If we are 99.9 percent the same according to the human genome, what most distinguishes us? Culture, including class and caste, must play its role and if this is so we can most certainly work on peace and harmony and reduce violence and negative factions. But we have to each actually work to do so first within our own environments: our families, communities, and offices.
Being the same means that we can begin to understand that which distinguishes for good and ill. We can make a difference in our various environments that can have an impact on the whole word. Begin now! The whole world over we are the same and desire basically the same: to love and be loved and to care for those whom we love.
10 comments:
Everyone in this world feels, realizes and knows of what you've written above.
I fear it is the attitude that differs each one from one another. For a few, the inner conscious hits late and for a few it hits earlier. And, that is what, I reckon differentiates people.
PS: Attitude might be the wrong word but I hope you get my point Judith.
Ajey - I think your "attitude" is what I might be describing as culture which is comprised of the collective voice of individuals.
Regarding knowledge, the fact that everyone in the world may know or recognize one thing or another does not guarantee change or a peaceful environment. I'm interested in the individual.
Change is only guaranteed by each of us individually. So, if we can each do our part consciously on the level that we can, collectively it will make a difference.
I'm not altogether sure what you mean by the "inner conscious hits late." But it would not matter the age. Three year old children should be taught responsibility on the level they can understand. Hopefully, we grow in consciousness and awareness.
We MUST ALL do our part.
Well said.
Thanks, Anonymous.
I think what Brosreview might be describing is levels of consciousness. Those are things that can divide and seperate us. But someone with a higher level of awareness can't wait for the rest of the world to catch up. Change is going to happen anyway. The enlightened and alert can work to see that those changes are beneficial, upward and not downward and and can practice sane adaptablility to those changes as they occur. DB
DB - Thank you for this comment. I understand the distinction you make. But I must admit that this sense of higher "levels of consciousness" often leaves me cold, for it often reduces us to thinking beings and not necessarily ones of action. There also need be determination and possession. Who decides this? Culture, the collective voice, often distinguishes the who and what, but often as history shows, misses the mark.
Higher levels of consciousness is often not what they appear at all, as they are often determined by the collective voice which may or may not be the most ethical or moral one, depending on the time in history and the challenges faced. This is my insistence on personal responsibility. The essence here is one of personal action, more than thought, though I suppose there can be enlightenment in levels of consciousness if carried out in the form of action. Everything begins with a thought. I am aware of this. But without action such falls flat and brings about no necessary change.
I will acknowledge that if we are diligent in our personal responsibility which results in actions, we will grow in grace and knowledge. This I know for sure. Your "the enlightened and alert can work to see that those changes are beneficial, upward and not downward" reminds me of the Margaret Mead quote about that small band of people bringing about change. Within this too is, of course, love for all. Isn't this why the work is done in the first place?
Thanks again, dear sir.
Judith, thank you for your respose.
Higher levels of consciousness and awareness imply in my mind not only clearer and more rationsl thought but also a higher level of compassion and a more precise and beneficial action.
I think the whole human race is engaged in a process of waking up. Enlightenment is not a gift. It's something that can be attained, even on the street. As an artist, I have a resposibility to wake myself up. I know what you say about the collective voice being the decider of many social issues and it being often wrong. If everybody agrees about something it is probably wrong.
As an actor in a role I had to weave together a tight, strong rope the threads of which were thought, feeling and action, head, heart and hands, you could say.
An enlightened individual, and there are levels, I believe, is not one who sits on a hill gazing at the stars or shut in a hermits cell. You may find him on the stage, or in a science lab, or a classroom, or sitting on the front steps of an apartment building.
We all have a watch. What happens during our watch affects the world, good or bad.
DB
"We all have a watch. What happens during our watch affects the world, good or bad."
This is beautiful. Thank you. As is this:
"I think the whole human race is engaged in a process of waking up. Enlightenment is not a gift."
I like to say that humans are at the end of what has already begun. We are coming to know what is already known.
"An enlightened individual, and there are levels, I believe, is not one who sits on a hill gazing at the stars or shut in a hermits cell. You may find him on the stage, or in a science lab, or a classroom, or sitting on the front steps of an apartment building."
The human development through work that you've written of here is appreciated. Pope John Paul has a beautiful piece on this topic, "Laboren Excercens" (On Human Work). It includes work as man's natural extension of forever becoming and the dignity of work in all its many forms.
As all that we do begin with a thought, I can appreciate its importance. But as I've said we can think a great many things, even as we work, and still not accomplish much. Engaged activity is important and in order for this to be we have to have vested interests.
Regarding levels of consciousness, if this means a simple process of forever becoming more of what we will yet be through both our words and actions that benefit others around us, I'm ALL for it!
With regards to the masses, I think leaders often manipulate and misguide these and through actions of shirking personal responsibility the masses willing acquiesce instead of working through necessary processes. This is much easier.
Responsibility has to be both individual and collective, beginning first and continuing constantly with the individual within his or her own family and community. The process need not be massive, just small simple things done consistently every day.
What is culture and who defines it?
I totally agree with this sentiment "to love and be loved and to care for those whom we love..."
It is so hard to do. I don't think the world will ever master this but we can try.
Yes, the Write Girl. I have found, however, that people worldwide are seeking to do just this: to be loved and provide for those whom they love. This I have seen in my travels even in very meager situations.
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