When the world and mankind were young, communities were small and families were large, and a spirit of unity and cooperation prevailed, often as a means of survival. As both mature each become more conscious of their own wants and needs and both invariably become more selfish.
Many old enough to recall such youthful times can relate to tales of the parents of that era having the pot on the stove from which they not only fed their own large families but also other neighborhood children. Ironically those with the least to share were always the ones most willing to share it.
In today’s young adulthood of both, mankind and subsequently the world through advanced science and technology, both become more selfish and egotistical, crating multiple divides in the individual family, the community and eventually throughout the world community.
How very foreign and difficult in an era such rampant fragmentation, to attract individuals to the new and broader concept of out interconnection, not only with surrounding individuals, but out interdependence as a world family. Through this concept never before experienced due to scientific and technological infancy, modern man becomes more cognizant of intrinsic interdependent world relationships. Thus we find that dietary, physical and spiritual formulas of infancy are insufficient in young adulthood.
“What profit is there in agreeing that universal friendship is good and talking of the solidarity of the human race as a grand ideal? Unless these thoughts are translated into the world of action, they are useless,” we read in the Baha’i Holy Writings.
“The wrong in the world continues to exist just because people talk only of their ideals and do not strive to put them into practice. If actions took the place of words, the world’s misery would very soon be changed into comfort.” Yet in our spiritual infancy we remain basically unconcerned and uninvolved with whatever we feel does not affect us personally.
As we observe the global effect of the tottering financial status of today’s American economy a vague realization of the interconnectedness of our modern global society is becoming more apparent to a few. The full impact of its potential collapse however is still unimaginable by most. What is becoming uncommonly clear is unparalleled accelerated interest in a political system designed to be a model for the world as we head into our nation’s most critical presidential term.
“Man has the power to do both good and evil. If his power for good predominates and his inclinations to do wrong are conquered, then may he in truth be called a saint? If on the contrary he allows his evil passions to conquer him, then he is no better than a mere animal – nay, lower than the animal that has no other choice. We must ever avoid tyranny and oppression and work without ceasing ‘til justice reigns in every land,” we are admonished in the Baha’i Holy Writings. This is what near approach to God requires from us, and this is what is expected of us.
Investigate!
