A Civilized World For Humankind
Posted: Wednesday, June 17, 2009
by David Tanguay
" There is as yet no civilized society, but only a society in the process of becoming civilized. There is yet no civilized nation, but only nations in the process of becoming civilized. From this standpoint, we can now speak of a collective task of humankind. The task of humanity is to build a genuine civilization." Felix Adler
The quote above by Felix Adler holds many truths. We are not yet a civilized society but all signs lead to a brighter future for all of humankind.
What do we need to live a more humane lifestyle? First, it all begins with all of us if we are prepared to let ethics rule over our mentality i.e. let morality encompass our way of life. Of course, the bible has many interpretations of how we are expected to live in harmony with our fellow man. However although the bible is the most read book of all-time it does not agree with my personal philosophy of life.
I believe preachers who seek out all the answers in the bible are avoiding the truth (the facts of life.) The fact is I do not believe hell exist anymore and therefore no reason for corruption anywhere in the world.
I believe the corruption that exists today has no basis or foundation only superficial greed amongst us.
When we go out into the real world i.e. living life in general, we are living our lives with what has been handed down to us by previous generations.
We must teach our youth a better way of life rather than teaching them what was taught to us. The capitalistic monopoly we have been nurtured under just cannot work in society anymore. I am not saying capitalism is wrong it has helped build our nation however; it must be altered to fit into today's world.
Rather than private enterprise, workers should be involved in the business that is being conducted. Profit sharing would give more incentive and responsibility to all who participate in the work being carried out.
No matter what kind of work we do, the fruit of our labor always benefits others. The mere thought that we are contributing to our fellow man should be enough incentive to encourage us to look at the work field more conscientiously and responsibly.
"The strongest bond of human sympathy outside the family relation should be one uniting working people of all nations and tongues and kindred." Abraham Lincoln
" Years ago I recognized my kinship with all living things, and I made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanest on the earth. I said then and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it; while there is a criminal element, I am of it; while there is a soul in prison, I am not free." Eugene V Debs
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Socialism is a recipe for failure, David.Please log in to respond to this comment.I am not advocating socialism as a political platform, only as a more humane way of life.Please log in to respond to this comment.
hi david,i have personally been exposed to those who do not care about law or order or peace or truth. if only we could change that frame of mind, i think the world would be a lot better place to live,my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.Thank you for commenting Susan, yes if people would change we could live in a better world.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Freewill and self-determination are at the core of capitalism. To go another route, perhaps altruistic in nature, subverts the individual for the masses (or the mob, depending on your point of view). While there are many problems with the current system, there is no viable alternative. It is wonderful to help others, of course, and it is considered noble to put someone's needs above one's own, volunarily. Yet I wouldn't want to make it mandatory or a system of government. History shows that doesn't work, and we the people probably would rather live in chains.You bring up some good points, David, yet I don't think we can say today's economic environment is due to one thing (capitalism), but rather a number of things (greed, corruption, incompetence).Nicely done.Please log in to respond to this comment.Thank you for commenting Mike, I respect your beliefs.Please log in to respond to this comment.
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