Is a big problem in society, the fact that we are stuck in old, outdated mindsets. For example, I listened to the results of a political poll today, and as I heard the discouraging results, I realized that the questions asked were outdated and not representative of the best knowledge and potential out there. What is true about today's world that we have to embrace as we consider leadership, right action, and priorities?
Collaboration is critical
We have to move beyond the focus on single people since single individuals rarely have the power to make critical, positive change. Team and the ability to successfully collaborate are key elements in today's densely populated world that relies on one another to live well.
For example, it is not Joe Biden alone that has successfully implemented multiple policies and efforts to enrich lives all across the United States, but instead it is his team that has done this good work. Yes, Biden's ability to choose a team of dedicated, experienced, intelligent, collaborative public servants has been positive, but in the end, it is the collective work of the team that has created good work. Similarly, while Donald Trump did take part in the domestic terror assault on the Capitol, he did not work alone. He worked with a team of lying, self-serving, deadly insurgents to terrorize, vandalize, assault, and kill Americans.
The world's big problems affect all of us
The reality is that the big problems world faces are shared by all of us and affect all of our lives. We have to work together as a world people to solve these problems and create good living for all. Problems such as harmful immigration/migration patterns, evil governments, the effects of climate change, international drug, weapon, and sex trafficking hurt people worldwide. To continually pit leaders, governments, or countries against each other is not positive. Instead we have to focus on how leaders, governments, and countries work together to deal with the problems that obstruct the good living possible.
Honest, productive information share is vital
Information is more readily accessible now than ever before. This information can truly help us to live better lives. Yet, some who work for themselves alone, work against honest information share. Instead, these individuals and groups spread harmful, and even deadly, propaganda, lies, and misinformation. We have to think about information with greater attention and follow-up by creating laws and policies to ensure that the information available is honest and updated regularly in ways that help people live their best lives and make the best decisions.
World government
We are approaching a world government due to the fact that we rely on each other more than ever before. Dangerous leaders know this and have been working with one another to promote a dangerous and deadly world government--the kind of corrupt government that works for a few against the many. We can't let that happen. Instead we have to find ways to work together as diverse countries and people. I believe we can create patterns of living and leading that enrich all lives rather than simply a select few lives.
Human rights
When human rights anywhere are denied, people everywhere suffer. We have to be vigilant about protecting human's rights in ways that help everyone live their best lives. Too many who work against human rights raise fear, lie, and work in corrupt ways to give themselves and their cronies the power rather than all people. We have to work against this corrupt activity.
Is wealth a good indicator of good living
Too many are focused on individual wealth alone. While everyone needs enough money to live good lives, it isn't personal wealth alone that creates good living. If we don't pool and manage our collective resources in ways that protect the environment, promote best possible health and education, create a safe infrastructure of roads, transportation, public parks, government, and shared buildings, none of us will be able to live well. When society lacks the essential services, policies, and places that support positive, equitable living, everyone suffers. When everyone in society has the opportunity to live good lives, we all benefit with a more peaceful, prosperous, and happy society.
Embrace diversity
As with all aspects of the natural world, diversity is our strength as a people. When we rely on leadership that does not include diversity, we settle for a less dynamic and positive leadership team. A good example of this is the mostly white, male leadership in the Republican party who are making one poor leadership decision after another. The current Republican party is working to diminish rights of most people--they simply can't identify with the great diversity in our country, a diversity of people that makes us strong. We have to support diverse leadership everywhere in order to build a stronger, better country and world.
Create new norms for everyday living
It's hard to change, but it's necessary. Too many of us rely on outdated norms for good living, norms that don't fit current society. We have to rethink society's norms in many ways including the following:
- The roles and definition of what makes a happy, healthy family
- The foods we eat in order to create health
- Recreation we engage in
- Leadership qualifications
- Laws and policies related to everyday living including information share
- Common work week hours and expectations
- Childcare
- Supports for public education (I believe we've neglected this necessary service)
- Access and affordability of health care
- Laws related to corporate responsibility towards people