Who Are We To Become

02/12/2010 Human Observations
There is a discussion that requires serious consideration concerning what course we determine for our planetary civilization in this new millennium. Our responses to catastrophic natural and manmade disasters have illustrated a clear error in our focus, resulting in hundreds of thousands of fatalities and injuries that may well have been prevented. Earthquakes, floods, and violent storms will have their way with the vulnerable, but the aftermath of these events is the demonstration of our level of civilized advancement. We must all ask ourselves if we value monetary profit more than human life and well being. It has been said so very often, when referring to non-Western cultures, that “they do not value life as WE do”. Yet, these same voices grow increasingly silent when asked to consider a planetary (or even local) solution to the homelessness, hunger, and recovery from physical injuries as a result of natural and manmade violence. There are clear regional differences in spiritual beliefs, but there is a singular idea that is shared by every human being on this earth: we require food, shelter, clothing, and the pursuit of life. There are differences in ideology concerning how we might come by these fundamentals of life; however, the differences only occur amongst those who already are in possession of these elements. When separated from these life basics, all people tend to think in much the same way, focusing on acquisition. Those in a position to make these things available seem willing to do so only if they are compensated for their efforts. It appears that consideration should be given to the idea that all humans on the planet, being indigenous inhabitants of the planet, have a planetary right to own a portion of the planet on which to dwell and live, without having to pay someone else. The idea of working together as a community seems popular enough on a community level, but is given a more derogatory hue when considered on a planetary scale. Those who have taken possession of wealth, land, and power resist sharing what they have appropriated from others. Regardless of how they came by their ownership, these folks are sold on the idea on “mine”, in spite of the surrounding homelessness, hunger, suffering, and lack of access to the system that might allow others to also share in this well being. This idea is perpetuated by a system that requires participants to labour for the purpose of personal or corporate profit. If we are compromised so as to prevent this active participation, the system tends to discard us. This is the error in the foundation of the system, which requires intelligent correction, so as to promote intelligent thought and civilized access to the services, products, and opportunities that all people seek. Humans must work for a better reason than increasing personal or corporate wealth. Real work is definitely required to maintain the growth of a civilized society. However, the result of that work must serve to maintain that society; not just add to the strength of a lone wolf or a corporate entity. What we truly value must be recognized and acknowledged in order to advance beyond this stagnation that has paralyzed our social growth. We are presently involved in a series of violent and painful planetary challenges, whose solutions require new and different thinking. Have we cerebrally ascended to meet the challenge of civilized development, or are we content to remain in a mental yesterday? The decision rests with us all.