Any system that diminishes individual power inevitably leads to dictatorship, monarchy, extreme authoritarian religious rule, or communism, all of which have been proven failed systems for human societies. As we evolve, we must assume higher-level responsibilities, yet we often cling to ancestral knowledge without acknowledging the need for change. In reality, the world is constantly changing before our eyes.
In mortal life, we cannot simply choose one path or the other. I believe that as individuals, we must navigate between our nature and intellect, recognizing that living naturally is actually an intellectual pursuit.
Apologies for forgetting the author’s name. In the October 2012 issue of “Good Times,” on page 16, an insightful quote was published: “We are interdependent in our society, and if you can lighten the load by bringing many hands, shoulders, and backs to the task, you can be successful.”
Each of us contributes a metaphorical “five bucks” to share in the success, benefiting both society and the individual. This process, which I call the core process of evolution, is mutually beneficial.
This “fiver” is fundamental yet often underestimated in value by both society and the individual, largely due to political influences, which have the power to distort our priorities.
I once heard on the Discovery Channel that “spruce trees don’t really have a deep root system, but they can withstand big storms and harsh weather” because their roots entangle to support each other. This natural phenomenon is mirrored in human beings. Despite feeling weak and vulnerable as individuals, we are integral parts of humanity’s true strength.
It pains me to see news of refugees fleeing war-torn zones, only to drown or die in trucks during their escape. These tragedies are often caused by the politics of belonging and religious extremism. Compassion, sacrifice, forgiveness, and love are the jewels of humanity. The United Nations should intervene in conflicts early to prevent such crises. Ideally, free education should be available worldwide to empower individuals to think critically and resist being herded like sheep.
If you closely examine the foundations of empires and the recruitment philosophies of religions, you’ll see the importance of the metaphorical “fiver” held by each individual. Communities are not merely composed of buildings, roads, and bridges; they are made of people. Ghost towns serve as reminders that people, not structures, form the essence of communities.
Melting pot societies are today’s reality, so people must overcome their prejudices to learn to live together. Every country’s political system should prioritize human rights above all else.
A higher population means more hands, shoulders, backs, and “fivers,” thus more productivity for barren lands. Everyone has the right to live in and raise their children in peace without being treated as second-class citizens.
When it comes to migrant security, it should also entail the responsibility of securing the host community. The best way to achieve this is through education that fosters a sense of belonging to humanity rather than to a political group, whether it be a nation or a religion.
Our reliance on the community and the community’s reliance on the individual may become confusing for individuals if they have been educated to feel weak and inferior. Regardless of size, gender, color, nation, or religion, the person who resides within the human body, holding the “fiver,” is equal.
The fabric of the community depends on the strength of the individual thread. While communities may have agendas to keep individuals weak for control, if everyone depends on the community, how will the community gain strength? It is essential for the community to strengthen individuals so that it does not perish with them.
Any system that diminishes individual power often leads to dictatorship, monarchy, extreme authoritarian religious rule, or communism—all proven failed systems for ruling human societies. Any governing system that does not align with human nature will ultimately fail.
We have a natural desire to be free as individuals, yet we also have a deep social need to belong to a community. Balancing these opposing needs requires action from individuals themselves, not coercion from the community.
The traditional top-down methods of discipline used by patriotic systems have led to social chaos and wars. Today, the control exerted by these systems is being questioned, resulting in modern societies flooded with unresolved human rights issues.
If individuals can self-discipline, the community does not have to impose its agendas, reducing the burden on social and justice systems. It all depends on education; we need to encourage individuals’ deeply ingrained and ripened spirituality so that they can function independently yet altruistically.
Looking at it from a different angle, modern science has been discovering things from the inside out. “The Economist” (August 18th, 2012) featured a front-page story titled “Microbes Maketh Man.” This reinforces the view of God as a human society or humanity, with humans and other creatures as part of the whole picture.
Nature provides food for every creature for survival. If we start feeding lions grass, it would have unknown consequences. Nature has its intellect; if meat-eating predators stopped preying on herbivores, the balance of nature would be disrupted.
Human evolution towards its potential is ongoing and dynamic, with room for improvement in every aspect. Scientifically proven facts can be updated, and religious rules can be adapted to changing societies and times.
In the journey towards human potential, there are no limitations, and nothing is set in stone, not even the Ten Commandments. Everything is subject to change, and as we continue to progress, we may learn more of life’s wisdoms.
Our present technological advancements only scratch the surface of what the future holds. We are merely at mile ten or twenty in a journey of a hundred, or perhaps even more. Only time will reveal what lies ahead, and we must exist and survive to witness our progress and technologies.