Every now and then it is important to remind oneself that, while there are some really bad people out there, there are some really good people too!
Because honestly at times I tend to forget that!
I read somewhere recently that the ‘20th century marked an inflection point – the beginning of humanity’s transition from its ancient crises of ignorance to its modern crises of invention.’
It is true that today there are many more people, living longer, eating better, travelling more to see the world and one another.
And they say with more energy species grows like crazy. And by adding more energy the world has also activated some potentiality that has made humans generally more tolerant, more co-operative and more peaceful.
So is it just me, or does it seem that there are more people than before out there being more ruthless in pursuing their own interests?
I understand that this has also been the most prosperous time in human history by far. And by a long way the time with the greatest increase in democracy around the world.
And believe it or not, it has also been the most peaceful era in recorded human history.
Granted humanity does learn, painfully and often only after thousands or even millions have died, but the opinion about ‘the most peaceful era in history’ is hard to believe! Yet it is true!
“We have avoided nuclear wars, left behind world war, nearly extinguished interstate war and reduced civil wars to fewer countries with fewer casualties, “ says Professor Emeritus of International Relations, at the American University Joshua Goldstein.
I am a great believer that we should all strive to give back to this world more than we take.
And perhaps that is the challenge that I face and perhaps many others do as well.
I mean we do tend to take quite a bit from this world and I wonder do we actually endeavour to give back as much?
When I talk about giving I do not necessarily mean in monetary value. It could be in kind, in time, in effort, in a smile!
At times when I feel all goodness is gone from around me, I sit and watch some of the amazing human beings that are trying to make a difference in our world.
Be it men and women rescuing stray dogs and giving them loving homes, or celebrities, visiting refugee camps, like actor and activist Mandy Patinkin, or youngsters visiting the elderly and disabled because they want to do something that will ultimately have a meaning and change their surroundings.
My youngest asked me not so long ago what makes a good person a good human being?
The answer is not so straightforward. There is no guidebook.
But ultimately to me, it is an individual who treats others the way they want to be treated.
Because frankly it takes a great deal of humility, perseverance and understanding of what being a ‘good’ human being actually means.