We live in an upside down world that often makes no sense. How can so many starve amidst such abundance? How can we be so inept at living together peacefully in this age of technological wonders? No wonder dissatisfaction with the status quo is on the rise.
There is something different about the ever-growing chaos we are witnessing on a daily basis here and around the world. The increasingly violent behavior reflects humanity’s desire to once and for all throw off the old, industrial revolution, might-is-right, bigger-is-better mind-set that our president and other autocratic rulers represent.
The American, French and Russian revolutions were fought to overthrow oppressive aristocracies. The revolution now under way is not being fought with guns, but with a new focus on human values. It’s happening because people around the world are finally saying, “Enough is enough!” and demanding a better way of life.
This time, reforming our political system is not sufficient. Both parties are broken and beholden to the wealthy. This time, the revolution is taking place in our hearts and minds. This time we are demanding our birthright as human beings be restored.
We are beginning to recognize the absurdity of countries quarreling over land and resources rather than preserving and sharing the abundance our Earth provides. People are tired of starving in a world of plenty, tired of struggling simply to survive.
But many still don’t understand the primary cause of the mess we’re in. I believe it is because we have forgotten the simple, central truth of our existence: It is a privilege to be alive.
As far as we are able to probe into the universe, Earth is still the only planet where life as we know it exists. Once we remember how extraordinary the gift of life is, everything changes. It becomes clear we truly are a family of man, and our responsibility is to be stewards of our Earth.
A Chinese fortune cookie reminded me recently: “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this planet.”
If each of us could accept that responsibility, crimes against the Earth such as fracking would be outlawed. Polluting the air, water and soil would be forbidden. We would remember we are not just part of a nuclear family, neighborhood, state or country; we’re part of a world wide web of earthly life.
Political boundaries would lose their meaning. We would travel freely between countries, celebrating our cultural differences. The insanity and waste of warfare to settle disputes would be obvious.
We would come together to put aside our petty squabbles and unify around our common goal: to live a life filled with joy and community, sharing the abundance of the Earth and preserving it for future generations. We would reconnect with the natural world, and realize that heaven is right here on earth, for all to enjoy.
As children we are taught the Golden Rule. We are taught to tell the truth. We learn about the importance of serving family and community. But as we become adults, the pressures of everyday existence beat us down, and we forget the lessons of childhood.
Even as it seems our world is fast devolving, the roots of a better world are sprouting all around us. As more people wake up and demand a different and more sensible way of life, not just for themselves, but for all human beings, those roots can spread with record speed and we might still emerge into a new era of peace and prosperity.
(Sol Solomon lives in Sutton.)