you are generous, you will gain everything. If you are honest, people will rely on you. If you are persistent you will get results.”
writing of Confucius
(551 BC – 479 BC)
