A decade of violence has just ended. Political and religious wars still define us. While the majority of us live in peace we find our lives turned upside down by factors beyond our control and even our understanding. We long for good jobs, good marriages, and a good world for our children to grow up in. We are not sure we will see such things. There is no guarantee that we will as long as violence defines our human relationships. I believe that all of us who share this planet also need to share a few common values.
Americans are taught to share the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The United Nations embraces the core values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. I don't believe either set of values goes far enough in acknowledging our relationship to each other. Also, neither acknowledges the danger of violence as the game changer in all human relationships. Violence inflicts wounds that are often too deep to heal.
If we are to survive together on this planet, I believe we must hold a set of meta-values above all other personal or religious values. I have thought long and hard about what these values might be. I have opened my heart to understanding, and I want to share the values I strive to live by:
1. Whether the Creator is a Supreme Being or Evolution, honor the Creator by loving one another for love is our best destiny.
2. Embrace each other as brothers and sisters for if we could see rightly we would see that we are.
3. As far as possible do no violence for violence undoes the purpose of life.
4. Preserve and protect your own life and the lives of others for life is precious.
5. Cherish differences for they will lead us to new ways of thinking and living that are necessary to survive.
6. Grant the freedom to others that you grant to yourself for freedom is the joy of possibility.
7. Grow in knowledge and understanding for these are keys that will unlock a better future.
These values can be found in the writings of the major religions of the world that have moved our hearts as well as the seminal scientific texts that have shaped our thinking. If we could collectively embrace such values as human beings who share the same planet, then we could all hope for a better future. We could all count on others to watch over us as we watch over them. We would not have to live in fear of religious or political fanaticism. We would collectively reject violence and embrace love.
I will not say that I have walked this path perfectly. I have failed many times, but every day I take a step forward knowing that this path will lead to a better world. I would love to live long enough to see that better world. I realize such a world may be generations away, but I believe in it. I live in that belief and in the hope that my children and my children's children's children will see more evidence that such a world is possible.
Who knows? Perhaps I will see it for myself in eternity.
Yes, I am a dreamer. You've got me there, but I am also an astute observer. I know that many will reject the notion of meta-values in favor of their own religious or political values, but I have seen a change coming in the world. I have noticed that more and more people desire a few common things. Even in the most oppressive regimes there are people crying out for freedom and peace. Those of us who are alive now are the future.
So tell me. What values will you take into the next decade?
Americans are taught to share the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The United Nations embraces the core values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. I don't believe either set of values goes far enough in acknowledging our relationship to each other. Also, neither acknowledges the danger of violence as the game changer in all human relationships. Violence inflicts wounds that are often too deep to heal.
If we are to survive together on this planet, I believe we must hold a set of meta-values above all other personal or religious values. I have thought long and hard about what these values might be. I have opened my heart to understanding, and I want to share the values I strive to live by:
1. Whether the Creator is a Supreme Being or Evolution, honor the Creator by loving one another for love is our best destiny.
2. Embrace each other as brothers and sisters for if we could see rightly we would see that we are.
3. As far as possible do no violence for violence undoes the purpose of life.
4. Preserve and protect your own life and the lives of others for life is precious.
5. Cherish differences for they will lead us to new ways of thinking and living that are necessary to survive.
6. Grant the freedom to others that you grant to yourself for freedom is the joy of possibility.
7. Grow in knowledge and understanding for these are keys that will unlock a better future.
These values can be found in the writings of the major religions of the world that have moved our hearts as well as the seminal scientific texts that have shaped our thinking. If we could collectively embrace such values as human beings who share the same planet, then we could all hope for a better future. We could all count on others to watch over us as we watch over them. We would not have to live in fear of religious or political fanaticism. We would collectively reject violence and embrace love.
I will not say that I have walked this path perfectly. I have failed many times, but every day I take a step forward knowing that this path will lead to a better world. I would love to live long enough to see that better world. I realize such a world may be generations away, but I believe in it. I live in that belief and in the hope that my children and my children's children's children will see more evidence that such a world is possible.
Who knows? Perhaps I will see it for myself in eternity.
Yes, I am a dreamer. You've got me there, but I am also an astute observer. I know that many will reject the notion of meta-values in favor of their own religious or political values, but I have seen a change coming in the world. I have noticed that more and more people desire a few common things. Even in the most oppressive regimes there are people crying out for freedom and peace. Those of us who are alive now are the future.
So tell me. What values will you take into the next decade?
